There's been a lot to catch up since last week's introduction of the M4 MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac models, and we've learned more about the new machines as they've made their way into the hands of reviewers and now regular customers. Apple is also ...

When it was introduced during the white plastic heyday of peak iPod-era Apple, the Mac mini was pitched as the cheapest way to buy into the Mac ecosystem. It was $499. And despite some fluctuation (as high as $799 for the entry-level 2018 mini, $599 for this year's refresh), the Mac mini has stayed the cheapest entry-level Mac ever since.

Early teardowns reveal that the M4 Mac Mini uses slotted modular SSDs, rather than soldered-on memory. This modular system means that storage upgrades are technically feasible, but Apple's proprietary SSD design makes upgrades a non-starter for the average customer.