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@ Juan Cienfuegos I BITCORNER
2024-11-22 20:25:57Every now and then, a piece of tech comes along that makes you rethink what’s possible. Enter the Mac Mini M4 Pro. Apple’s smallest desktop has always been the quiet underdog of the lineup — humble, reliable, nothing to write home about. But this time? This time, Apple didn’t just update the Mac Mini; they supercharged it. And, spoiler alert, this little guy is kind of amazing.
Here’s why the Mac Mini M4 Pro is the most mind-blowing tech I’ve reviewed in ages.
Design: A Mini That’s Actually Tiny
First, let’s talk about size. The Mac Mini M4 Pro measures in at 12.7 cm x 12.7 cm with a height of 5 cm. That’s 20% smaller than its predecessor. It’s the kind of compact that makes you double-check your measurements, wondering how Apple managed to pack so much into such a tiny frame. It’s almost laughably small — imagine something barely bigger than an Apple TV but capable of powering high-res video editing and 3D modeling.
And yes, Apple kept that minimalist, brushed-aluminum aesthetic we all love. It’s light, it’s sleek, and it’s just understated enough to blend into any setup. But let’s not skip over the quirky part: the power button is on the bottom. Why, Apple? It’s like they needed one head-scratcher per product, and here it is. Sure, you’ll remember it’s there the first few times you set up, and then it’ll fade into that “it’s quirky but fine” category.
Ports: Thoughtful but Not Perfect
One of the best surprises with the M4 Pro is the port selection. Finally, Apple gave us two USB-C Thunderbolt 5 ports and a 3.5 mm headphone jack on the front, so you can plug in drives or headphones without fumbling behind the device. The back has three more Thunderbolt 5 ports, an HDMI port, and Gigabit Ethernet.
But before you start clapping, note that there’s still no USB-A or SD card slot. If you’re a photographer or someone who still works with older peripherals, you’ll need adapters. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind.
The M4 Pro Chip: More Than Just Numbers
Now, let’s get to what really matters: performance. The M4 Pro chip is where this Mac Mini flexes hard. With a 12-core CPU and a 20-core GPU, you’re looking at serious power — enough for 8K video editing, 3D rendering, and heavy multitasking. We’re talking about a 15% boost in multi-core performance and a 20% leap in graphics compared to the M2 Pro.
Need proof? The Geekbench 6 scores are wild: 4028 single-core and 23307 multi-core. These numbers put the Mac Mini M4 Pro in the same league as some Mac Studios, making you wonder if a Mac Studio is even necessary for many workflows. From editing high-res footage to running AI-driven tasks, this thing doesn’t just keep up; it leads.
Real-World Performance: A Day in the Life
So, what does that mean for day-to-day use? If you’re like me and your workflow involves jumping between editing software, a dozen Chrome tabs (don’t judge), and video calls, the M4 Pro handles it all like it’s no big deal. No lag, no stutter — just seamless multitasking.
The cooling system has been redesigned, too. Even under a full workload, the Mac Mini stays whisper-quiet. Gone are the days of fans whirring like jet engines when you’re rendering a video or running intensive apps. This thing just is, silently powering through tasks while you forget it’s even there.
Memory and Storage: Options Galore
One thing that caught my eye is how much memory and storage you can pack into this tiny beast. The M4 Pro starts with 24 GB of unified memory and can go up to 64 GB. Memory bandwidth is 273 GB/s, which means multitasking with heavy apps feels like second nature. Whether you’re editing 4K videos, working on large Photoshop files, or running development environments, the M4 Pro won’t break a sweat.
Storage-wise, the base model comes with 512 GB SSD, but you can upgrade to 8 TB if you’re working with massive projects or just don’t trust cloud storage. And speaking of storage speeds, this SSD is fast — reading speeds over 5000 MB/s, so you’re not sitting around waiting for files to load.
Display Support: A Game Changer for Creatives
If you work with multiple monitors, you’re going to love this. The M4 Pro supports up to two 6K displays at 60Hz or a single 8K display via HDMI. For video editors and graphic designers, this means more screen real estate to spread out timelines, edit layers, or run detailed previews — all without any lag.
A Few Drawbacks You Should Know About
Okay, not everything’s perfect, and you deserve to know the quirks before dropping your cash. First off, that power button placement on the bottom? It’s a design decision that’ll make you shake your head every time you reach for it. And while the port selection is mostly great, the lack of USB-A and SD card slot might mean carrying around more adapters.
Apple’s pricing ladder is another thing to keep an eye on. The base M4 Mac Mini at $599 is a steal, but once you start upgrading RAM and storage on the M4 Pro, you’re suddenly flirting with Mac Studio prices. It’s something to think about if you’re budget-conscious.
Who Is the Mac Mini M4 Pro For?
This is the question, right? If you’re a video editor, developer, or content creator who needs serious power without the bulk of a Mac Studio or the price tag of a Mac Pro, the M4 Pro is your sweet spot. It’s portable, powerful, and packs enough punch to handle demanding tasks without compromise.
If you’re more of a casual user — streaming, web browsing, and light productivity — the base M4 model will more than cover your needs and won’t make your wallet cry. But if you’re even considering heavy multitasking or creative work, the M4 Pro at $1,399 is worth the investment.
Why the Mac Mini M4 Pro Deserves Your Attention
The Mac Mini M4 Pro isn’t just another update — it’s a statement. Apple took what was already a beloved, compact powerhouse and turned it into something that feels almost futuristic. It’s small enough to forget about, powerful enough to replace much bigger machines, and versatile enough to fit into any setup, from home offices to professional studios.
Yes, it has its quirks (hello, power button), but they’re minor in the grand scheme of things. If you’re on the fence, let this be the push you need. The Mac Mini M4 Pro isn’t just one of the best products in Apple’s current lineup — it’s a reminder that sometimes, big things do come in small packages.