The latest Mac mini sports an eighth-generation quad-core Intel Core i3 processor, along with speedy SSD storage and a wide range of I/O including four Thunderbolt 3 ports. You’ll also find Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI output, and USB 3.0 connectivity here.
Put your Mac mini out of sight with this nifty VESA mount for under $16. It uses the existing patterns on your monitor to easily hide your Mac, delivering a streamlined look in the process. You can also use it as a traditional wall mount if needed. Head over to our step-by-step guide for more.
Make sure you also jump over to our Apple guide for all of the best deals on iPads, Macs, Apple Watch, and more.
Apple Mac mini features:
Apple has re-engineered the Mac mini (Early 2020) with 8th Generation Intel Core processors, giving it even more power for industrial-grade tasks, such as home automation, giant render farms, running a live concert sound engine, or testing your latest iOS or iPadOS app. Along with improved system and graphics performance, an all-new thermal architecture includes all-flash storage, a bigger fan, expanded vents, and a redesigned power supply, and Apple’s T2 security chip. This Mac mini is powered by 3.6 GHz Intel Core i3 Quad-Core processor, while 8GB of 2666 MHz DDR4 RAM helps to ensure smooth multitasking and also allows the computer to quickly access frequently used files and programs.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
With bonus savings available at checkout, Amazon is offering shoppers the best Mac mini deal on the 2020 model with a 6-core processor and 512GB of storage. Pick it up for just $926.25.
The $926.25 price at Amazon is valid on the higher end 2020 Mac mini with a 3.0GHz 6-core Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of memory and 512GB SSD. According to our Apple Price Guide, which compiles the lowest Mac mini prices across top resellers, this is the steepest discount available on the 2020 line, with other retailers selling the same configuration for over $100 more.
To snap up the bonus savings, look for the green message in the screenshot below on this Amazon page and check for the discount in your shopping cart.
And if you’re looking for the cheapest Mac mini period, there are plenty of additional deals available 24/7 in our Mac Price Guide, including this 2018 model with 128GB of storage for $719.99 at Apple Authorized Reseller Adorama.
Save on accessories too
Accessories are also marked down substantially during MacSales’ Garage Sale, from wireless keyboards to USB-C cables and parts galore. The discounts reach up to 99% off, so it’s worth checking out the bargains if you want to save money on upgrades and peripherals.
Additional Apple deals
AppleInsider and Apple authorized resellers are also running additional exclusive discounts on Mac hardware that will not only deliver the best Apple prices on many of the items, but also throw in bonus savings on AppleCare protection plans, Office 365 and more. These offers are as follows:
Fresh benchmarks have leaked for Apple’s Mac mini Developer Transition Kit based on Apple’s own ARM-based chips, hinting at the performance to come.
The new Geekbench 5 benchmarks were discovered by 9to5Mac and show an A12Z Bionic chip, which powers the Developer Transition Kit, deliver a multi-core score of 4,555 and a single-core score of 1,098.
Unsurprisingly that’s on par with the iPad Pro 2020, which also uses the same chip. And Geekbench 5 even records the result as one from an iPad Pro. But the mention of 16GB of memory show us that it’s actually a result for the Mac mini test kit; the latest iPad Pro has 6GB of memory.
While the benchmarks are on-par with the iPad Pro, they are the first out of the blocks to show what performance can be delivered when Geekbench 5 is applied natively to the Developer Transition Kit. Previous leaked results were delivered using virtualization via Apple’s Rosetta 2 emulator, which can damage overall performance results.
Running Geekbench 5 natively on Apple’s ARM-based chips delivers more impressive results and give us an idea of the type of performance we can expect from macOS running on Apple Silicon — the initiative used by Cupertino to transition its Mac machines over from Intel processors to its own custom chips.
Compared to a 13-inch MacBook Pro with an Intel Core i5 chip, which puts in a Geekbench 5 score of 4,296 in the multi-core test and 1,107 in the single-core results, the ARM-based Mac mini achieves a competitive result.
And it’s worth noting that the Developer Transition Kit is merely a tool to help developers port their apps over from x86 architecture to ARM’s RISC architecture, which is why it’s using a standard A12Z Bionic system-on-a-chip. When Mac machines with the first true Apple Silicon chips arrive, we’re expecting to see more powerful chips that can make use of the greater power draw and space of a MacBok Pro, for example.
The first Mac machines with Apple Silicon are expected to have 12 cores, eight of which will be for performance while four take care of powering less demanding apps, as well as a custom GPU on the chip. If developers can ensure their apps will run effectively on ARM architecture, then we could be looking at powerful MacBooks and iMacs that no longer rely on Intel chips to deliver impressive performance.
The first Apple Silicon machines are expected this year, likely in the form of a new MacBook Pro. And a lot more are expected in 2021. Apple’s iPhone 12 might be an exciting phone, but Apple Silicon could prove to be the biggest thing to come out of Cupertino this year.
New episodes of 9to5Mac Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they’re available.
The latest from Apple delivers 10th generation Intel processors, plus a True Tone Retina display, Touch Bar, and Intel Iris graphics. You’ll get up to 10-hours of battery life alongside the popular redesigned Magic Keyboard. There’s also four Thunderbolt 3 ports available, too.
Mac mini with 512GB of storage offers expansive I/O
B&H offers Apple’s latest Mac mini 3GHz/8GB/512GB for $999. That’s a $100 savings from the regular going rate and a match of our previous mention. The latest Mac mini sports an eighth-generation quad-core Intel Core i5 processor, along with speedy SSD storage offering 512GB capacity, and a wide range of I/O including four Thunderbolt 3 ports. You’ll also find Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI output, and USB 3.0 connectivity here.
Outfit your Apple Watch with this stainless steel band
Amazon offers its 42/44mm Stainless Steel Apple Watch Band for $13 in space gray. As a comparison, this model typically goes for around $18, with today’s deal delivering nearly 30% off the regular going rate. Ditch the pricey official Apple Watch bands and go with this third-party alternative, which brings a sleek space gray design to the mix at an affordable price. It comes with extra links, so you can size it to just the right fit, as well.
Belkin Valet Charging Dock hits $60
Daily Steals is currently offering the Belkin Valet iPhone and Apple Watch Charging Dock for $60. Down from its $100 going rate at Amazon, today’s offer saves you 40%, beats the all-time low there by $32, and marks the best we’ve seen this year. Whether you’re looking to simplify the nightstand or add a designated charging stop to your desk, Belkin’s Valet is a notable option. Not only will you be able to dock an iPhone on the built-in Lightning connector, but an integrated Apple Watch puck makes it easy to refuel the wearable, as well. The entire package is complemented by a stylish design with stainless steel accents.
Save $200 on Kenwood’s 6.8-inch CarPlay Receiver
Best Buy’s official eBay storefront is currently offering the Kenwood 6.8-inch CarPlay and Android Auto Receiver for $600. Saving you $200 from its $800 going rate, today’s offer marks the second-best we’ve seen to date and is the lowest in months. Featuring a 7-inch touchscreen display, Kenwood’s CarPlay and Android Auto receiver is a must-have upgrade to your ride regardless of which smartphone ecosystem you’re in. It makes keeping an eye on directions, music playback, and more a breeze while on-the-road.
Best trade-in deals
9to5Mac also keeps tabs on all the best trade-in deals on iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Apple Watch, and more every month. Be sure to check out this month’s best trade-in deals when you decide it’s time to upgrade your device. Or simply head over to our trade-in partner directly if you want to recycle, trade, or sell your used devices for cash and support 9to5Mac along the way!
Amazon offers Apple’s AirPods with Wireless Charging Case for $150. As a comparison, you’d typically pay $199 with Amazon often charging around $179. Today’s deal is a match of the best price we’ve tracked at this retailer. Apple’s AirPods feature a sleek design and the brand’s H1 chip for access to various features like Hey Siri. This model ships with the wireless charging case, too. You’ll be able to toss your AirPods on a compatible Qi charger and power up without having any pesky wires to worry about.
Mac mini is $150 off
Amazon offers the latest Apple Mac mini 3GHz/8GB/512GB for $949. Price reflected at checkout. That’s down $150 from the regular going rate and the best we’ve ever seen. The latest Mac mini sports an eighth-generation quad-core Intel Core i3 processor, along with speedy SSD storage and a wide range of I/O including four Thunderbolt 3 ports. You’ll also find Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI output, and USB 3.0 connectivity here.
Apple Watch band deals from $8
Amazon offers a Stainless Steel Apple Watch in various colors and sizes for $14. Regularly $20, we’ve previously seen this band around $16 on sale. Today’s deal is a new Amazon all-time low. This model arrives in various colors, so you can match your style as needed. It also features an adjustable design that can be changed for those that need a tighter fit. More here from $8.
Ring’s Video Doorbell Pro drops to all-time low
Amazon is offering the Ring Video Doorbell Pro in certified refurbished condition for $119. Originally $249, it’s on sale for $160 in new condition right now and today’s deal is a match for its all-time low. Ring’s high-end Video Doorbell Pro is one of the best the company has to offer. It packs 1080p video, is battery-powered, has two-way talking capabilities, and only takes around 5-minutes to install.
Amazon’s Echo Show 5 + 8 pair great together
HSN is offering the Amazon Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 bundled for $140. For comparison, the Echo Show 5 retails for $90 and is on sale for $70 right now, while the Echo Show 8 goes for $130 regularly and is down to $100 right now. Combined, these two cost up to $220 and you’re saving up to 36% with today’s sale. These Alexa-powered smart displays are perfect for any smart home. They offer a unique display-based operating system that responds to both touch or voice commands.
Best trade-in deals
9to5Mac also keeps tabs on all the best trade-in deals on iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Apple Watch, and more every month. Be sure to check out this month’s best trade-in deals when you decide it’s time to upgrade your device. Or simply head over to our trade-in partner directly if you want to recycle, trade, or sell your used devices for cash and support 9to5Mac along the way!