Mac Mini vs. small-form-factor media centers

One of the many things we loved about the Intel-based Core Duo Mac Mini was that it made a great small-footprint living-room PC. Sure, the quality of the video output wasn't optimal, but the user-friendly Front Row software and the Mini's ability to easily stream content from other systems on your network (even Windows machines) made it a tempting choice--certainly more tempting than sticking a standard, gray midtower case under the TV.

That got us thinking: what other options are there for small-form-factor living-room PCs? Sure, Shuttle makes a variety of pocket-size systems, but even the smallest of those would stick out like a sore thumb in a minimalist design environment.

One of your current options is the Blueado Mini m5e. It's about the size of two Mac Minis stacked end to end. We like the custom software and multiple-choice video output dongle (including component video), but the lack of a DVI output could be a deal breaker for some.

Another way to go is HP's Slimline series. These PCs are about the size of a large hardcover book and discreet-looking enough that only the most technophobic households would object to its presence in the media cabinet. The latest model, the HP Pavilion s7320n Slimline, is underpowered and virtually impossible to upgrade, but for basic media management tasks, it can be an attractive, reasonably priced choice--if the VGA-only output meets your needs.