Apple Mac Mini (2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 320GB, Winter 2009)

Pros: Ultra small form factor, low noise (inaudible), low energy consumption, fantastic OS.

Cons: No HDMI out (must use adapter), no blu-ray option

Summary: Comparing a Mac Mini to a Gateway LX6810-01 is like comparing a sub-compact car to a van. Both vehicles will get you where you want to go, but they are drastically different in terms of target audience.

I like the Mac Mini because it works incredibly well as a Home Theater PC (HTPC). It takes up very little space, emits no noise, generates very little heat, and is easily accessible via remote control. I can promise you from experience that it quickly becomes annoying having a tower computer sitting next to your TV because of noise.

I have found only one other computer that has a similar form factor and it is the Shuttle X2700. Shuttle has long been the king in small form factor computers in my opinion and I have built three or four computers using their cases. The X2700 simply doesn't have the processing power or graphics power that the Mac Mini has though. I also considered the Dell Studio Hybrid that the review also mentioned, but the price ended up being about the same as the Mac Mini (Dell was ~$70 cheaper) WHEN comparing similar processors and memory.