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The new Mac mini has caught my attention. Announced at the November Mac event—the third Apple event this fall—and starting at $699, the Mac mini (2020) is currently the cheapest Mac desktop available. Since the Mac mini lacks the portability of a laptop and the processing power of a full desktop (even with all its boasted improvements over the older model), many may wonder what the point of this computer is. However, this is the first desktop Apple has produced that uses an ARM chip, which is a significant change as previously they were only used in iPhones and iPads. As I'm looking to purchase both a desktop and my first Mac computer, not only the price tag but also the compact nature of the Mac mini call out to me. I'm also intrigued by the M1 chip, which may bring more iOS functionality to the Macs. My processing needs aren't very high, and I'm looking to set up a more stable home office thanks to the shift toward working from home in 2020. For others, though, the Mac mini may not have much to offer. Let's take a look at what the Mac mini (2020) is promising us and what type of buyer might be the right fit.

During a brief, 45-minute virtual event presided over by Tim Cook, Apple introduced the first Macs to use its own M1 silicon chip and announced it would release Big Sur later this week. The new 13-inch MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and Mac mini represent the first step in Apple's transition from using Intel chips to using its new propietary chip in its computers. Here's everything you need to know about the new Macs, including what you should keep in mind about the M1 chip if you're considering upgrading.