05-Apr-2016, 00:46
The downside of a full computer, even optimized, is that it was designed assuming a keyboard, mouse, and monitor so isn't as simple to operate as a specialize music server. That said, the Mac Mini comes with an IR remote control which can put it to sleep and control music playback. Apple has a decent app for controlling iTunes from an iPhone/iPad. I use those and if I need to do something more just remote login from my laptop, tablet, or phone. Still, I appreciate the simplicity of a music server and haven't quite simplified my Mac Mini to that extent. On the other hand a full computer can run ROON, Dirac, and a lot of other things which music servers can't.