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Base Model $599 Mac Mini Completely Sold Out Now

The persistent supply chain challenges are greatly affecting potential Apple consumers aiming to buy new Macs, especially the M4 Mac mini. Currently, the base model priced at $599, which features 256 GB of storage, is entirely out of stock at the Apple Store, tagged as “currently unavailable” for delivery. This predicament applies to all M4 Mac mini models with 256 GB storage, irrespective of their RAM specifications. Third-party vendors are also struggling, with Amazon presently only providing M4 Pro Mac minis.

The situation regarding Mac desktops has been worsening week after week. Reports from early April pointed out that Mac mini models with 32 GB and 64 GB RAM configurations were no longer up for sale. Now, the base model with 256 GB storage has similarly disappeared from Apple’s inventory. Other models aren’t much better off either; the Apple Store is indicating wait times of six weeks for the 512 GB M4 Mac mini, which is the shortest delay currently available. Numerous other configurations are encountering shipping estimates of nine to ten weeks or more, if they are in stock at all.

The main factor behind this shortage seems to be Apple’s reaction to significant shortages of memory and storage components throughout the industry. The company appears to be favoring supply for its MacBook series over the less frequently purchased desktop Macs. Additionally, demand for Mac minis has likely surged due to the recent excitement surrounding personal AI technologies.

Traditionally, reduced availability can indicate an approaching hardware refresh. Speculation is increasing that an M5 Mac mini update may be forthcoming. However, similar speculation regarding the Mac Studio, which is also encountering stock limitations, implies that the expected M5 Mac Studio refresh might not materialize until October, according to reports from Bloomberg.

In conclusion, prospective purchasers of the M4 Mac mini are confronting significant obstacles due to supply chain challenges, with restricted availability and prolonged wait times for various models. As Apple manages these shortages, the future of the Mac mini range remains ambiguous, with aspirations for a hardware refresh hanging in the balance.

Fusion Power: Not Just Sci-Fi Anymore—Meet the Investors Behind the $5 Billion Bet

Fusion energy has been “20 years away” for decades, but has the science finally caught up? Private investment in fusion companies surged from $10 billion to $15 billion in just months, and the money is coming from places you wouldn’t expect.  Watch as Rebecca Bellan and guest host Tim De Chant sit down with Rachel Slaybaugh, general partner at DCVC on this episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast. The trio breaks […]

Crucial Security Aspect to Verify Prior to Acquiring a New Router

Before Purchasing A New Router, Verify This Security Option First

No Wi-Fi router is permanent. Even if your current device operates consistently now, you’ll ultimately need to transition to a new router to maintain peak performance. Assessing specific features during your replacement selection can assist you in locating the ideal model for your requirements. For example, if safety is essential for you, seek out a router that includes the functionality to establish a guest Wi-Fi network.

A guest network is precisely what it implies: a distinct network for visitors to use in your residence without connecting to your primary network (which would necessitate sharing your password). If a router includes this capability, the same device that delivers your standard Wi-Fi network can provide this network for guests. Opting for a router with this feature not only enhances security but can also restrict the amount of your network’s bandwidth a guest consumes. While most routers typically include this capability nowadays, it remains prudent to verify that a specific model possesses it before committing your funds. Speaking of this, it’s also important to recognize that a high-quality router doesn’t necessarily need to be as expensive as you might assume.

Guest network capability is essential

You may casually share your Wi-Fi password with a visitor in your home. Unfortunately, doing this could jeopardize your privacy and the security of your devices. Once someone gains access to your home network, they may theoretically have the ability to reach any device connected to the Wi-Fi network.

This is not a concern with a guest network. A router that enables you to set up a guest network allows you to provide Wi-Fi access to guests without permitting them to access your computers, smart devices, and any other gadgets linked to your main network. Considering that those asking for Wi-Fi at your home might not be solely friends and family but could also include unfamiliar individuals (like service personnel), the significance of this feature becomes evident.

Establishing a guest network can also protect against potential issues that might arise even if the individual using your Wi-Fi has no intention of stealing your data or information. For instance, a guest’s device might be compromised with malware. That malware could potentially infect your devices if they were granted access to your primary Wi-Fi network. A separate guest network creates a barrier that averts this possibility. Furthermore, with a router providing guest network capabilities, it is often feasible to limit the bandwidth users can utilize via your guest network. This enables you to offer internet access without worrying about others’ activity exhausting your bandwidth. Such a function could be particularly advantageous during large events.

Various routers provide varying guest network security

The preceding points outline just a few of the benefits a router with guest network features may present. A guest network can also be perfect if you rent out your home or property as an Airbnb, allowing you to create a distinct network for your guests. A guest network can also facilitate the separation of particular devices from the main network. You may wish to do this if you are concerned about risks posed by smart devices that might not receive regular automatic security updates.

That being said, when considering router choices, it is crucial to recognize that not all so-called guest networks are identical. Some do not genuinely establish separate networks. Instead, they utilize software to limit how specific devices can interact with the network while still essentially granting those devices access to a portion of the main network. Look for a router that enables you to establish a guest network on its own VLAN. This facilitates genuine separation, as if the devices on the guest network were connecting to a separate network through distinct hardware.

Be mindful that the router your ISP provides may not include this feature. This is one of several justifications for contemplating a router other than the one your ISP offers. By investing the time to investigate your options and emphasizing guest network features, you’ll have a better chance of making a wise and secure investment.

Contrasting Face ID and Fingerprint: Assessing Mobile Security Alternatives

value-rich Apple iPhone 17 or Huawei Mate 80 Pro. Android devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, featuring its impressive functionalities, employ 2D facial recognition. This method is less secure as it depends on flat image patterns rather than depth, making it vulnerable to being deceived by a photograph. Nevertheless, if you prioritize reliability and privacy, fingerprints might be the preferred choice for your security needs.

Face ID offers superior security compared to fingerprints

OpenAI Enables Teams to Create Independent Custom Bots

OpenAI is giving users of its Business, Enterprise, Edu, and Teachers plans access to cloud-based “workspace” agents available in ChatGPT that can perform business tasks. In its blog post, OpenAI gives examples of agents like one that finds product feedback on the web and sends a report in Slack and a sales agent that can […]

Elizabeth Warren Warns: AI Failure Might Trigger Next Financial Crisis

“I know a bubble when I see one.” That’s what Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), who led the push to create a new consumer financial regulator in the wake of the 2008 recession, told a crowd at a Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator event in Washington, DC on Wednesday. Warren warned of what she called “striking” parallels to […]

Tesla’s Revenue Increases as It Prepares for More AI and Robotics

Tesla released its 2026 first-quarter financial earnings today, providing another look at the progress of Elon Musk’s $1 trillion bet to transform his company into a leader of AI and robotics. Tesla said it earned $477 million in net income on $22.4 billion in revenue in the quarter that ended in April 2026. That’s a […]