To be fair, both of those other computers have significantly more memory bandwidth than the Mac mini, and both have better GPU performance. If maxing out as many GPU cores as possible is important to you, you’re probably better off with an M4 Max, which means either a MacBook Pro or waiting for an updated Mac Studio.

The Mac mini M4 is more than an iteration on previous versions of Apple’s smallest Mac. Its redesigned chassis is absolutely tiny, the base model doubles the amount of memory that comes standard, the M4 chip is even better in a desktop and you now have ports at both the front and back of the device.

For years, the Mini was the odd man out in the Mac desktop lineup. Apple has given plenty of love to the iMac over the years. The Mac Pro has had a few false starts, but the company is clearly committed to offering a true professional-grade desktop experience.