however the cheap G4 processor ones won't work as that would need an intel based
A G4 mini is rougly as powerful as a single core Atom. And my Atom system becomes hoggy quite fast, where the G4 mini is a much more stable system. If you go Atom, pick a EEE box. DIY is always more expensive if you want LEGAL windows.
LBNL: Macs are always loosing less mony, especially the Mini's. They write off in 6-7 years and even hold a decent price bottom after that, where PC's are close to worth nothing after 3-4 years.
And until recent, the Mini 2009 was the best PC money could buy. It is impossible to get a better PC experience for less than the 599 that Mini cost. Complete silent, decent OS, powerful enough for anything but rendering and HD movie editting, driving 2 big LCD's, nice case, good second hand value. Never a waste of money.