Mac mini or alternatives?

[Overdose]

I'm thinking about getting rid of my rather large and obtrusive Pc and replacing it with something more compact.

I very much like the look of the 'mini' and would like something that I could possibly control remotely and would be compatible with FLAC files.

 

[shooter]

A MM can do all that!

http://www.macworld.com/article/142096/2009/08/play_wmaoggflac_itunes.html

 

[oldric_naubhoff]

also Tranquil PC ixLS is small, silent (fanless cooling), has remote control and plays FLAC (runs on Windows).

http://www.tranquilpcshop.co.uk/categories/Media-Centres/?sort=priceasc

 

[daveh75]

Unless you're after the 'Mac Experience' i wouldn't bother with an MM.

Buy yourself an inexspensive/moderately specced nettop, and stick Ubuntu/XBMC on, it will do all you need for a lot less and the UI makes Front Row look rather dated IMO.

 

[Overdose]

I'll try XBMC on my Ubuntu netbook right now.

 

[scene]

XBMC is a great product and provides a really good media-PC interface on your TV.

As for the original question, I'd also have a look at the new version of the Dell Zino HD, which gives you an in-built BD ROM, HD sound and 1080P HDMI and, in my experience, is pretty quiet, all in a similar form factor to the Mac Mini.

 

[Overdose]

A solution has been found.

ASRock ION 3D Blu Ray.

Many thanks for your responses.