Apple Mac mini M9687LL/A (G4 1.42 GHz, 256 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive)

For years folks have complained Macs are too expensive. Apple now can say, "BULL". While cost-of-ownership, for the long haul, has always favored Macs, the average consumer didn't always see it that way. The Mac Mini comes in two sizes (1.25 GHz & 1.42 GHz). I'd recommend the higher-end model, because it has an 80 GB hard drive (as opposed to 40 GB in the 1.25 model.) You will need to purchase a mouse, a keyboard and a monitor. Apple, of course, recommends Apple products, but if you are being frugal, any Mac-compatible USB mouse & keyboard will work.

As for a monitor, there are a large number of choices (but don't go up to the 30", extra-wide varieties. There isn't enough video power to drive the behemoths.) The Mac itself is only 6.5" square and 2" high. Not a large footprint, yet this Mac can compete with PCs at twice the GHz rating.



Link: Buy the Mac mini