Apple's new M4 Mac mini is a very promising upgrade over the last generation's M3 version, but the best part is its compact design and form factor. The M4 Mac mini measures only 5 inches by 5 inches, which makes it the company's smallest Mac in existence, and combined with the power of the M4 Pro chip, the device is miles ahead of the competition. Microsoft also announced its new Windows 365 Link PC, which is essentially a desktop PC with a size comparable to the M4 Mac mini.
Microsoft's new Windows 365 Link Desktop PC is very similar to the M4 Mac mini in terms of compactness but only works online
Microsoft announced the new Windows 365 Link PC at its Ignite 2024 conference, oriented towards developers and IT professionals. Externally, the Windows 365 Link looks very similar to the M4 Mac mini. It features a compact size with the Microsoft logo in the middle, similar to how Apple puts its branding in the middle. It has several ports at the back and comes with a boatload of novel features.
While the Windows 365 Link is pretty great in terms of what it can do, it is also no match for the M4 Mac mini's performance. What this means is that the two devices have adopted a very different approach in terms of general usage. For instance, the M4 Mac mini is a full-fledged computer with offline and online capabilities. However, the Windows 365 Link solely works through an internet connection. This means that the device streams a version of Windows through the cloud instead of running an operating system locally on the device.
The Windows 365 Link features a very light configuration, unlike the M4 and M4 Pro Mac mini. At this stage, all we know is that it features 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage capacity, but the Intel processor that is powering the device is still not disclosed. The Verge explains that Microsoft's new cloud-based computer promotes security benefits for IT users, as all data between the device and the cloud will be encrypted. However, in situations where there is no internet, the device is rendered useless.
Microsoft has adopted a unique approach with the Windows 365 Link, making it a perfect device for the corporate sector. The device is small and connects to an external display using a DisplayPort. It also has an HDMI, two USB-A ports, and a USB-C port. As for connectivity, you will find an Ethernet port and support for WiFi 6E. The M4 Mac mini starts at $599, which is only $250 more than the Windows 365 Link. You can check out more details on the device from Microsoft's official website.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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