Apple’s Mac computer systems have been round for many years. However lately they’d been neglected within the chilly, with {hardware} updates solely taking place each few years as a substitute of yearly as with manufacturers corresponding to Acer and Dell.
Now, the corporate has a full line-up of desktops with up-to-date specs that put them extra in step with the Home windows crowd.
We’ve put two fashions – the Mac Mini and the iMac 21-inch 4K – by way of our newest spherical of lab checks to see how they carry out, in addition to some Home windows alternate options which are a bit extra inexpensive.
We’ll additionally take a look at whether or not a mini PC is an inexpensive alternative for a desktop or all-in-one, and what else it’s worthwhile to take into account in the event you go down this route.
Learn our full Mac Mini review and iMac 21-inch 4K review to see how they fared, or learn on under for a abstract of what you may count on.
Our reviews of desktop, all-in-one and mini PCs reveal the fashions that impressed in our checks.
Mac Mini (£799) – small however sprightly?
At simply 3.6cm tall, the Mac Mini lives as much as its identify. It has a stylish-looking ‘House Gray’ aluminium shell, and curved edges that may make some wish to unplug it and stand it on a shelf to admire. There’s quite a lot of specs obtainable for this system. We examined the £799 mannequin that comes with a quad-core Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of Ram and 256GB of SSD (solid-state drive) storage. You would possibly assume that sounds a bit stingy, nevertheless it’s extra beneficiant than the £499, 128GB mannequin obtainable from third-party retailers corresponding to Currys PC World.
You possibly can improve to a quicker Core i5, 512GB mannequin for an extra £300, and you can even increase Ram and storage in the event you’re keen to pay further.
As we urged above, you’re paying a premium for what is a reasonably modest specification. The quad-core Core i3 processor is actually no slouch, and mixed with an SSD ought to positively fizz alongside on your day-to-day duties. However opting for the same specification a Home windows desktop (albeit a bigger one) might prevent no less than £300.
After all, there are many different causes you’d select a Mac over a Home windows PC – maybe you like the design of MacOS, have software program that works higher on a Mac or just want the Mac customer support expertise. All legitimate causes, however simply bear in mind that the premium you count on to pay for Apple does proceed into the world of desktops.
On the again, you get a nice choice of ports together with two USB 3.zero connectors, a headphone/microphone jack, ethernet (both Gigabit or 10 Gigabit in the event you improve the spec) together with 4 USB-C/Thunderbolt Three ports for connecting to high-end peripherals. There’s additionally an HDMI port for conventional displays. There are not any ports on the aspect or entrance, so if you end up always disconnecting and reconnecting equipment, you’ll most likely desire a USB hub to make the whole lot simpler to succeed in. Learn our Mac Mini review for the complete verdict.
A less expensive Home windows various – Beelink U55, £289
Beelink’s U55 has the same footprint to the Mac Mini, however a way more fundamental specification that’s solely actually appropriate for very gentle work or watching movies. It’ll additionally tuck properly right into a TV cupboard if you wish to surf the net or handle your private video library on the large display. Learn our full Beelink U55 review to see if these decrease specs nonetheless produce ample efficiency.
iMac 4K (£1,299) – an multi function with all you want?
The Apple iMac has a built-in 21.5-inch display with 4K Extremely HD decision. Apple makes huge claims about this display, together with its skill to show many extra colors than a regular show. Given how in style these computer systems are with professionals who work with video and pictures, the corporate actually has a fame to maintain.
Elsewhere, there’s a quad-core Intel Core i3 processor on the £1,299 mannequin we examined, and a 256GB SSD or a 1TB ‘Fusion Drive’, which each price the identical. It additionally has devoted graphics from AMD to assist with video-editing work and computer-aided design (CAD). You get 8GB of Ram as commonplace. This spec is okay for on a regular basis workplace duties, however in the event you work with high-end pictures or video you’ll want to pick a better specification. Improve to a Core i5 and a quicker graphics card for an additional £200.
By now the iMac design has change into one thing of a staple for design companies and high-end salon receptions, however whereas it isn’t new, it nonetheless appears to be like hanging. In contrast with some newer all-in-one computer systems, although, the border (bezel) across the display could be very giant, which suggests the general dimension of the system is greater than it must be.
There are many ports, too, though they’re all on the again, that means they’re annoying to succeed in every day. There are 4 full-sized USB ports, two USB-C/Thunderbolt Three ports, an SD card reader, headphone jack and ethernet.
The worth of this Apple is barely extra in step with Home windows equivalents, however you’re additionally getting the bonus of the colour-accurate display and Apple’s signature all-metal design.
Learn our Apple iMax 21-inch 4K review for extra.
A less expensive Home windows various – Dell Inspiron 17 7790 – £1,046
This Home windows PC has a bigger, 27-inch display, however a decrease Full HD decision. You get a quad-core Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of Ram and a 512GB SSD. These specs needs to be ultimate for anybody in search of a big-screen PC who desires to get workplace and photo-editing duties carried out. Learn our full Dell Inspiron 27 7790 review to see the way it fared.
Can a mini PC change a desktop or all-in-one?
Whereas they’ve very completely different designs, there are a variety of similarities between a desktop and mini PC. They’re each obtainable with the extra fundamental specs we examined, and could be upgraded to change into powerhouses for probably the most demanding of customers. An all-in-one is actually a one-stop store for the whole lot you want, particularly in the event you don’t wish to fuss round with shopping for a monitor. In case you’re ranging from scratch and wish to overhaul your private home computing setup, that is most likely the one to go for.
As for Home windows mini PCs, there are only a few in the marketplace, and most of them are comparatively low-specification units that might not be highly effective sufficient for on a regular basis use. A lot of the huge computing manufacturers don’t make mini PCs, that means you’ll must discover some unfamiliar territory to get your self a compact desktop.
The Mac Mini is good if you have already got a monitor and equipment however need one thing new and highly effective. It’s additionally the most cost effective method to get your self a Mac system, costing £200 lower than the newest MacBook Air.
In case you don’t have your personal monitor, you’ll clearly have much more flexibility to decide on one you want. Our information on how to buy a monitor can assist right here, and you’ll learn extra about the right way to purchase peripherals like a keyboard and mouse in our information on how to set up a home office.
