The deals roundup behind this headline was published on May 29, 2025. Its headline prices—about $489 for an M4 Mac mini and about $1,024 for a 15-inch M4 MacBook Air—are historical U.S. offers, not verified August 2026 prices. Apple has since introduced the M5 MacBook Air, so an M4 purchase now makes sense only when the discount, configuration and warranty are compelling.
Apple’s refurbished store still lists selected M4 Mac mini and 15-inch M4 MacBook Air units, but inventory changes. Treat those listings as current price signals rather than guaranteed stock.
The original headline deals
The May 29, 2025 9to5Mac roundup reported these configurations and prices: 9to5Mac’s original deals article.
| Product | Configuration | Original list price | Reported deal price | Reported saving | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4 Mac mini | 16GB memory, 256GB SSD | $599 | About $489 | About $110 | Historical |
| M4 Mac mini | 16GB memory, 512GB SSD | $799 | About $690 | About $109 | Historical |
| M4 Mac mini | 24GB memory, 512GB SSD | $999 | About $877 | About $122 | Historical |
| 15-inch M4 MacBook Air | 16GB memory, 256GB SSD | $1,199 | About $1,024 | About $175 | Historical |
| 15-inch M4 MacBook Air | 16GB memory, 512GB SSD | $1,399 | About $1,237 | About $162 | Historical |
| 15-inch M4 MacBook Air | 24GB memory, 512GB SSD | $1,599 | About $1,364 | About $235 | Historical |
The figures are U.S. prices reported at that time. “All-time low” or “best deal” language should be understood as the publication’s or tracker’s characterization on that date, not a current guarantee.
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Why the M4 Mac mini deal stood out
The base Mac mini paired Apple’s M4 chip with 16GB of unified memory and a 256GB SSD. At about $489, it was an unusually inexpensive entry into a current Apple-silicon desktop, and the original coverage considered it strong value even at its $599 list price.
The real cost is higher than the computer
A Mac mini includes neither a display nor input devices. Budget for a monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers or headphones, a webcam if needed, and possibly a USB-C or Thunderbolt hub, adapters and external storage. Once those items are included, a MacBook Air can be the cheaper complete system.
Choose storage before buying
256GB can fill quickly after macOS, applications, photos, video, games or development tools are installed. The 512GB version is the more practical long-term choice when the price difference is modest. Apple-silicon memory and storage are not meaningfully user-upgradable, so choose the capacity at purchase.
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
Who should choose it
- Buyers who already own a suitable monitor and peripherals.
- People working mainly at one desk.
- Users comfortable keeping larger files on an external SSD or in cloud storage.
- Anyone able to find a genuinely low price from a reputable seller with clear warranty and return terms.
Why the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air was attractive
The 15-inch Air supplied a 15.3-inch-class display, keyboard, trackpad, speakers, webcam and battery in one portable package. Apple identifies it as the 2025 model (Mac16,13), compatible with macOS Tahoe 26, and lists Silver, Starlight, Sky Blue and Midnight finishes: Apple’s support documentation.
Which configuration makes sense
- 16GB/256GB: suitable for web, office work, streaming, school and light productivity if external or cloud storage is acceptable.
- 16GB/512GB: preferable for local photos, music, coding projects and creative files.
- 24GB/512GB: easier to justify for sustained multitasking, development environments, virtual machines and heavier creative work than for ordinary office use.
The reported discount reached about $175 on the 16GB/256GB model, notable for a relatively new laptop in May 2025. In August 2026, however, Apple’s M5 MacBook Air is the newer generation. Apple announced the M5 Air in March 2026: Apple’s announcement. An M4 therefore needs a meaningful price advantage over a comparable M5, not merely a token sale.
Mac mini or 15-inch MacBook Air?
These products are not direct substitutes in total ownership cost: the mini’s advertised price excludes the screen and accessories, while the Air includes them.
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.
| Choose the M4 Mac mini if… | Choose the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air if… |
|---|---|
| You already own a suitable monitor and peripherals. | You need a complete system immediately. |
| You want the lowest computer-only entry price. | You need portability between home, work, school or travel. |
| You work primarily at one desk. | You value a large built-in display and battery. |
| You want a desktop setup with multiple accessories. | You want fewer compatibility and accessory decisions. |
| You can use external storage when 256GB is insufficient. | You prefer an all-in-one purchase with no separate monitor required. |
Other offers in the roundup
The same article also mentioned an M3 iPad Air, a UGREEN M4 Mac mini dock/stand with an integrated SSD enclosure, a Samsung M8 smart monitor with webcam, and other accessories: the roundup.
Useful complements
- UGREEN’s dock and stand can add accessible ports, desk organization and an SSD enclosure, but a separate SSD may be easier to replace or upgrade.
- Samsung’s M8 Smart Monitor suits Mac mini buyers who want a large screen with smart features and webcam functionality. It is not automatically the best choice for professional color work, high refresh rates or the lowest monitor price.
Accessories only improve the purchase when you actually need them; they can erase the Mac mini’s apparent savings.
What is available to consider in August 2026
Apple’s refurbished store currently shows selected M4 inventory, including a refurbished M4 Mac mini with 16GB/256GB and Gigabit Ethernet at $679 (formerly $799), a 16GB/512GB Gigabit Ethernet model at $759, and a refurbished 15-inch M4 MacBook Air with 16GB/256GB at $1,019. Stock and configurations can change: Apple’s refurbished Mac store.
Rank #4
Those are Apple-direct refurbished price signals, not guarantees that every configuration remains available. Compare warranty coverage, return terms and included accessories with a new or retailer-sold unit.
A Best Buy product page exists for the 15-inch M4 Air, but the available information does not establish a dependable current price: Best Buy listing. Retail prices, colors, membership requirements, open-box status, marketplace sellers and shipping must be checked at the time of purchase. The same caution applies to Amazon and other retailers.
Buying recommendations
- Best budget desktop: an M4 Mac mini near or below the historical $500 level, provided you already own a display and peripherals.
- Best all-in-one option: a 15-inch M4 MacBook Air only when its discount is substantial versus an equivalent M5 Air.
- Best long-term configuration: 512GB storage for most buyers who keep files locally.
- Best for heavier multitasking: 24GB memory when your workload actually includes development, virtual machines or demanding creative applications.
- Best lower-risk fallback: Apple-certified refurbished stock when the configuration, warranty and price are attractive.
Do not buy the 256GB model unless you have a clear external-storage or cloud-storage plan. Also verify that any low price is for new, refurbished or open-box stock as advertised, from a seller whose warranty and return policy you understand.
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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.
