Friday

06-20-2025 Vol 1997

The Latest Mac Mini on Sale: A Strong Contender for Home Media Server Needs

For those considering a first-time switch to a Mac or searching for a compact yet powerful home media server, the latest Mac Mini is a solid choice.

Currently, both the upgraded M4 model with 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM, and the entry-level version with 256GB of storage are available at significant discounts.

The M4 model can be found for $689, marking a $110 reduction and its lowest price to date.

Meanwhile, the more basic 256GB variant is on sale for $469, offering customers a $130 savings and also representing an all-time low.

Chris Welch, a former staff member at The Verge, praised the Mac Mini as ‘a tiny wonder’ in his review last year, highlighting its compact size and significant power enhancements compared to its predecessors.

Apple has successfully engineered a powerful machine that measures just five inches wide and two inches tall.

Our review of the upgraded 512GB model found it to perform exceptionally well in tests with synthetic benchmarking tools like Geekbench 6 and Cinebench, as well as during a 4K export in Adobe Premiere Pro.

For those engaged in high-resolution audio, video, or photography projects, this iteration of the Mini is designed to manage such tasks effectively.

A noteworthy feature of the Mac Mini is its extensive array of ports, making it highly versatile.

Users will find three Thunderbolt 3 ports, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet jack located on the back.

Additionally, it includes two USB-C (USB 3) ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack on the front, allowing users to connect multiple monitors, easily hook up to a TV or projector, shift from Wi-Fi to a wired internet connection, and link various accessories without any hassle.

However, one less favorable aspect of the M4 Mini is the costly upgrades for RAM and storage, although the current sale lessens that burden.

Moreover, it’s essential to remember that the Mac Mini is a dedicated desktop computer, meaning buyers will need to provide their own monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

In addition to the attractive Mac Mini deals, several other noteworthy offers are available.

For those in the market for wireless earbuds, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are currently priced around $199.95.

This price reflects a $50 discount and retains their appeal as a great fitness accessory.

These latest earbuds feature a design that securely wraps around the back of the ears, ensuring a comfortable fit during workouts.

With an IP4X water resistance rating, they are protected from sweat damage, while heart rate sensors track pulse rates more than 100 times per second for accuracy.

Battery life is impressive too, with up to 10 hours per charge, and they operate on Apple’s H2 chip, the same chip used in the new AirPods Pro.

This allows for seamless spatial audio support, straightforward pairing with Apple devices, hands-free access to Siri, and location tracking through the Find My app.

For those seeking home security solutions, a three-pack of Arlo Essential Security Cameras is available on Amazon for $119.99, marking a $40 discount.

This offer represents one of the bundle’s second-best prices to date.

These battery-powered cameras shoot in 1080p and can be installed both indoors and outdoors, instantly notifying users of any detected motion.

They also feature built-in spotlights and sirens, and users can monitor live feeds via the Arlo smartphone app, with the option to subscribe for $7.99 per month to access cloud video storage.

Lastly, Marshall’s Emberton III speaker is being promoted at $149.99, a $20 discount that coincides with its lowest price ever.

This Bluetooth speaker offers true stereo playback and automatically adjusts its EQ as the volume changes to maintain sound quality.

Its IP67 rating ensures it is both dustproof and safe from submersion under a meter of water for up to half an hour.

Marshall claims up to 32 hours of playback on a single charge, and a quick 20-minute charge can provide six hours of continuous music.

image source from:theverge

Charlotte Hayes