Monday, November 18

What is the best Mac you can buy before the end of the year?

Julián Castillo's avatar

By Julian Castillo

Nov 18, 2024, 3:54 PM EST

The end of the year is an excellent opportunity to renew your computerthanks to special offers offered by major retailers. For Apple enthusiasts, the recent release of the Mac mini with M4 chip has changed the rules of the game, standing out as the best option both for power and price. This is especially relevant if you are looking to maximize value for money without sacrificing performance.

Comparison between the Mac mini and the iMac

The new Mac mini M4 has a base price of $599a surprisingly accessible entry point for a device that integrates Apple’s latest processor. In contrast, The most basic iMac with similar specifications starts at $1,299 US.. This $700 difference allows you to invest in higher configurations of the Mac mini or purchase a high-end monitor, something that is not possible with the integrated iMac.

For example, By choosing the version of the Mac mini with 24 GB of unified memory and 512 GB of storage, you would pay $999, still $300 less than the base iMac. That $300 could go toward a professional monitor, completing a high-performance desktop system for less money.

The jump in power with the M4 chip

Mac mini with M4 chip offers a significant jump in performance. Equipped with up to a 14-core CPU and up to a 20-core GPU, the device is ideal for creative professionals and power users who need power for tasks like video editing, graphic design, and programming. Besides, The Neural Engine is capable of managing up to 38 billion operations per seconddoubling the capacity of its predecessor.

This power, combined with a more compact design and an improved port layout (including two front USB-C), makes the new Mac mini more versatile and functional for different types of users.

Unlike the iMac, which comes with its integrated screen, Mac mini allows you to customize your settings to your needs. You can opt for 4K or even 5K monitorspersonalizing your user experience. Additionally, Mac mini models offer more storage options and unified memory, allowing for superior performance without the price premium of other Apple lines.

If you are looking to renew your computer this holiday season, the Mac mini M4 stands out as the smartest option within the Apple ecosystem. Its combination of performance, competitive price and flexibility makes it the undisputed leader against the iMac and other desktop computers from the brand. Taking advantage of end-of-year offers to purchase this equipment is not only an economic decision, but also an investment in cutting-edge technology.

Keep reading:
– New Mac models seem to be just around the corner
– These are the Apple devices that could receive the M4 chip in 2024
– Find out which are the 12 MacBook models that from now on will be considered obsolete