The world of mini desktops has experienced significant growth in recent years, with various manufacturers offering compact and powerful solutions for users who require a small form factor without compromising on performance. Two notable products in this category are the Apple Mac Mini M4 and the Lenovo ThinkCentre M75q Tiny. In this comparison, we'll delve into the features, specifications, and overall value of these two mini desktops to help you decide which one best suits your needs.
Design and Build
The Apple Mac Mini M4 boasts a sleek and minimalist design, characteristic of Apple's product lineup. The compact aluminum body measures 7.7 inches wide, 1.4 inches tall, and weighs approximately 2.9 pounds. In contrast, the Lenovo ThinkCentre M75q Tiny has a more rugged and utilitarian design, with a slightly larger footprint (8.2 inches wide, 1.4 inches tall) and a weight of around 2.5 pounds. While both devices are compact, the Mac Mini's sleeker design makes it a better fit for modern living rooms or offices.
Processors and Performance
The Apple Mac Mini M4 comes equipped with Apple's M4 chip, which provides a significant boost in performance and power efficiency compared to its predecessor. The M4 chip features an 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, making it well-suited for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and software development.
The Lenovo ThinkCentre M75q Tiny, on the other hand, offers a range of processor options, including Intel Core i5 and i7 chips from the 11th Gen family. These processors provide excellent performance for general office work, web browsing, and multimedia consumption. However, they may not match the Mac Mini's level of performance in resource-intensive tasks.
Memory and Storage
Both mini desktops offer a range of memory and storage configurations. The Apple Mac Mini M4 comes with up to 16GB of RAM and a maximum of 2TB of SSD storage. In contrast, the Lenovo ThinkCentre M75q Tiny can be configured with up to 64GB of RAM and a maximum of 1TB of SSD storage, along with an optional 2TB hard drive.
Connectivity and Ports
The Apple Mac Mini M4 features a comprehensive set of ports, including two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack. The Lenovo ThinkCentre M75q Tiny offers a similar array of ports, with two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, an HDMI port, a DisplayPort, and an Ethernet port.
Operating System
One of the most significant differences between these two mini desktops is the operating system. The Apple Mac Mini M4 runs on macOS, which provides a seamless and integrated experience for users already invested in the Apple ecosystem. In contrast, the Lenovo ThinkCentre M75q Tiny comes with Windows 10 or Linux, offering more flexibility and compatibility with a wider range of software applications.
Price
The Apple Mac Mini M4 starts at around $1,100, while the Lenovo ThinkCentre M75q Tiny has a starting price of approximately $400. However, it's essential to note that the base model of the ThinkCentre M75q Tiny comes with more basic specifications, and upgrading to higher-end configurations can increase the price significantly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Apple Mac Mini M4 and the Lenovo ThinkCentre M75q Tiny are excellent examples of mini desktops that offer impressive performance and compact designs. While the Mac Mini's sleek design and powerful M4 chip make it an attractive option for creative professionals and those invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Lenovo ThinkCentre M75q Tiny provides a more affordable and flexible solution for general office use and everyday computing tasks.
Ultimately, the choice between these two mini desktops depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize design, ease of use, and integration with other Apple devices, the Mac Mini M4 may be the better choice. However, if you're looking for a more affordable and customizable option that can handle a wide range of tasks, the Lenovo ThinkCentre M75q Tiny is definitely worth considering.
