Such is the classic simplicity of Apple design, if you’d been abducted by aliens two decades ago and taken to the peaceful planet Zog to hang out with and learn from an enlightened species, you’d still recognize this as a Mac mini when you returned. (Though you’d probably be disappointed at the state of enlightenment here on Terra Ferma.)

Apple’s M4 Mac mini has been out for two weeks now, here are my takeaways after using it for a fortnight in unconventional ways.

The M4 Mac Mini is making waves in the world of affordable high-performance computing, posing a serious challenge to the traditional dominance of budget

I have complicated feelings about the M4 Mac Mini's port selection. Thunderbolt and USB-C are great, but the lack of an old-fashioned USB-A port is frustrating. Now, Satechi hopes to rectify the problem with a redesigned Stand & Hub.