An assessment has emerged that the Mac mini could be a better choice than a MacBook if it is used mainly on a desk.

On Oct. 27 (local time), IT outlet Engadget said Apple’s compact desktop Mac mini has the advantage of offering higher performance at a lower or similar price than an entry-level MacBook or MacBook Air.

The key question is whether it is necessary to pay extra for portability. Laptops have the advantage of being ready to use with a display, keyboard, trackpad, webcam and battery. But for users who spend most of their time at a desk, the extra cost for mobility may not be efficient.

The cheapest MacBook currently starts at $699 for the MacBook Neo. It is an entry-level model equipped with an A18 Pro chip for iPhone and 8GB of memory. It may be sufficient for light tasks such as document work or web browsing, but it may have limits for video editing or tasks that require higher performance. The MacBook Air starts at $1,299.

By contrast, the base Mac mini offers the latest M6 chip and 16GB of memory for $899. Engadget said this configuration is sufficient to handle hardware-intensive apps such as Final Cut Pro and Xcode. It also saw it as suitable as a first Mac for users learning video editing or coding.

The Mac mini’s differentiators are not limited to chip performance. The Mac mini includes a cooling system with a fan. That allows it to sustain CPU and GPU performance for longer. By contrast, a fanless MacBook reduces performance to prevent overheating when heat builds up. The outlet noted that the presence or absence of a cooling system makes a large noticeable difference in 4K editing, code compilation and some 3D games.

Expandability also favors the desktop Mac mini. The Mac mini supports ethernet, HDMI and a headphone jack, in addition to multiple USB-C Thunderbolt ports. It is a suitable setup for users who need to connect multiple peripherals in a desktop environment. Engadget explained that the Mac mini is effectively a model in which users bring their own display, keyboard and mouse.

Still, the cost structure needs to be weighed. The Mac mini’s relatively lower price is because it excludes the cost of a laptop display and battery. If a user already has a monitor, keyboard and mouse at home, the $899 Mac mini can be used immediately. But if peripherals must be purchased, total costs can rise quickly and approach the price of a new MacBook Air.

In the end, the choice depends on whether performance or portability comes first. A MacBook may be more suitable for users who frequently change locations, such as working in cafes or on the move. It is also possible to use an external monitor, keyboard and mouse at home like a desktop, while using a laptop outside.

If portability is not a core requirement, the Mac mini’s competitiveness grows. Within the same Apple ecosystem, it offers higher sustained performance and more ports, while using existing peripherals can reduce the cost burden. For users who already have a desktop environment, the Mac mini could emerge as a more practical option than a MacBook.