Apple Silicon M1 Mac buying guide: 2021 iMac vs. 2020 MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro vs. Mac mini (free PDF)

Last Updated: October 12, 2026 Format: PDF

Apple announced the first set of Macs to be powered by the company’s new ARM-based M1 system-on-chip (SoC) at its ‘One More Thing’ event in 2020. The initial lineup of M1 machines were the M1 MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini. At the company’s 2021 Spring Loaded event, it unveiled a completely redesigned M1 iMac …available in seven different colors no less.

At TechRepublic, we’ve been evaluating the new M1 Macs since release to see how they compare to their Intel-based Mac counterparts and similar Windows PCs. But, should you buy one…for yourself or your business? And, which one should you choose? Find out in this free PDF download.

In the download:


  • Apple Silicon M1 Mac buying guide: 2021 iMac vs. 2020 MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro vs. Mac mini
  • Apple iMac (M1 2021)
  • Apple MacBook Air (M1 2020)
  • Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch M1 2020)
  • Apple Mac mini (M1 2020)
  • Apple M1 SoC and software compatibly…TL;DR
  • And more!

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