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Important: This is a historical roundup of U.S. holiday prices published on December 26, 2024—not a live September 2026 sale page. The headline offer was the 16GB/512GB M4 Mac mini for $699, compared with its stated $799 regular price. Retailer prices, inventory, sellers, and configurations have since changed.
The $699 Mac mini was arguably the strongest value because it included 512GB of storage rather than the base model’s smaller drive. However, it was a desktop computer only: buyers still needed a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and possibly speakers, a webcam, a hub, or external storage.
Historical deal prices at a glance
| Product | Configuration | Historical price | Stated regular price | Stated discount | Important caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4 Mac mini | 16GB memory, 512GB SSD | $699 | $799 | $100 | Monitor and peripherals not included |
| Apple Pencil Pro | Apple Pencil Pro | $99 | $129 | $30 | Works only with specific newer iPads |
| M4 iMac | 16GB, 256GB, 8-core | $1,199 | $1,299 | $100 | Entry-level CPU/GPU and port configuration |
| M4 iMac | 16GB, 256GB, 10-core | $1,369 | $1,499 | $130 | Higher-performance configuration |
| M4 iMac | 16GB, 512GB, 10-core | $1,467 | $1,699 | $232 as listed | Verify the exact retailer configuration |
| M4 iMac | Nano-texture glass, 16GB, 256GB, 10-core | $1,499 | $1,699 | $200 | Premium anti-reflective display option |
| AirTags | Four-pack | $69.99 | $99 | $29.01 | Holiday and inventory-dependent pricing |
These figures come from the original December 26, 2024 9to5Mac/9to5Toys roundup. Claims such as “all-time low” or “near all-time low” should be understood as the deal publisher’s retailer-specific price-tracking claims, not a guarantee that the price was available everywhere.
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The 16GB/512GB M4 Mac mini at $699 was the standout offer for shoppers who already owned a monitor and desktop accessories. It was $100 below the stated $799 price while adding enough internal storage to make the computer substantially more practical for ordinary long-term use.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Low Power for Always-On AI Workflows】At just 15W TDP, the GEEKOM A7 uses far less power than a traditional 350W desktop, helping reduce electricity costs, heat, and cooling noise during extended operation. That efficiency makes it ideal for keeping cloud AI assistants and AI Agent tasks running in the background—automating document summaries, email polishing, meeting notes, content rewriting, research, and scheduled workflows throughout the day. The energy savings can help recoup the device cost in about 1 year, making A7 a practical choice for 24/7 AI task hosting and efficient everyday computing.
- 【Ryzen 7 7730U – More Than a Low-Power PC】Think low power means less performance? Not here. The Ryzen 7 7730U mini computer packs 8 cores, 16 threads, and up to 4.5GHz, giving you the power to handle multitasking, dozens of tabs, video calls, and creative work smoothly. AMD Radeon Graphics supports 4K playback, multi-display work, photo editing, and casual gaming without a dedicated GPU. Compared with the Ryzen 7 5825U and Ryzen 5 7430U, it delivers up to 20% higher performance for faster response and smoother everyday computing—all in a compact, energy-efficient Mini desktop.
- 【Lock In More Memory Before It Costs More】32GB gives you the headroom most demanding tasks need today—and room to grow tomorrow. Built for heavy multitasking, content creation, large projects, and AI-assisted workloads, the GEEKOM mini pc starts you with twice the memory of a typical 16GB setup, so you can skip an immediate upgrade. With AI driving greater demand for memory, starting with 32GB is a smarter way to stay ready for what’s next. The 500GB PCIe Gen4 x4 SSD delivers fast storage, with support for up to 64GB RAM and 4TB SSD storage when you need more.
- 【Premium Metal Design & 3-Year Warranty】Why settle for plastic? The GEEKOM mini desktop features a premium aluminum alloy chassis that resists daily wear and helps dissipate heat during extended use. Rigorous quality testing and CE, FCC, and RoHS compliance support dependable performance, backed by a 3-year limited warranty and professional support for long-term peace of mind.
- 【One Mini PC, All Your Ports】Stay connected with dual USB-C ports, 5 USB 3.2 ports, dual HDMI 2.0, and a 2.5G LAN port for fast, flexible connectivity. The USB-C ports support high-speed data transfer, display output, and peripheral power, while Wi-Fi 6E keeps streaming, file transfers, and online work fast and reliable. From multiple peripherals to high-resolution displays, everything you need stays within easy reach.
That extra storage mattered. A 256GB drive can work for light office use when photos and documents live in the cloud, but local photo libraries, developer tools, games, video projects, and large applications can consume it quickly. The 512GB model provides more breathing room without requiring an immediate external-drive purchase.
What the Mac mini price did not include
- Monitor
- Keyboard and mouse
- Webcam or speakers, if your display does not provide them
- USB-C or Thunderbolt hub, if you need additional ports
- External storage or backup drive
For that reason, the Mac mini was not automatically cheaper than the $1,199 iMac. Someone starting from zero could spend several hundred dollars on a display and peripherals, bringing the complete setup closer to—or above—the price of an all-in-one iMac.
Which Mac mini configuration makes sense?
- 16GB/512GB M4: The sensible general-purpose choice for browsing, office work, coding, schoolwork, photo management, and moderate creative applications. This was the configuration involved in the historical $699 deal.
- 24GB/512GB M4: Better for large browser workloads, virtual machines, substantial development environments, heavier photo work, local AI tools, or buyers planning to keep the computer for many years.
- M4 Pro: Worth considering for sustained video production, software compilation, 3D work, demanding external-display setups, or higher-bandwidth connectivity—not simply because the chip is faster.
Memory is unified with the system and is not a normal user-upgradable desktop component. Internal storage is likewise not a conventional post-purchase upgrade path. Choose RAM carefully at purchase; use a fast external USB-C or Thunderbolt SSD when additional capacity is more important than having everything on the internal drive.
Apple’s Mac mini purchase page showed the M4 Mac mini starting at $799 and M4 Pro models starting at $1,399 in the latest accessible retailer snapshot. A Best Buy listing for a 24GB/512GB M4 model showed $1,199 but was marked sold out in that captured page. Neither snapshot should be treated as a confirmed live September 2026 deal.
Rank #2
- GMKtec M2 Pro S mini computer is equipped with 11th generation Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor, main frequency up to 4.8 GHz, 4 cores, 8 threads, 12MB cache, running much faster than i7-10810U, i5-12450H and i5-8259U, Windows PC series The power is only 35W, supporting your daily work with less power consumption, without delaying daily tasks
- 16GB DDR4 and 512GB NVME SSD: Desktop computer Comes with 16GB SODIMM, dual-channel DDR4 supports expansion up to 64GB. 512GB SSD M.2 2280 NVMe (PCIe3.0), supports expansion to 2TB, in addition, M.2 2242 SATA can be expanded to 2TB
- 4K UHD & 3 Screens Support: Mini PC with Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EU GPU delivers high-quality graphics for the most demanding applications, 2 x HDMI (4K @ 60Hz) and 1 x USB Type-C (4K @ 60Hz) output terminals, allowing you to independently display 4K screens on 3 displays at the same time
- 2.5Gbps LAN & WiFi6 + BT5.2: GMKtec mini PC dual band WiFi 2.4G+5G networking and Giga (RJ45 speed up to 2500M), Loading web, video, or other networked operations is faster and more stable, Bluetooth 5.2 connect faster Speed, Farther Coverage, it is also a big feature that you can transfer files over LAN at high speed
- Package Included: 1x GMKtec Nucbox M2 Pro, 1x DC Power Plug, 1x HDMI Cable. 1 x VESA Mount with Screws, 1x User Manual
Apple Pencil Pro for $99: check compatibility first
The Apple Pencil Pro fell from its stated $129 price to $99 in the historical roundup. That was a meaningful discount, but it was useful only to owners of compatible iPads.
Apple Pencil Pro is not a universal replacement for every Apple Pencil. Many older Lightning iPads and older USB-C iPads do not support it, even if they are marketed as iPad Pro or iPad Air models. Before buying, identify the exact iPad generation and model, then check Apple’s official Apple Pencil compatibility list and the Apple Pencil product page.
Compatibility includes more than physical attachment. The iPad must support the Pencil Pro’s magnetic pairing and charging and its feature set. If your iPad requires a first- or second-generation Apple Pencil or the Apple Pencil USB-C model, the discounted Pencil Pro is the wrong purchase. The Pencil also does not include an iPad.
M4 iMac deals: the complete-system value
The M4 iMac offers a different kind of value from the Mac mini. It includes a built-in 24-inch 4.5K-class display, keyboard, and mouse, so its higher computer price also covers the main parts of a complete desktop workstation.
Rank #3
- Massive 8TB Expandable Storage: Unlock the full potential of your Mac Mini M4 with up to 8TB of ultra-fast internal storage. The dock supports M.2 NVMe SSDs (2230/2242/2260/2280 sizes). Enjoy blazing 10Gbps transfer speeds for large files, 4K editing, or backups—all while keeping your setup sleek and clutter-free. (SSD not included.)
- 11-in-1 High-Speed Connectivity Hub: Turn your Mac Mini into a workstation with 11 versatile ports, including 3× USB-A 3.2 (10Gbps), 2× USB-A 3.0 (5Gbps), 2× USB-C 3.2 (10Gbps), and a UHS-I SD/TF card reader (170MB/s). Flexible power options: Draws power from your Mac Mini or use an external adapter (recommended for multi-device setups).
- 10Gbps Data Transfer: Enjoy blazing 10Gbps transfer speeds for large files, 4K editing, or backups—all while keeping your setup sleek and clutter-free. (SSD not included.)
- Precision-Engineered for Mac Mini M6:Designed to perfectly match your Mac Mini’s curves, this dock blends seamlessly while adding functionality. Features include a power button lever (turn on your Mac without lifting it) and anti-slip silicone pads for stability and scratch protection.
- Effortless Setup & Tidy Workspace:The included 4cm short cable keeps your desk neat, while the compact design maximizes space. Whether you’re a creative pro or a multitasker, this hub delivers storage, speed, and connectivity in one elegant solution.
| Historical configuration | Best for | Value judgment |
|---|---|---|
| 8-core, 16GB/256GB at $1,199 | Light productivity and buyers seeking the lowest complete setup price | Lowest entry price, but limited storage and the entry-level graphics configuration |
| 10-core, 16GB/256GB at $1,369 | General users who want stronger graphics and connectivity | Best all-around historical iMac option |
| 10-core, 16GB/512GB at $1,467 | Users keeping more files and applications locally | Best storage-oriented option, assuming the exact listing was verified |
| 10-core nano-texture model at $1,499 | Users who specifically value reduced reflections | Worth the premium only if the display finish solves a real lighting problem |
The 10-core/256GB model at $1,369 was likely the strongest balance of price, graphics capability, connectivity, and included equipment. The $1,199 model was attractive for basic use, but the 256GB drive can become restrictive. The 512GB model made more sense for local media and application storage, while the nano-texture version was a display choice rather than a performance upgrade.
Apple’s current purchase pages continue to show M4 iMac configurations with 16GB memory and 256GB or 512GB storage, including 8-core and 10-core variants: 8-core iMac and 10-core nano-texture iMac. Current availability and pricing must be checked on the retailer page at the time of purchase.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Mac mini versus iMac: compare the finished setup
Choose the Mac mini if you already have a good monitor and peripherals, want to replace the display separately, prefer a compact desktop, or plan to use multiple displays.
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Rank #4
The correct comparison is not $699 versus $1,199. It is the Mac mini plus a display, keyboard, mouse, and any required accessories versus the iMac’s complete package. A Mac mini remains the better value when those components are already available; the iMac can be the better total-system purchase for a first-time desktop buyer.
Other Mac deals in the original roundup
The December 2024 article also reported discounts on multiple MacBook Pro configurations, including a reported $300 reduction on a 14-inch model. The roundup covered M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max systems at different prices and configurations.
Those offers should not be treated as one uniform promotion. Check whether a listing is new, refurbished, or open-box; whether it is sold directly by Amazon, Best Buy, Apple, or a marketplace seller; and which chip, memory, storage, screen size, and keyboard layout are included. A large discount on a lower-memory or smaller-storage configuration may not be better value than a smaller discount on the specification you actually need.
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The roundup grouped several secondary deals alongside the major Mac offers:
- Tracking: AirTags four-pack for $69.99, compared with a stated $99 regular price.
- Storage: SanDisk 1TB USB-C flash storage and a 1TB SanDisk Extreme microSD card.
- Charging: Anker charging products, USB-C cables, and wall chargers.
- Smart home: Eve Matter-over-Thread light switch.
- Accessories: iPhone cases, Satechi products, Harber London items, UAG accessories, and a precision screwdriver kit.
These were more dependent on holiday inventory, color, seller, and price matching than the headline Apple hardware. Buy them because you need them, not merely because the percentage discount looks large. For a Mac mini, a reliable external SSD, display, keyboard, mouse, and USB-C hub are more relevant than unrelated accessory savings. Apple’s Mac accessories page and SanDisk’s official store are useful starting points for current alternatives.
What to verify before buying a current listing
- Price and date: Do not assume the 2024 deal price remains active.
- Exact configuration: Confirm chip, CPU/GPU core count, memory, storage, display finish, and color.
- Seller and condition: Distinguish new, refurbished, open-box, and marketplace listings.
- Included equipment: For a Mac mini, budget for the display and input devices. For an iMac, confirm the keyboard and mouse configuration.
- Return policy: Check the return deadline and whether restocking or marketplace rules apply.
- Coverage: Verify AppleCare+ eligibility separately at Apple’s Mac support page.
- Apple Pencil compatibility: Use Apple’s model-specific compatibility list before ordering.
- Final cost: Include sales tax, shipping, required accessories, and any membership requirement.
Bottom line: the historical ranking
- 16GB/512GB M4 Mac mini at $699: Best for buyers who already owned a display and peripherals.
- 10-core/256GB M4 iMac at $1,369: Best balanced complete desktop in the historical list.
- Apple Pencil Pro at $99: Strong deal for owners of a specifically compatible newer iPad.
- Accessory offers: Worth considering only when the product itself is needed.
Use the December 2024 prices as historical benchmarks, not as live offers. Current product pages and retailer listings must be checked for price, stock, seller, condition, and exact configuration before purchase.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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