Which mini makes sense?

[onomike]

I currently have my iTunes library on a NAS that I access through a Macbook pro to play music through my ATV2 & home theater system. It works fine but I prefer to not have to turn on my laptop to listen to music. I'm considering buying a mini to connect via HDMI to my receiver and just keep it open to the iTunes library. If I get energetic I may also start copying movies onto the mini as well.

I'm looking at picking up either the 2010 server (refurb) with snow leopard or the 2011 2.5GHz. The older server is interesting because of the faster hard drives, not really for the storage space. Will that matter for what I want to do? Is it better to keep the library on the NAS or to move it to the mini (storage space aside)?

Also, has anyone had experience using the Rii mini keyboard? If it works, seems like a good way to keep the wife happy by not having a keyboard in the den. A link to its Amazon page is below.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.


http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Keyboard-Built--TouchPad-Pointer/dp/B003UE52ME/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320363127&sr=8-1

 

[mdgm]

I would go with the newer model. If you want to you can replace the internal hard disk and even add another one (e.g. using http://www.ifixit.com/Apple-Parts/Mac-Mini-Dual-Hard-Drive-Kit/IF171-005). A low capacity SSD for a boot/apps disk and a high capacity mechanical hard drive would be a nice combo in my opinion.

Best to store the iTunes library on the Mini and backup the library to the NAS.

 

[scenemissing]

I would also go with the newer model. The Core i5 was a significant jump from the Core 2 Duo.

 

[onomike]

Thanks! Unanimous so far!

No one has experience with the Rii remote?

Aloha,
Mike

 

[onomike]

Never mind on the Rii. Just found some iPad apps that should fit the bill nicely.

 

[fa8362]

If that's all you're doing, a mid 2009 Mini will handle it.

 

[mac jones]

think the new base i5 is a good deal. Just buy 4GB for about $35 extra.

I just bought a base model for $530 shipped. Pretty cheap if you already have the keyboard, mouse and LCD (which of course, many of us do )

I have a 27" CD so it's a no-brainer .

For the average person, and even the low end enthusiast, the 2.3ghz i5 is completely adequate .