I already use one in my home network. I was just wondering if there was an advantage of using Snow Leopard Server over regular Snow Leopard. Your post and others I’ve read makes it sound like there really isn’t an advantage in a home network.

Hardware-wise, the server mini is essentially the same as the current mid-line mini. There are really only two differences: one hardware and one software.

The software is Snow Leopard Server vs. the regular version of Snow Leopard. I don’t generally deal on the server end (outside of very basic file sharing) so I really can’t comment with any authority. As far as I can tell from Apple’s site, it comes into play more in an office environment, where collaboration and sharing of resources is key.

Hardware-wise, the difference is, as I mentioned in the article, the use of dual internal drives, at the expense of an optical drive. In a server situation, it would be logical to assume that there is a need for more storage options. By having two internal drives, a mirrored or striped array can be set up for redundancy or speed, respectively.

If, however, you were asking why a mini instead of another form factor, the mini’s size, energy use and overall cost are generally lower than other Mac options.

But I’ll try the new wireless keyboard and mouse on these new iMacs. I can always go back to a wired keyboard and/or mouse if I don’t like them.