Are there any alternatives?

A few other companies offer miniature desktop PCs. There is the Intel NUC 10, with processor options ranging from an Intel i3 to an i7. If you’re looking to game, the Other companies like HP and Asus also have small-scale PCs that may meet your needs.

　　Note that all the alternatives run Windows, though. If you have your heart set on a tiny desktop computer that runs MacOS, the Mac Mini is your only option.

　　

How long will it last?

We are right at the beginning of the Apple Silicon road map, so support for this Mac Mini will continue for many years to come. Given how well it performs compared to anything else in its bracket (and compared to devices way above its bracket), it will be a long time before you notice it slowing down.

　　Apple does not update the Mac Mini as often as its MacBooks, but right now there is only one Apple Silicon Mac Mini model available, so it is possible Apple will bring out another option this year. That does not mean that if you buy this M1 Mac Mini, you will be disappointed, just that an even better model may be in the works.

　　

Should you buy it?

Yes, absolutely. The price-to-performance ratio is staggering, and if you are in the market for a desktop rather than a laptop, the Mac Mini should be at the top of your list.