There’s a quiet thrill in making ambitious dreams feel within reach. For me, that dream was building a dedicated home server – a sleek, powerful M4 Mac Mini setup. And right now, that vision is closer than ever.
The base model M4 Mac Mini, a surprisingly capable machine, is currently available for $479. A $120 price drop transforms it from a future aspiration into a tangible possibility. It’s a compelling shift, especially considering the power packed inside.
I already experience that power daily with my 14-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro. It’s a machine I genuinely love – the speed, the display, the seamless experience. But a new home, with a welcoming entertainment space, sparked a desire for a dedicated computer for shared use.
Imagine a central hub for quiet meditation sessions, casual browsing, and a seamless media experience. My wife, a dentist, could effortlessly review scans and plan cases. The Mac Mini, with its diminutive 5-inch by 5-inch footprint, is perfectly suited to discreetly integrate into our setup.
While not mirroring the full force of the M4 Pro, the base configuration is more than sufficient for these everyday tasks. It boasts a 10-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Crucially, 16GB of RAM ensures smooth performance and future-proofs the investment.
The efficiency of the ARM chip is a significant benefit. It allows for continuous operation as a media server – hosting movies via Jellyfin – without the nagging guilt of excessive energy consumption. The 256GB SSD is modest, but easily expandable with affordable USB-C drives.
For those seeking even greater performance, the M4 Pro Mac Mini, equipped with 24GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, is also discounted to $1,199, down from its usual $1,399 price point. It’s a tempting upgrade for power users.
Black Friday presents a unique opportunity to acquire technology at exceptional prices. It’s a chance to secure items you’ve been considering, or to find thoughtful gifts for loved ones. The discounts, particularly in the tech sector, can be substantial.
However, the most effective way to save remains mindful spending. If you don’t need something, the best deal is always to forego the purchase. But for those with genuine needs or desires, Black Friday offers a compelling window of opportunity.
The allure of Black Friday isn’t just about the savings; it’s about the possibility of realizing long-held ambitions. For me, that means a powerful, compact home server, finally within reach.
