Mac mini M6 review: truly mighty but now more pricey
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EN: The present perfect tense ('has released') is formed with 'have/has + past participle'. In news and announcements, it is commonly used to report recent events or achievements that have current relevance.
The company has launched a new smartphone this morning.
EN: An appositive noun phrase ('the Mac mini') is placed immediately after another noun phrase ('its smallest desktop computer') to rename or provide clarifying detail about it, typically set off by a comma.
We visited Tokyo, the capital of Japan.
EN: The Mac mini, first introduced by Apple in 2005, is distinct within the Mac lineup as a 'BYODKM' (Bring Your Own Display, Keyboard, and Mouse) compact desktop, making it Apple's entry-level macOS desktop product.
EN: Non-defining relative clause with 'which': introduced after a comma to provide extra, non-essential information about the preceding noun phrase ('Apple's latest M6 processor chip').
The laptop features an OLED screen, which provides vibrant colors.
EN: Correlative conjunction 'both... and...': connects two parallel grammatical structures (here, the noun phrases 'everyday tasks' and 'professional work') to emphasize that two conditions apply equally.
This software is suitable for both beginners and experienced designers.
EN: In consumer tech reporting, 'everyday tasks' typically refers to web browsing, document editing, and media consumption, while 'professional work' implies resource-intensive activities such as 4K/8K video editing, 3D rendering, and software compilation.
EN: The present perfect tense ('has increased') is used here to describe an action that happened at an unspecified time in the past and has a clear result or relevance to the present moment.
The company has updated its refund policy this year.
EN: 'Compared to' is a participial phrase used to draw a contrast or comparison between two things (here, the new price versus the previous model).
Sales grew by 15% compared to the previous quarter.
EN: In consumer tech reporting, 'price point' is frequently preferred over simply 'price' when discussing market positioning or tiering within a product lineup.
EN: Non-restrictive relative clause: The clause ', which is 300 pounds more...' provides extra, non-essential information about the preceding clause or noun phrase ('899 pounds'). It is separated by a comma and introduced by 'which'.
He bought a new phone for 600 dollars, which was much cheaper than expected.
EN: Comparative quantifier structure: '[amount] more than [noun]' expresses the exact numerical difference between two compared items.
This laptop is 200 dollars more than the older model.
EN: Prices in the UK are quoted in 'pounds' (GBP) and typically include VAT (value-added tax) by law, unlike in the US where sales tax is added at checkout. This makes UK consumer tech prices appear significantly higher at first glance.
EN: The passive voice in past tense ('was/were + past participle') is used here with 'by' to focus on the result (this increase) rather than the cause, while still identifying the agent or cause ('rising memory costs').
The delay was caused by severe weather conditions.
EN: The present participle 'rising' functions as an adjective (participial adjective) to describe the ongoing or continuous increase in 'memory costs'.
Companies are struggling with rising energy prices.
EN: In technology journalism, hardware price changes are commonly attributed directly to supply-chain fluctuations like component costs (e.g., DRAM, NAND flash memory). Passive constructions like 'was caused by' are standard in business news to present factual analysis objectively.
EN: The conjunction 'because' introduces a dependent adverbial clause of cause/reason ('Because memory chips have become more expensive'). When the subordinate clause comes before the main clause, a comma is placed between them.
Because the weather was bad, the flight was delayed.
EN: The present perfect passive form ('have been affected') combines 'have/has been' with a past participle (V-ed). It expresses an action that has happened to the subject, linking a past event to its ongoing relevance or result in the present.
Several local businesses have been affected by the new tax policy.
EN: In technology hardware reporting, 'specifications' (often informally shortened to 'specs') refers to technical details such as RAM, processor speed, and storage capacity. Consumer tech markets frequently see price fluctuations driven by global supply chain costs, particularly memory and semiconductor shortages.
EN: A relative clause introduced by 'that' modifies the noun phrase 'the same compact design'. In this clause, 'that' acts as the direct object of the transitive verb 'introduced'.
This phone features the sleek frame that the company developed last year.
EN: The phrase 'the same ... that/as' is used to show identity or similarity. Here, 'keeps the same [noun]' means to retain an unchanged characteristic over successive product generations.
The new laptop keeps the same lightweight body that users loved.
EN: In tech industry reporting, companies often alternate between 'chassis redesigns' and internal specification bumps. The term 'keeps the design' signals to consumers that accessories and physical form factors remain compatible with prior generations.
EN: The linking verb 'measure' can describe dimensions or size without using a passive voice. When stating dimensions, adverbs/adjectives like 'square' (describing equal width and length) and 'thick' (describing depth) follow the unit of measurement.
The small wooden box measures 20 centimetres long and 10 centimetres wide.
EN: The comparative structure 'comparative adjective + than' ('smaller than...') is used to compare two things. Here, 'so' acts as a coordinating conjunction introducing a clause of result.
The new battery is much lighter, so the phone is easier to carry than the old model.
EN: Tech journalists and reviewers often compare the dimensions of compact hardware to familiar everyday consumer items (like a headphones box or a deck of cards) to help consumers instantly visualize its miniature scale without needing a ruler.
EN: The structure '[adjective] + enough + to-infinitive' indicates that someone or something has sufficient quality to achieve a particular result. Here, 'light enough to be mounted' means sufficiently light so that it can be installed, using the passive infinitive 'to be mounted'.
This projector is small enough to fit inside a backpack.
EN: A non-defining relative clause introduced by ', which' can refer back to the entire preceding clause rather than a single noun. Here, 'which turns any screen into something like an iMac' describes the result of mounting the computer behind the monitor.
He decided to work from home on Fridays, which gave him more time with his family.
EN: The iMac is Apple's iconic all-in-one (AIO) desktop computer where the processor and components are built directly into the display. Mounting a compact desktop like the Mac mini behind a standalone monitor creates a functionally similar setup without buying an integrated all-in-one system.
EN: Prepositional phrases indicating place (e.g., 'On the back of the machine') can be placed at the very beginning of a sentence as a fronted adverbial. This sets the physical context or location before introducing the main subject and action.
On the front panel, you will see a power button and two ports.
EN: When listing three or more noun phrases as compound direct objects, items are separated by commas, with the coordinating conjunction 'and' placed before the final element (often preceded by an Oxford comma).
The package includes a charging cable, an adapter, and a user manual.
EN: Notice the use of the indefinite article 'an' before 'HDMI' (an HDMI port). In English, 'a' versus 'an' is determined by the initial sound of the word when pronounced, not the letter itself. The letter 'H' in 'HDMI' is pronounced /eɪtʃ/, which begins with a vowel sound.
EN: The 'There + be' structure is an existential clause used to declare the presence or absence of something. When negated with 'no' followed by a plural noun (e.g., 'no traditional USB-A ports'), it emphasizes complete absence.
There are no empty seats in the conference room.
EN: The passive voice with a modal verb ('modal + be + past participle', here 'can be purchased') focuses on the action and the receiver rather than who performs it, commonly used in technical or formal contexts.
Tickets can be booked online in advance.
EN: The transition from USB-A (the rectangular plug used for decades) to modern USB-C and Thunderbolt standards has been a common source of consumer debate. Apple has frequently spearheaded the removal of legacy ports in pursuit of thinner and more compact hardware designs, often creating a secondary market for 'dongles' (adapters).
EN: The sentence uses a reporting verb ('noted') followed by a noun clause introduced by 'that'. The clause functions as the direct object of the verb 'noted'. Notice that 'remains' is in the present tense because it describes a continuing general fact or current status.
The report indicated that the new model has better battery life.
EN: The linking verb 'remains' is followed by a predicate noun phrase containing a superlative adjective: 'the cheapest Apple computer'. Superlative adjectives (like 'cheapest') are typically preceded by the definite article 'the' to identify the unique item at the extreme of a comparison.
This tablet is the cheapest device available on the market.
EN: Apple's transition to its proprietary 'M-series' Apple Silicon chips began in late 2020. In the tech community, computers featuring these chips are often categorized separately from older Intel-based Macs due to notable leaps in power efficiency and integrated performance. Highlighting that a model is the 'cheapest' M-series machine is a common buying criterion for cost-conscious consumers entering the modern Mac ecosystem.
EN: Reported speech using a 'that-clause': The verb 'said' takes a noun clause introduced by the conjunction 'that' acting as the direct object. Note that 'is' is used instead of the past tense 'was' because the statement represents an ongoing general truth or an enduring characteristic of the machine.
The engineer confirmed that the new battery lasts longer than the previous model.
EN: Preposition 'for' expressing concession/comparison standard: 'For' can mean 'considering the nature of' or 'in comparison to'. Here, 'for such a small machine' means 'considering how small the machine is'.
He plays tennis quite well for a beginner.
EN: In tech journalism, reviewers frequently evaluate hardware based on performance-per-size or power efficiency. Devices with desktop-grade processors in mini form factors (like the Mac mini) are judged primarily on whether their thermal and physical constraints limit chip performance.
EN: A noun clause introduced by 'that' functions as the direct object of reporting verbs like 'comment', 'say', or 'think'. Inside this clause, 'may' is a modal auxiliary verb expressing possibility.
The analyst suggested that the new policy may benefit small businesses.
EN: The relative pronoun 'who' introduces a defining relative clause ('who are looking for a budget option') modifying the antecedent noun 'buyers'.
We need to support students who are struggling with online learning.
EN: In consumer tech reporting, 'budget option' refers to entry-level devices that provide essential features at the lowest possible cost. For years, Apple's Mac mini served as the most affordable entry point into macOS, so price hikes directly impact cost-conscious consumers and students.
EN: "Despite" is a preposition meaning "without being affected by" or "in spite of". It is followed by a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase (e.g., "the increased cost"), never directly by a full subject-verb clause.
Despite the heavy rain, they decided to go hiking.
EN: The passive structure "be expected to + verb" is used to report a general prediction, expectation, or belief about a future event or current state without specifying exactly who expects it.
The new smartphone is expected to launch next month.
EN: In technology journalism, the abbreviation "specs" is frequently used instead of "specifications". Hardware products are commonly evaluated by comparing price-to-performance ratio, where a higher price point can provoke consumer resistance unless justified by upgraded internals or smaller form factors.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
The chosen retail price of a product, especially in relation to competitors or market expectations
When considered in relation to someone or something else
An inexpensive choice suitable for people with limited money to spend
A high-speed hardware interface used to connect external peripherals to a computer