Best Option for me?

Hello,

I’m currently running a 2019 MacBook Air with 8GB ram. It’s feeling pretty dated. I picked up a Mac Mini M4 a few weeks back and it was awesome I just can’t really get into my main computer being stuck in place. My use case would include personal projects, schoolwork, entertainment. I don’t plan on using intensive apps mostly just Microsoft office equivalent programs. I could see myself trying gaming on it but not usually it often. Should I buy an m3 with 16gb from Apple or is there a more cost effective option. New or Used is okay.