Don't want to hijack too much, but do you reckon the entry level Mac Mini would make a decent media center system Dan?

Looking for something to sit under the telly and watch Divx stuff, play DVD's, maybe a little browsing on occasion and be as silent as possible.

The problem you have with Acer HP etc is when/if you have a warranty problem you have to send it away to Taiwan* for 8 weeks.

If you get an ASUS, they will come to your house/work and pick it up. I have never had an ASUS repair be away longer than 2 weeks.

BTW don't get ASUS and Acer confused - they are different brands.

I wouldnt buy Acer/Dell/HP/Compaq. Stick with an ASUS/Toshiba/LG and you wont go wrong

* I dont know for a fact that this is where they go, but I know they are gone for a long time

I have a Samsung R55.. Absoultly outstanding laptop.. Its a little more dollars but it def has the quality to back it up.. Also has onsite warranty and a tech comes to you..

http://www.cybershop.net.au/Notebooks/SamsungR55.shtml

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I used to tune cars with screwdrivers.
Clutch, Brake, Accelerate.

This all depends on what kind of warranty you get. I have dealt with both HP and Dell through work and home. Never had to send them away at all. Hardware replacements were either couriered out or a technician came onsite to install.

If you're in the CBD, maybe.

Out in the boondocks, no chance.

this is true.. but worst case its a days freight to a major centre

__________________
I used to tune cars with screwdrivers.
Clutch, Brake, Accelerate.

Im out in Belmont, and the Personal one i had was a good 20 mins down the freeway... Dont know about Bunbury but!

haha sorry I ment ASUS

Damn straight it would! Thats what I have been using mine for.

I am selling mine if you are interested.

1.16Ghz, 1gb ram, superdrive, wifi, bluetooth, 80gb hdd, MacOS X Tiger and an apple mouse

Narrowed it down to these models

Asus F3JP - $1699
Asus W7J - $2100
BENQ R55V40 - $1750
NEC Versa P8210 -$1999 on special

Apple ?
and some brand starting with Q