Such is the classic simplicity of Apple design, if you’d been abducted by aliens two decades ago and taken to the peaceful planet Zog to hang out with and learn from an enlightened species, you’d still recognize this as a Mac mini when you returned. (Though you’d probably be disappointed at the state of enlightenment here on Terra Ferma.)

While everyone is raving about the new M4 mini, there are other viable options out there that start at a far lower price and achieve the same result.

Apple’s M4 Mac mini has been out for two weeks now, here are my takeaways after using it for a fortnight in unconventional ways.

As of Nov. 20, you can get the Apple Mac Mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for $499.99 at Costco. That's $80 off its normal price of $579.99, and the lowest price we've seen for this configuration yet.

The M4 iMac and M4 Mac Mini represent two distinct approaches to desktop computing, each catering to specific user preferences and needs. While the iMac

If you’re looking to pair your Mac mini with an ultrawide display, the Dell U4025QW is one of the best options on the market. It features a 5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate packed into a 40-inch display. There’s also a vast array of ports, a matte screen finish, and more.

The base model Mac mini M4 is a big step up from its predecessor and likely enough for most people without any expensive upgrades. It comes with Apple’s awesome M4 chip, double the memory with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD.

Dell's XPS 8960 surpasses the Mac Mini at being one of the best desktops for content creation and gaming. Plus, it's recently been discounted.