Mac mini

The smallest Mac desktop computer, the Mac mini weighs less than three pounds and comes in a 7.7" square case only 1.4" thick. Introduced in 2005 with PowerPC G4 processors, Intel-based units came out the following year. Like all desktop computers, a separate monitor, keyboard and mouse are required, which can be from Apple or other companies. The 2018 mini offers up to 64GB RAM, 2TB solid state storage and six 3.2 GHz processing cores. See Macintosh models and Macintosh.

A Mac Mini

Dwarfed next to Apple's 30" monitor, this 2012-vintage mini was also wired to a backup drive, keyboard, mouse, USB hub and macro keypad.

Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports

The current mini model packs a ton of expansion. The Thunderbolt ports can be used for Thunderbolt 3, DisplayPort or USB 3.2 Gen 2x1, and with adapters, Thunderbolt 2, DVI and VGA. (Image courtesy of Apple, Inc.)

Early Mac Mini

This earlier mini model had a built-in optical drive. (Image courtesy of Apple Inc.)

The Mini's Predecessor

In 2000, the G4 Cube was Apple's first compact Mac. Award winning in its design, the Cube was soon dropped due to overheating and other maladies. (Image courtesy of Apple Inc.)