the Perfect Mini Desktop Computer
The Mac mini M 4 is Apple’s 2024 refresh. It has 16Gb of Ram standard and exceptional performance in the mini computer class which makes it a serious contender for desktop office computer.
We recommend the mid tier M4 model with the 512Gb SSD for the average office computer.
Mac M4, which one?
So you ask, which of the three M4 Mac mini models available do we recommend? It’s the middle tier which retails for $799, why? For most typical office users, who use programs like Office 365, Mail, Calendar, and Adobe Acrobat this model gives a balance of storage and ram. A 512GB SSD for that collection of PDF files, docx, xlsx, and image files, it just gives a bit more space and therefore piece of mind to do the occasional photo edit or deal with larger PDF scanned files that are most the likely use scenario.
External OWC Thunderbolt SSD. ( amazon link)
If your office has the infrastructure to support 10Gb Ethernet and a 10Gb NAS which can handle multiple users all accessing at the same time then another option is the base 256Gb model with the $100 10Gb upgrade. This would assume no documents or files would actually reside on the Mac mini except for the system.
One Drive? Ok you could go with the lesser model, but again if you want fast access with many office computers connecting to the internet at once or flaky internet connections, then OneDrive for business should be set to keep all of the most important files on the computer on the local storage. This goes into another rabbit hole of issues and solutions.
A home user you can get an external thunderbolt NVME SSD and plugin in the back, but for an office you will want the storage integrated and less connections to go wrong. Regardless 256Gb is just not a sufficient amount of file space for 2025. From experience tech support sluggish full SSDs comes up more often than one would think. One needs to get fast external storage if you go the small SSD route and make it the primary storage disk bringing up a lot of issues with security and stability.
What about the Screen?
Yes, with a Mac mini you need not only a screen but also a keyboard and mouse. And this is interesting, because you then choose screen size that suits you best and even easily mount it on a desk mounted arm.
And Wouldn’t a iMac be better?
The M4 iMac is a good machine but you need get the one with a 512Gb SSD, the third tier machine which will retail for $1699. Same issue with the anemic 256Gb storage for any of the lower models. However, iMac does come with the fabulous built in monitor, webcam and microphone and a mouse and keyboard, but you may already have those or maybe not even like the ones Apple provides.
Here are is a rough break down of approximate costs of Mac mini with monitor vs iMac of same specifications:
| M4 Mac mini 512Gb | 799 |
| 24″ FHD Monitor | 100 to 150 |
| Logitech Keyboard Mouse | 65 to 179 |
| Total | 964 – 1139 |
The one thing about desktops is that if you already have a monitor with an HDMI input, you do not need to buy a new one every time you upgrade your computer. Unlike the iMac, it is possible to exchange the base computer several times before you replace the monitor saving money and reducing land fill. In business this can add up to a substantial cost savings keeping monitors while upgrading multiple machines.
Keyboard and Mouse
The standard Apple mouse and keyboard have an aesthetic that match the computer, but some people prefer third party devices. And one of the biggest complaints we get in tech with the Macs is the mouse .. most people really prefer the feel of a form fitting Logitech mouse. And we recommend Logitech over all other brands, but it really comes down to personal preference. There is one other option instead of the mouse one can get the track pad.
Apple Magic Keyboard
There is plenty good to say about the apple keyboard as it is a solid choice for those who like the laptop flat feel.
Logitech
The offerings from Logitech are generally quite good. Some people like the flat and thin keyboards and some like the ergonomic ones like this new wave keyboard.
Follow Links to Complete your Mac mini Desktop Kit.
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Mac mini Computer
Keyboard and Mouse –
Choose your preferred kind. Be sure it supports Bluetooth
You only need one keyboard and or mouse and only if you need a new one.
Monitors and Monitor Arm
Choose the monitor and one arm for each one.
The monitor arm can hold up to 19lbs the LG 24″ monitor is 6.5lbs
and 13.5lb for LG ultraFine 4K 27″. –
BestBuy has a super deal on right now. Nov 2024
Modern USB-C to USB-A legacy adapter
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What about mini Windows PC?
We have always been a fan of mini PCs as a replacement for the typical office computer. The big box machine is wasteful for everything except graphics, video and audio workstations and gaming PCs for home use. The mini PCs that run windows have been making inroads into my clients businesses as they are capable for all office needs and they are small and quiet.
Would a laptop be a better choice?
So for business laptops make good a good choice for those who work from different locations other than the office. Like sales representatives, field personnel, IT departments and WFH individuals. But there is a big but.. computers are more secure if they stay on premises of the business. Desktop computers people come to work do it there and then go home without the company data.
Mac or PC for the office?
It really is a matter of preference. On the work front Mac is just as capable as Windows. Mac’s are generally just plug and play and they work with most office applications just fine. As most databases are now web and server based mostly gone are the days of totally proprietary software. Most of that software is legacy software but even the Mac can run those old programs if you use a virtual machine. If you are a Mac shop then just stay Mac since it keeps things simple for everyone who works there.