I have a 2011 mac mini that is being used as a file/media/misc apps server right now. I’ve also got a 2020 m1 mba (personal) and a xps 15 (from work) and while the xps is more powerful, it does not feel as nice as the mba (no noise, feels solid). I’m not at all happy with apple’s restrictions, but they build nice tools. When i want something to tinker with, I choose something else.