I bought a Mac Mini because I wanted a desktop computer that could run the Mac operating system, and I wanted to be able to choose my own monitor. The monitors built into the iMac and iMac Pro are nice, but they're expensive and difficult to repair, and I wanted to be able to customize my own office space a little more.
The Mac Mini excels as a desktop computer for work. It's fast, efficient, and pin-drop quiet.
The few drawbacks, to me, were in the details. Given the steep price of the new computer, I was bummed that Apple didn't include any extra cables or adapters — requiring more separate purchases — and I would've loved more ports to connect even more devices and accessories. Those details don't ultimately ruin the experience for me, though.
Is the Mac Mini the right purchase for you? It depends what you want out of a computer. If you want something that just works right out of the box, this isn't it; the Mac Mini is simply a starting point that requires you go out and complete the setup or swap in your own keyboard, mouse, and monitor setup.
You can use the Mac Mini in so many different ways: It can be a server, or an entertainment console, or a DJ booth. Maybe you'll make a traditional setup like I did, and you'll buy a monitor or two, a keyboard, and a mouse. However you might use the Mac Mini, though, it requires doing some research before your purchase, and potentially a few purchases after the fact, to make it all complete.
I do wish Apple didn't raise the price of the Mac Mini. It used to start at $499; now it starts at $799. The computer is much faster and better than it was years ago, but I don't believe that justifies the price hike. Still, I'm happy to recommend the computer for anyone looking for a customizable Mac setup, as long as you're willing to spend for it. It's an excellent computer in a gorgeous, petite package. But the devil's in the details.