The Apple Mac mini (2018) is probably the most-anticipated Mac computer, as its previous update was way back in 2014.

First launched in 2005, the Mac mini was marketed as a low-cost Mac machine for those switching from the Windows platform. It does not come with a mouse and keyboard, as the idea is to let the Windows switchers use their current peripherals.

The Mac mini's basic design has gone relatively unchanged through four generations. The 2018 version continues to have a squarish aluminium unibody, which measures 19.7cm x 19.7cm and is only 3.6cm thick. Weighing just 1.3kg, it can be easily lifted and shifted around the table.

But the latest model comes in a space-grey finish, instead of the silver of the 2014 model. Personally, I prefer the space-grey look.

At its rear are four Thunderbolt 3 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, a HDMI 2.0 port, an Ethernet port and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Gone are the SD card slot and Thunderbolt 2 ports that are found in the 2014 model.

Internally, there has been a re-design, with a bigger fan and larger air vents for better cooling. It also now uses conventional system memory slots, so users can upgrade the memory. With the 2014 model, system memory cannot be upgraded as they are permanently soldered to the motherboard.

But Apple advises that users should not perform such upgrades on their own, but rather get qualified technicians to do so.

The review unit is the entry-level model, with 8GB of system memory and 128GB of solid-state drive (SSD) storage. Both specifications are pretty meagre by today's computing standard.

Not to mention, the new Mac mini only comes with the Intel UHD Graphics 630 integrated graphics processing unit, which is not exactly a powerhouse.

Nonetheless, performance is not too shabby. In the Geekbench 4 benchmark tests, the review unit scored 4,723 points (single-core) and 14,436 points (multi-core) - better than a latest MacBook Air with comparable specifications which scored 3,690 (single-core) and 7,831 (multi-core).

For daily computing tasks like web surfing, word processing, backing up your iPhone and the occasional photo editing work with apps such as Pixelmator, the Mac mini is more than adequate.

If you want use the Mac mini for serious video editing or gaming, consider getting the BlackMagic eGPU ($1,149) external graphic processing unit that features a Radeon Pro 580 graphics card with 8GB of video memory.

The only real downer of the new Mac mini is its price-to-specs ratio. While the review entry-level model costs only $1,179, a fully souped-up version with a better Intel Core i7 processor, 64GB of system memory and 2TB of SSD storage will set you back a staggering $5,819. Comparatively, you can get the top model of the21.5-inch Retina iMac (with 1TB SSD) for $4,008.

That said, if all you need is a Mac for basic daily computing, you can always customise the Mac mini with 16GB of system memory and 1TB of SSD storage at a more affordable $2,739.

Verdict: The Apple Mac mini (2018) might be a tad under-powered for its price. But if you don't have much table top space or just need a basic Mac, the Mac mini is still the best thing to get.