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" Apparently what I do on a computer doesn't justify the cost difference."

So you bought a PC for $300. Yes, apparently you're correct in what you say above-- I have played with a few cheap PCs in the past year or so and can't imagine living with them, as they usually have lousy graphics, limited speed, a pinched-off processor and a gelded operating system. By comparison, my IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad is a workstation-class machine and cost $3200 a bit less than three years ago, more than my top-end MacBook Pro of about the same vintage, and it's barely adequate for my usage, which includes software development, constant use of virtual machines, hard-core networking and instrumentation connectivity, Firefox with 40-50 tabs open (including FR!), etc.

So yes, certainly, one's intent for a machine may or may not justify the cost difference between a really low-end machine and a premium machine like a Mac Mini.

There's one more thing, though. The first time you have a problem, I hope you enjoy the maddening script-reading of the Bangalore troll you'll be connected to after only forty minutes of listening to Ferrante & Teicher on hold. One of the things you get with your Mac is access to the aptly-named "Genius Bar" at the Apple Store. Those folks are terrific.

There's one more thing, though. The first time you have a problem, I hope you enjoy the maddening script-reading of the Bangalore troll you'll be connected to after only forty minutes of listening to Ferrante & Teicher on hold. One of the things you get with your Mac is access to the aptly-named "Genius Bar" at the Apple Store. Those folks are terrific.

I've had many PCs since '91 and have never had the occasion to call for technical support. I hope that continues. I used to consider myself quite knowledgeable eighteen years ago, but I don't even bother anymore. If it does the job, I'm good to go. My work is limited to Microsoft Office aps and a little video and audio editing.

When I had graphic artists working for me, I was far more concerned with getting them what they needed, but I have to admit that I have progressed to a state of happy ignorance on what qualifies as "good" in the computer world.

This new "ACER" that I bought seems great to me, so perhaps I'm better off spending my money on things that I really do find a quality spread in.