I've been using the 2020 Mac Mini (kitted out with the entry-level 8GB of RAM) as my primary work device for eight-plus weeks, putting it through its paces with everything from video calls, to data analysis, to having dozens of tabs open at all times, to all of those things simultaneously.

The mini's multi-core results are similarly impressive, ranking above every other Mac laptop on the market today and lagging only behind Apple's most powerful desktops like the iMac Pro and Mac Pro.

Remarkably, the M1-powered Mac mini produces the highest single-core GeekBench performance score of any Mac currently on the market, including Apple’s two other M1-powered laptops. This new revolutionary component represents a sea change in Apple's computing technology, and its benchmark test results are astounding. And at a starting price of $699, it's also the most affordable new Mac on the market. Older minis ran on Intel chips, but the 2020 model is one of first three computer models launched by Apple to incorporate the company's new proprietary M1 system on a chip (SoC). Like desktop towers of old, the (much tinier) mini provides computing brains, but requires you bring your own monitor, keyboard and other peripherals. The 2020 Apple Mac mini, initially announced on Novemis the latest version of Apple's 'mini' desktop line. As of the time of this review, there is no other desktop on the market that can match the 2020 Mac mini's compelling mixture of form factor, power and cost. Most importantly, using the M1 Mac mini generally feels like using any other Mac.įor these reasons, we heartily recommend the 2020 Mac mini, especially the entry-level models. This should be a significant source of comfort for shoppers interested in investing in a computer they'll use for years to come. Unlike Intel-powered Macs, M1-powered Macs like the new mini are much more likely to be continually supported with software updates long into the future. This is a notable advantage of Apple's silicon for users usually irked by fan noise or heat. The M1 system on a chip (SoC) also runs whisper-quiet, even under considerable computing loads. Thanks to the power of the M1 chip, all versions of the mini including the entry-level model, will handle most common computing demands as well, if not better, than older Intel-powered Apple computers costing far more.

It's unique in large part thanks to Apple's revolutionary M1 chip and is the only Apple desktop to use it, so far. The 2020 M1 Apple Mac mini is an exceptional desktop computing value, especially for anyone who already owns a good monitor to pair with it.

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