Why are minis so popular?

[davester]

I think the iMac has more bang for the buck if you're looking for a complete computer. However, the mini is incredibly versatile. I'm using mine as an HTPC and a home media and backup server, and will probably run a long monitor cable to an adjacent office room and use it as my regular PC also. All the other computers in our house are wireless laptops so it's nice to have one stationary "always on" server. From an HTPC standpoint the mini is way better than my ReplayTV which previously couldn't be beat by anything except HD TiVo.