Well.. obviously the Wii. Is this even a question? I'm not even a gamer, and I know this answer. What the heck would you want to do with a Mac Mini on your 52" flat screen TV?

No big intensive argument or analysis on this one.

Are you just trying to get someone to justify your desire to buy a new Mac computer? :P
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I think that we should leave out the Mac Mini - and concentrate on an alternative, the Apple TV system.

Now a Wii will offer a variety of services - you can use it as the game system, a way of watching TV programmes on catchup (Hulu or iPlayer depending if your from US or UK), internet browser, photo manipulator and news directly sent to your Wii (providing you have WiFi). This is definitely suited towards the kids but has some facilities that you and your wife will also enjoy. Be prepared for them to be glued to the TV though...

Now, the Apple TV is an device which allows you to store all your movies, music, TV programmes and photos all on to one device. Now it comes in either 40GB or 160GB - and these are the specs -

Up to 50 hours (40GB) or 200 hours (160GB) of video
Up to 9,000 songs (40GB) or 36,000 songs (160GB)
Up to 25,000 pictures

As you have asked for a Mac Mini in the question, I will address this as well. The Mac Mini will definitely boost the amount of storage for your Mac, ranging in memory's from 120GB, 250GB, or 320GB. These will help you to have more videos, music, files, games and more for your computer.

However, I recommend that you get the Wii for the kids perspective, but then if you want it more for yourself or wife - I recommend the Mac Mini.
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gotta be a wii fun, educational and healthy plus the benifits of bringing the familey together
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I guess the real answer depends on what you and your family wish to spend the most time doing. If your emphasis is on education, and you don't have another computer for your family to use in another room, then the Mac Mini is definitely a great way to go. However, keep in mind that using a 52" screen to do work isn't always as productive as having a nice 19" screen right in front of you, with a keyboard and mouse set at proper, ergonomic height, which isn't typically how most living room/dens are configured.

If you entertain your boys' friends on a regular basis, they will have a great time in front of the Wii, and frankly, so will you and your wife and their parents. Hands down, the Wii is a great party centerpiece. Just make sure everyone wears the safety straps, because a wildly flung Wii remote isn't just an urban legend!
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I vote for Wii. Much more family interaction with some great games.

Less expensive as well...

Great family games:
Wii Sports (comes with the system and is AWESOME)
Dokapon Kingdom
Guitar Hero (for kids 8+ but watch those lyrics)
WarioWare
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You need to sit down and write the pros and cons of each and see which of the two will benifit your needs. Also, is it in your budget at this time? Also, talk to your wife, trust is key!
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If your thinking of the kids then get a Wii. It's also more of a family thing while only one person can be on a computer. Although I must warn you that the Wii doesn't have a very big list of great games in my opinion.
Source(s):
head

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The Wii is great for the kids. The interaction is amazing.

With the Wii you can watch Hulu via the internet channel (I believe it's a $10 on time fee to activate it) on the Wii but take a look at the web site for PlayOn (http://www.themediamall.com/products). They have a media center that sits on your PC and connects to game console - right now Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 but adding a connection to Wii soon. As well as the ability to stream local content from your PC to your TV you can also access Hulu and other internet channels. The Playon app is free for a trial and costs $40 one time according to the website.

Along with my Wii I also have an Apple TV which works great itunes content and once you add Boxee (www.boxee.tv) to it all of a sudden you have access to tons of user generated and network content (Hulu was available up until about a month ago when they pulled out of Boxee). Keep in mind thou if you run a Mac mini with Boxee installed on it as an application you can also do Netflix streaming which adds even more value. Currently you can not do Netflix streaming with an Apple TV running Boxee because of the processor limitation. Also Apple TV will not allow you to play DVD's where a Mac Mini would.

The question you must figure out is if you are looking for primarily a game system or a media center. Wii with Playon seems to look like the best fit for both but you will have to wait until the connector is released which looks to be around spring time. Also in my experience doing any kind of web work on a flat screen TV is tough - the wireless keyboards are not very comfortable and the screen resolution never looked that good to me but maybe with the new Mac Mini that has improved.
Source(s):
http://www.themediamall.com/products
http://www.boxee.tv

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