I ordered the least expensive Mac Mini today. For a single cent under $500, MacMall is delivering a 1GB, 1.83GHz Core 2 Duo with 80GB drive, DVD reader, and a remote. This is the first time I have purchased a machine that was not PC compatible since the Amiga 4000. Ah, the memories...

There are several reasons I decided to make the leap now. First, I hear great things about OS X and it is kin to Linux. Second, it has a wonderfully small form factor that will fit nicely under the TV and replace my entertainment PC. Third, to create applications for the iPhone you have use a software development kit that only runs on Macs. Fourth, I am guessing my Mom would be much more amenable to switching to a Mac than a Linux box should she ever decide to switch. Fifth, I really just want a new toy to play with.

Some of my friends seem to think this a bellwether for my eventual conversion to a devoted Mac user. I am skeptical but open. We will see where things stand in a few years when it is time to upgrade my desktop system again.

In the meantime, is anyone interested in a Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H with X-Qpack2 case? It could probably use a faster processor for a main desktop system, but the system is great. It has three video output ports (HDMI, DVI, and VGA), optical audio, gigabit LAN, ESATA, Firewire, plenty of USB ports. It supports AMD processors up to Phenom X4.

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