Apple’s Mac Mini is a small powerhouse of performance but it starts at $599 for the base model, which makes it inaccessible to budget-conscious buyers who only need a dependable desktop computer. If your needs are centered around web browsing, document work, streaming and basic productivity tasks, you really don’t need premium engineering from Apple.
A strong value alternative is the Acemagic Mini PC 11 Pro (16GB DDR4 256GB SSD, Intel N95) which comes in at about one-third of the cost, falling from $239 down to $189 on Amazon, with another 10% off coupon that drops your out-the-door price even further. This Windows 11 Pro machine won’t match the Mac Mini’s raw performance but it provides enough power for everyday computing.
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Compact Design That Disappears into Your Setup
It measures just 3.9 inches square and 1.3 inches tall so it’s smaller than most hardcover books and easy to tuck behind monitors, on cramped desks, or in entertainment centers. An included VESA mounting bracket lets you attach this mini PC to the back of your monitor, essentially turning any display into an all-in-one computer setup that will save desk space and eliminate cable clutter. Also, a 2,300 RPM high-speed silent axial fan keeps the processor cool without generating the annoying whirring noise that makes cheaper compact PCs sound like miniature jet engines during intensive tasks.
The processor under the hood is an Intel Alder Lake N95 and clocks up to 3.4GHz on its four cores and four threads for 45% better performance compared to the N100 and N150 chips found in other budget mini PCs. It’s a quad-core setup that easily handles multiple opened browser tabs, Office applications, and video streaming without the stuttering and lag that makes you want to throw budget computers out the window.
Memory and storage strike a great balance for general computing needs: The 16GB of DDR4 RAM keeps multiple applications running smoothly without slow downs when rapidly switching between programs, checking email, streaming music, and working on documents all at once. The 256GB SSD loads Windows and applications in mere seconds rather than the painful minutes you’d be stuck with on traditional hard drives and can be easily upgraded to a larger M.2 NVMe or SATA SSD up to 2TB if you need space for photos, videos, or games.
Support for two 4K displays via HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 lets you connect two monitors for expanded workspace to transform your productivity by letting you view reference materials on one screen while you work on the other. The integrated UHD Graphics runs at up to 1.2GHz to handle everyday visuals and 4K video playback with ease.
Connectivity options include everything from modern to legacy: two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports for fast data transfer, two USB 2.0 ports that can be used for keyboards and mice, and even a Gigabit Ethernet port that can reach speeds of as much as 1000Mbps for stable wired internet connectivity. The 3.5mm audio jack supports virtually any set of headphones or external speakers, and the power button is placed in an easily accessible location, not hidden where one has to fumble around blindly.
In the package, you’ll get Windows 11 Pro which includes business features like BitLocker encryption, Remote Desktop, and domain joining, among many others, that the home versions don’t have. The hardware is supported with a one-year limited warranty against defects in design and workmanship and support from the Acemagic team if you hit a problem.
For less than $190, thanks to the coupon, this is a workable Windows desktop that will handle everyday computing tasks without breaking the bank.
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