Dual external displays, $300 cheaper, physically smaller, same upgradability options as a MacBook.

I'm guessing a major use for mini is some sort HTPC hooked up to your TV, and in that scenario the mini form factor easily beats a macbook.

Especially since the new model is even smaller and now has an HDMI out built in.

Apple is basically telling people the Apple TV is dead.

No its not. Apple can hardly sell the Apple TV concept at at their current price point, these are alot more expensive. People wont pay it.

I should imagine these cost more than most people's TVs.

> No its not.

it is. It might be reborn later using iOS, but the current system is dead, it's not even featured in the store's front page anymore.

> I should imagine these cost more than most people's TVs.

But it's far more flexible and useful than the Apple TV (it's a full HTPC, therefore able to stream e.g. Hulu or Youtube), and the addition of HDMI out removes the last big issue it had as an HTPC, compared to an Apple TV. The TV never found its place in the Apple ecosystem and with a smaller, more efficient and more powerful Mini that place just shrunk a bit more.

Yup reading this via my Mac Mini connected to my LCD TV from my couch(wireless mouse/keyboard). I have one from 2007. I'm liking this new sleeker design and no more power brick on this new one!