4 Apple Devices That Are Underrated and Underpriced, According to Tech Experts
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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When people think Apple, they usually think high prices. Apple has earned that reputation for a good reason. The latest iPhones and Macbooks don’t necessarily carry budget-friendly prices.
But Apple doesn’t always have to cost a fortune. Their lineup is extensive, with many other devices you might not have considered. Some of these don’t get the spotlight they deserve, even though they’ll give you incredible value for their price.
Mac mini
- Price: From $599
The Mac mini is one of Apple’s most under-appreciated devices. Anyone who needs a desktop Mac without the high price of an iMac or MacBook. Don’t let the size fool you. The Mac mini product lineup was recently refreshed with Apple’s most powerful M4 chips.
“The Mac mini is perfect for small office spaces and offers fantastic value,” explained John Jackson, tech entrepreneur and founder of Hitprobe. “It’s much more affordable than other Mac computers and has all the functionality you’d expect from a Mac but with the advantage of not taking up much space and giving you the option to just connect it with your existing monitors and keyboards.”
The latest Mac mini starts at less than half the cost of an iMac. Previous generation models are even more affordable. And if you already have a monitor, keyboard and mouse you’ll save even more.
iPad mini
- Price: From $499
The iPad mini is often overshadowed by the larger iPad Air and iPad Pro, but it’s a great little device in its own right. It’s compact, lightweight and powerful. It’s perfect if you want a tablet that’s easy to carry around.
“It does not have the larger screen its siblings have, but that makes it compact and very easy to carry around,” said Roy Benesh, chief technology officer (CTO) and co-founder of eSIMple. “It is powerful enough for gaming and productivity tasks and for people who want the gem that is portable, it is something they will cherish.”
Sometimes it seems like even Apple forgets about the iPad mini, since they tend to go multiple years between releasing updated models. But the latest, released in October 2024, has the A17 Pro chip. That’s the same as in the iPhone 15 Pro, which means it’s a great time to buy a device that’s powerful enough to stay relevant for years to come.
AirTag
- Price: $99 (four pack)
Apple’s AirTag might seem like a frivolous thing to buy. But when you misplace your keys or lose your luggage, you’ll be thankful you used one.
“For their price, getting a few Apple AirTags to attach to your portable devices is a no-brainer,” Jackson said. “They’re great for personal items but also a good way for a small business to keep track of any devices they might be loaning out to employees. Just attach the tag and then you can locate exactly where it is at any time on the Find My app.”
An AirTag is so precise, it can help you pinpoint the exact location of your lost item, even guiding you with on-screen directions. The battery lasts about a year and is replaceable. It’s worth the relatively low price and you can save by buying a four-pack and make sure you and your family can have one wherever you need it.
Magic Trackpad
- Price: $129
Most people at a desktop use a mouse. But if you like using a trackpad to scroll, zoom or other gestures, the Magic Trackpad might be the perfect addition to your desktop. If you’ve used a MacBook, it’s the same trackpad in a standalone device.
“The wireless magic trackpad is an Apple accessory that seems seriously underrated and rarely seems to get mentioned,” Jackson explained. “Replacing your mouse with a Magic Trackpad gives you all the speed and functionality of using Apple gestures in a comfortable way. Essentially, it’s a larger version of the built-in touch pads on Macbooks, but the flexibility of being able to place it wherever suits your desk setup and the larger surface make it well worth the relatively small price tag for a daily use device.”
The Magic Trackpad is wireless and rechargeable — and you’ll go weeks between charging it. It’s not essential, but if you’re the right person, you’ll find it’s a small, powerful tool that you’ll be glad to have.
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