Carlo_M
Senior HTF Member
- Joined
- Oct 31, 1997
- Messages
- 13,392
Since Expo came and went with MB Air beig the main hardware enhancement and AppleTV only getting a software bump, but no hardware change, I realized that what I'm really jonesing for is something between a Mac Mini and an AppleTV.
Here's what I want to do: have a server for all of my music (over 50GB in AAC320, but I'd be interested in ripping them with ALAC which would triple the size) and maybe some movies (mostly home-made movies as I buy DVDs/BDs and have no interest in the pseudo-hi-def that AppleTV offers).
On the surface it seems like either AppleTV or a Mac Mini should suffice. Here's where each falls short in what I want:
AppleTV lacks:
1. External HD compatibility, without having to hack it.
2. true 1920x1080 support (even if downloaded Apple content maxes out at 720p).
3. Keyboard/Mouse support to make menu navigation and reorganization of files easier.
Mac Mini lacks:
1. HDMI output (yes I know I can do a DVI-HDMI cable)
2. Optical audio output (so I can go all digital and get 5.1 support to my receiver)
3. More refined Front Row - there are options available on the AppleTV Front Row that aren't in the Mac Mini Front Row.
I don't really care which way Apple chooses to go, and money's not too much of an object in either case. I'm willing to pay $600-$800 for the Mini since it also doubles as a computer.
So Steve, here's a willing customer, just give me what I want and you can have my money!
Here's what I want to do: have a server for all of my music (over 50GB in AAC320, but I'd be interested in ripping them with ALAC which would triple the size) and maybe some movies (mostly home-made movies as I buy DVDs/BDs and have no interest in the pseudo-hi-def that AppleTV offers).
On the surface it seems like either AppleTV or a Mac Mini should suffice. Here's where each falls short in what I want:
AppleTV lacks:
1. External HD compatibility, without having to hack it.
2. true 1920x1080 support (even if downloaded Apple content maxes out at 720p).
3. Keyboard/Mouse support to make menu navigation and reorganization of files easier.
Mac Mini lacks:
1. HDMI output (yes I know I can do a DVI-HDMI cable)
2. Optical audio output (so I can go all digital and get 5.1 support to my receiver)
3. More refined Front Row - there are options available on the AppleTV Front Row that aren't in the Mac Mini Front Row.
I don't really care which way Apple chooses to go, and money's not too much of an object in either case. I'm willing to pay $600-$800 for the Mini since it also doubles as a computer.
So Steve, here's a willing customer, just give me what I want and you can have my money!