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The CPU doesn't limit the speed, but firewire is faster because it has specialized hardware for it. I don't know the technical details but real-world performance proves me right. I think the problem is that doing it on CPU takes longer than doing it on specialized hardware, no matter how fast your CPU is.

This isn't much more informative, but at least backs me up.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firewire#Comparison_to_USB
Here's another link: http://www.cwol.com/firewire/firewire-vs-usb.htm

USB-PS/2 adapter and PS/2-AT adapter and I can still use my favorite AT keyboard on my Mac mini until it wears out.

The biggest problem with the Mac mini hardware-wise is the lack of a video card slot and the over-aggressive styling that required them to compromise on power for the sake of cooling.

For SCSI, there's things like this. Unfortunately you'd still need to boot to something other than OS X because Apple doesn't provide a UNIX tape device... there's no /dev/rmt0 or equivalent. Even on the server version.

So I stick with Mac on the desktop and FreeBSD in the server.

This: http://www.cwol.com/keyboards/sk7100.htm is a pretty decent combo keyboard mouse. Change it to use radio/blue tooth/wireless usb would be tons better. I mean, what were they thinking anyway?

FireWire - 400Mb/s
USB 2.0 - 480Mb/s
I guess this means FireWire is really really slow.

The technologies are completely different. In real-world usage, FireWire is significantly faster than USB 2.0.

- Dominic

Sounds like someone's got a bit of a case of sour grapes this morning! The reason this IS news is because this happens to be the next-big-thing. That's not to say its a brand new idea, just that we've been using PC's long enough in the DEN to do this sort of thing and its starting to occur to more and more of us that this would be perfect for the entertainment center! Wow! (ok, maybe your right its not revolutionary, but its current and I like seeing the different solutions to a reasonably new problem).

A keyboard and mouse? This is the main stumbling block. A true MediaPC needs to be controlled through a simple interface with a remote control.

Hmmm, "A true MediaPC". I'd have to disagree with you there too. You see, I've built one of these silly things. Using a remote is probably the best thing some of the time, but you'd never really be able to take advantage of EVERYTHING if you limited yourself to just one particular input device. I've found a better answer, this wireless keyboard/mouse combo. It works great and feels like it was built for the project.

Anyhow, most of your suggestions are pretty good, so I'll drop my little diatribe.. ;-)

Real nerds should have most of the parts lying around! (jk)

$54 Geforce 4 mx
$29 5.1 Sound
$99 Clear pc case
$50 Cordless keyboard with built in mouse
$99 120 Gig hard drive
$219 DVD Burner
$43 512 Meg memory
$137 1800 XP AMD / Soyo Dragon MB combo
$25 Zalman cpu cooler
$69 Zalman quiet power supply
$74 +/- Various Case Lighting
$16 Fan controller (slow down!)
$0 OS
$0 Multimedia software

$914!

Coolness factor..priceless.

Plus, on the bright side after your wife/lover/puppy figures out how much this all cost you can remind them that its totally upgradable! Plus you can install next years features an 1/3 the cost (intead of throwing it away)!

Anyway here's a pic if you like to drool over pics of keyboards (the page itself is not so informative unless you speak Japanese). You can probably still buy these things used on ebay... if you use a Mac and have an ADB input (I don't think they have them on the newest ones but I'm not sure) that you don't mind using your keyboard in, pick one up!! This keyboard rules over all others.... I'm so obsessed with this keyboard that I'm considering getting a USB to ADB adapter so I can plug it into my tibook.

Keyboards do matter.