The shop where I perform something like gainful employment needed a Mac for usability testing so they got a mini. The tech guy there is a big fan of white box PCs, and considers Apple hardware too expensive — first thing out of his mouth. Oh, like many, he’ll say good things about the user experience, the quiet fans, and well-designed components, but doesn’t consider that worth paying for.
So I wondered if there was a similar system to a mini, all the same ports and accessories, same form factor, and same or better price. Intel floated a concept system that got a lot of press, but I don’t see a mass-produced system that matches those specs.
Is there such a thing? And if not, how is “product A” too expensive if there is no “product B” to compare to it?
And this was an interesting comment:
Intel shows off concept for Mac mini knock-off – Engadget – www.engadget.com.:
If it wasn’t for companies like Apple, there would be NO innovation in the computing world. 
There’s a world of original ideas in the universe, but the PC world repeatedly chooses to steal Apple’s designs. 

The only reason there’s PC cases in colors other than beige is because Apple created the iMac. The only reason there’s a Windows “XP” is because there was a Mac OS “X”. The only reason you can import and organize music with Windows Media Player is because Apple created iTunes. The only reason there’s a Windows Movie Maker is because Apple created iMovie. The only reason there’s slim lightweight Pentium M class laptops is because Apple created the PowerBook. And now, the only reason Intel is floating this mini PC is because Apple created the Mac mini. 

Apple takes all the creative risks. Thank goodness for the innovations of companies like Apple, Google, and those Linux rebels. Or we’d all be using big beige boxes and Windows 95. (Heck! There wouldn’t even be a Windows 95 if it wasn’t for OS/2 and Geoworks!)