Mac Mini as Media Server

Hi,

I wanted to know your opinion of using a very low end Mac Mini as a media server. The only thing I would use the machine for would be to download and play video files and watch videos on sites like Hulu and Netflix. The only applications I would use are a browser, iTunes and Quicktime, and I would have the machine hard wired to the router. Could I get away with a super cheap mini? Someone on Ebay is selling them for $170. Please let me know your opinion. Thanks. Specs are:

Processor Type: PowerPC G4
Processor Speed (per Core): 1.25 GHz
Processor Configuration:Single Core
Operating System:Mac OS X 10.5, Leopard
Memory (RAM):512 MB
Primary Drive:CD-RW/DVD Combo
Hard Drive Capacity:40 GB
Bundled Items:Network Card

I don't have a mini - take my input with a grain of salt...
The actual value of _any_ G4 computer right now is $125 or less. Don't pay $170.
I feel certain that the mini could stream one video or one song as server. But I think simultaneous download and playback of Netflix-type video may be "jerky."

No, do not purchase a PPC mini for that use. Doesn't have enough memory, CPU horsepower or GPU horsepower and many of the streaming services have already left the PPC behind.

You will not get Netflix on any PPC Mac, nor anything else that uses Silverlight.
Flash is also leaving the PPC in the dust.
No Vudu - but, you only get SD from VUDU on a computer anyway.
Amazon streaming requires a G5 1.8 Ghz minimum.
etc.


You might be able to sell that G4 for $50 next year.

Have you considered an AppleTV instead?

With, perhaps aTV Flash (black)?

Thanks for that mrplow - just ordered an ATV this morning.