Apple Mac mini (2014)

Apple's smallest and cheapest desktop computer

Although there are smaller desktop computers, this one is still compact enough to fit inside a laptop bag. There are several variants of the Mac mini but we tested the mid-range £569 version which comes with 8GB of memory, a 2.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 4278U processor ana а 1TB hard drive.

There is an even cheaper version available for £399, but it’s not great value. Equipped with 4GB of memory a 1.4GHz dual-core i5 processor and a 500GB hard drive, it’s almost 50 per cent slower yet only costs 35 per cent less. The drop-off in performance is significant, especially if you want to edit photos and movies or run multiple programs simultaneously, so the cheaper model is best avoided unless you’re really strapped for cash. Both are sold without a keyboard, mouse or monitor so you’ll have to supply your own.

It may be small but, because of its metallic construction, the Mac mini is very sturdy. The metal casing doesn’t just feel robust and look great - it’s also integral to the computer's cooling system, ensuring that the cooling fan only comes on when absolutely necessary. This kept the Mac mini’s noise levels to a whisper during most of our test.

Upgrading the amount of memory in older Mac minis (from the 2010 model onwards) has always been easy. Simply unscrewing a round panel on the base of the unit gave instant access to memory slots with no tools required. Disappointingly, this is no longer the case because Apple has sealed both the casing and the memory chips in place. If you want to upgrade to the maximum of 16GB, you’ll need to choose this option when ordering from Apple. This will add £160 to the price, which is £40 more expensive than performing the same upgrade yourself on older Mac minis.

This limits when and how you upgrade, which is baffling and infuriating, especially when you factor in the increased costs involved. Moreover, we can’t see the point. While sealing a laptop can contribute to slimmer, lighter designs, this is not the case here.

At least there are plenty of ports for external expansion, although it’s a shame they’re all located round the back, making them harder to reach. There are four USB 3.0 ports, two Thunderbolt 2 connectors, an HDM1 port, an SD card slot, an optical audio socket and a Gigabit Ethernet connector. You can connect up to two monitors simultaneously.

The latest version of Mac OS X (10.10 Yosemite) is pre-installed. The new features generally fall into two camps: those in the revamped interface and those providing greater integration with iOS devices. The interface has been tidied, with a flatter appearance and greater use of animations. It’s more logically organised and attractive on the whole, but some changes feel like they’ve been made for change’s sake. The most irritating example is the new system font, which looks fuzzier and is harder to read.

We’re big fans of the features integrating OS X with iOS (most of which require your iOS device to have Bluetooth 4.0 built in). If you have an iPhone, you can use your Mac mini to answer or reject calls as well as send and reply to text messages. You can now wirelessly transfer files between the Mac mini and an iOS device using the AirDrop feature - it’s very simple to use and doesn’t rely on online storage. Most impressively of all, you can start a task on an iOS device, such as typing a long document on your iPad on the train, and pick up where you left off on the Mac mini when you get home. Bear in mind, this latter feature requires apps installed on both your iOS device and Mac that support it.

The Mac mini’s lack of upgradeability is a real shame, but it’s the only black mark against what is otherwise a fast, stylish, quiet and compact computer.

VERDICT

The lack of upgradeability is a disappointment, but this is in every other respect a great little computer.

SPECIFICATIONS

2.6CHz Intel Core i5 4278U dual-core processor • 8GB memory • 1TB hard drive • Intel Iris integrated graphics • 802.11a/b/g/n/ac • Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite • 1.2kg • 36x197x197mm (HxWxD) • One-year warranty