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Oxford

You quote US prices to a person from the UK. At least get the prices right. In your currency, Mini's start at $640 (UK) $668 plus 1 (Eire).

Outside the US, do you think the Mini is still a bargain? Don't blame the British taxman-Gov, they are the same people PC hardware makers-vendors deal with.

The 256mb NECESSARY upgrade to 512mb costs £50 ($95).

So, that underpowered (by todays standard) G4 1.25 with adequate memory is going to cost me $735 (£389). Bargain.

Actually, just been through the Buy a Mini steps. I would also want 80Gb, 40Gb is just not enough when you start talking in terms of movies-music etc. I would want a DVD-CD writer. I would want an Apple keyboard and mouse.

$994 (£527)

Am I wanting too much out of an entry level base unit? My local supplier (aria.co.uk) will sell me an entry-level AMD 2.2Ghz, 512mb, 80Gb, DVD writer base unit for £287 ($541). Nearly half the price. £50 ($95) less than the basic Mini.

Then there is a question of a monitor. A new user buying their first entry-level computer would need one (isn't that the target audience?). For 2nd+ systems buyers: I doubt many of us with mid-range PC's would see anything the Mini has to offer as an upgrade. And even if you did, I mean, are you seriously going to be happy staring at your dusty 3 year old CRT, all the time knowing that Mac's look-beauty is what it's famous for. Course not. If part of the Mac experience is about stunning display, how are you going to benefit without a new crisp Mac monitor?

How much is the cheapest display? I can only find 20"+ displays for sale, starting at £68 plus 19 ($1,318). Surely they do 15-17" screens. No?

Now if the chip said G5 and it came with adequate memory the £339 would represent a fair buy.

I honestly think the entry-level 17", G5 iMac 1.6Ghz system for £899 ($1,68 plus 15) is a much better 'bargain'.