The Mac Mini as a Media Centre Computer

There’s been a bit of buzz about the Mac mini and how its price and size make it a good unit for a media centre computer.

I think the size is unbeatable, but it’s not exactly cheap. The 1.42 GHz version with 512MB ram, Superdrive, wireless and bluetooth adapter, 80gb hard disk and an S-Video adapter will cost over $1200 after an educational discount. I’m also not sure of what the sound output capability of the mini is – it only has an audio line out.

For $1200 you can deck out a Shuttle case (or a similar sized case) with some pretty decent components. Sure, it’ll take up to 10 times the space of a mini, but it’s still reasonably portable (and has an internal power supply) and will be a heck of a lot more powerful – gigabit ethernet, 200gb hard drive, possibly better sound output, etc. A media centre PC doesn’t need to be all that powerful, so you’d be able to create a system with similar specs to the mini for far cheaper. I guess it comes down to whether you’re willing to fork out the cash for the size and looks of the mini. It’s cheap for a Mac, but it’s still not that cheap.

Update: An Engadget How-To details a box called EyeHome, which offers S/PDIF optical audio out and even component video outs for Macs. But this will add US$200 to the price.

  11:41pm (GMT +11.00)  •  Computing  •   •  Tweet This  •  Comments (2)