I've played with Ubuntu a couple of times. I'd love to control the Mini through my netbook. That would be a nice option. Thanks.
Now that this all seems viable again, I'm concerned about the sound quality of the Mini. I guess I'll never know until I try it. I've got some real thinking to do this weekend...
According to MAcRumors a new MacMini should be on the way in next month or two. I am waiting for that myself. Perhaps you should wait for it?
I have never heard one but I borrowed a Macbook with 8G Ram running Audirvana. USB to EE DAC+ to amp. I am so happy with it, I will rarely ever touch a CD again.
From all the threads I've read the MAcmini betters or at least equals the Macbook pro.
I will miss having the laptop screen instead of having to turn on TV each time I need to operate the MAcMini though- eg loading files, adjusting settings etc. SO at some point may buy a small screen for the MacMini, but not much room on the shelf.
Plus side is I find the Remote app on Ipad pretty great way of navigating through the music collection and playing.
I really can't wait to get the new Macmini and then buy the additional RAM for about $50. I've got a standard USB cable. Everything sounds good. I don't know how much difference USB cables make.
Tom