This Mac mini Ruined How I Look at Every Other Desktop

Accessories

$499 M4 Mac Mini: https://amzn.to/3Lvi4m9
MX Master Mouse: https://amzn.to/3JCutEh
Satechi X1 Keyboard and Mouse: https://amzn.to/4p6KSQs
27in BenQ MOnitor: https://amzn.to/47Qr7FS
Sotsu Monitor: https://amzn.to/4qXDXec

This Mac mini has completely changed the way I look at desktop computers.
After one full year with the base M4 Mac mini, I can confidently say it delivers more performance per dollar than anything else in tech right now. At $499 on Amazon, it’s quiet, tiny, and absurdly powerful for the price — but it’s not perfect.

In this video, I break down my experience after a year of daily use — from its impressive performance and design to the few real-world limitations that come with the base configuration. If you’ve been on the fence about getting one, this might finally convince you.

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📦 Other tech I like:
The $2 Airtag: https://9to5toys.com/2024/11/25/heres-how-to-get-an-airtag-for-just-2/
iMac mini m4: https://amzn.to/3B5Kleg ($529, Normally $599)
M2 MacBook Air: https://amzn.to/3VcDlTq ($749, normally $999)
M3 Macbook Air: https://amzn.to/3ZcWrtX ($844, normally $1099)
M4 MacBook Pro 14: https://amzn.to/3B1CjD6 ($1749, Normally $1999)
iPad 10th Gen: https://amzn.to/49bKkC6 ($259, Normally $349)
iPad mini 7th Gen: https://amzn.to/3ZrPVkd ($459, Normally $499)
iPad Air 11: https://amzn.to/415W6vP ($499, $599)
Apple Pencil:
Apple Watch SE: https://amzn.to/4idQDJc ($149, Normally $249)
Series 10: https://amzn.to/3CQ3ZLM ($359, Normally $429)
AW Ultra Ocean: https://amzn.to/3ZqPbvM ($719, Normally $800)
AirPods Pro: https://amzn.to/4i7na3H ($153, Normally $249)
AirTags: https://amzn.to/3Z9RpP0 ($72, Normally $99)

⏱️ Chapters:
0:00 – This Mac mini ruined other desktops for me
0:21 – Why the base model is unbeatable value
0:47 – Intro & what to expect in this review
1:06 – Design and form factor overview
1:24 – M4 specs and configuration (base model)
1:41 – Performance, thermals, and fan noise
2:01 – Ports and connectivity
2:36 – M4 Pro upgrade options and pricing
2:57 – Connectivity, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth details
3:14 – Real-world use cases begin
3:28 – How I actually use the M4 Mac mini
3:53 – Productivity and daily tasks
4:08 – Browser performance and multitasking
4:29 – RAM usage and CleanMyMac insight
5:01 – Content creation capabilities
5:13 – Coding and developer workflows
5:43 – Apple ecosystem integration (iPad, iCloud, Sidecar)
6:25 – Personal workflow & home use
6:47 – Gaming capabilities and limitations
7:36 – Storage limitations and external SSDs
8:20 – I/O limitations and dongle recommendations
8:35 – Dock setup and multi-monitor workflow
9:05 – Accessories you’ll need (keyboard, mouse, monitor)
9:38 – All-in cost of a complete Mac mini setup
9:56 – Who should buy the M4 Mac mini
10:44 – Who it’s not for (high-end creators, gamers)
11:03 – Why it’s still the best value computer
11:20 – Apple silicon progress and value reflection
12:05 – Only time the fan spun up (Atlas app test)
12:39 – Final thoughts and Amazon pricing tip
12:54 – Outro & community comment prompt
13:13 – End screen / next video