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.

When it was introduced during the white plastic heyday of peak iPod-era Apple, the Mac mini was pitched as the cheapest way to buy into the Mac ecosystem. It was $499. And despite some fluctuation (as high as $799 for the entry-level 2018 mini, $599 for this year's refresh), the Mac mini has stayed the cheapest entry-level Mac ever since.

The Mac mini is finally back with two M4 chip options, 16GB of unified memory in its starting configuration, and a refreshed design for the same price as before.