Apple Mac Mini (2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 160GB, Fall 2009)

Pros: Lowest cost way to OS X, easy setup, low power consumption, quiet, built-in "N" WiFi Bluetooth and IR. Great as a server.

Cons: As always with Apple, cost. Internal sound is lacking, unlike the new iMacs. Not so great as ones desktop computer.

Summary: I was using an old iMac for an entertainment system in front of a treadmill. It died and repair cost was greater than buying a Mac Mini so the choice was obvious. I run it from my old Apple remote and connected an old monitor and keyboard+display I had.

I've been playing with remote desktop on this system and it runs fast. I'm considering buying the server version of the Mini ($1000 for Mini with 1TB on 2 HDs, 4GB RAM, and Snow Leopard Server) to replace my existing big box Windows server machine and also replacing my long-in-the-tooth Windows XP box running as an entertainment server in the living room. I can actually see myself buying three more of these in the next year or two.

The only thing I don't see using a Mini for is a desktop computer! By the time you add the monitor, keyboard, and mouse you might as well buy an iMac and get the extra performance. But for little server systems, I don't think the Minis can be beat!

Updated on Mar 2, 2010

A month has passed and I've just ordered the Mac Mini Server. Once I get it and have it up and running I'll review that as well.