I’ve been thinking about getting an HTPC lately. Pretty hard, actually.
I don’t have a “normal” PC anymore, any don’t think I intend on getting one. I have a 15" macbook pro (from a few generations back, that may or may not have lost a few fights with the floor…) that I’ve been using, but even that doesn’t get used much anymore, except to type long posts and sync my iPad/iPhone. I’ve noticed for casual browsing and light posting, my iPad has entirely replaced my MacBook.
So, here’s what I’m thinking: I’ll buy a Mac Mini (we got one for my dad, recently, and he likes his well enough, the small form factor and the fact it’s entirely silent are quickly convincing me – along with an HDMI port and zero config) and use it. Sure, it’s 699, but it’s going to function as an HTPC (by the way, that’s Home Theater PC if anyone doesn’t know…) and office computer. I work from home, so while I don’t need a new computer, I can write it off as a work expense since I will be using it for work (a little).
I have a 40 something inch (or fifty something inch? I donno anymore) Plasma TV with a single spare HDMI port in my living room. I figure I’ll get that, a bluetooth mouse/keyboard (maybe a trackball keyboard), and that’ll solve my problems. I can also use the bluetooth keyboard with my iPad, when I travel.
I might also install Star Trek Online on the Mac Mini, and do some ridiculously light gaming. I wont be playing anything really graphics intensive (I’m looking at you, NextGenBadAssGame!), as most of my games end up getting purchased for the 360. Although I probably will install civilization (4?), since the optical drive on my Macbook crapped out (due to the fights with the floor that it may or may not have had).
So, here’s my question… what do you think? Would you do something similar? Or is there a substitute HTPC that would work better? I’m not tied to apple, I’m just too lazy for linux and not so fond of windows, but if there’s a comparable system that’s produced and uses windows, or has a very easy linux set-up/maint routine I’d be willing to consider those. It would just have to be extremely quiet.
Also, is there a way to migrate all 12 or so gigs of my music to the mac mini, including apps I’ve got for the iPhone/iPad? And/or a way to sync them to both a Mac Mini and a Macbook pro without having to wipe/sync each time? That way, I could sync to my laptop when travelling, but to my mac mini when at home?