Ggil: Regarding Van Den Hul optical cable, I also found it and couldn't be happier with the find...considering I don't have it yet. I'm not sure if I caught them at the wrong time or the demand just isn't there yet, but the optical->digital mini cables have been on backorder for almost a month now. I received an update over the weekend that they will ship from Holland this week and then to me once the U.S. distributor gets them in. The cost is ~$85 for 1/m., which seems to be a steal considering the VH optical cables are held in such high regard. So get your order in now so you'll have it when you need it. I'll post my findings in a seperate thread after it arrives. I will be using with my Airport express.
Intel Mac Mini
Apple has just introduced the new Mac Mini Solo and Duo (dual core processors). Interestly, the new Mac Minis sport digital optical audio inputs and outputs. No longer are Mac Mini owners limited to using USB transfer devices to getting digital audio output. Read some of the details here:
http://www.apple.com/macmini/whatsinside.html
Obviously, Steven Jobs has picked up on the idea of using the Mac Mini as a media hub. The new Mac Mini even sports a matching remote control for navigating media tracks and controlling volume.
I am so glad I have waited on buying a new PC for my next digital transport. Coupled with a FireWire drive or Network Attached Storage (NAS) device, I am now ready to take the plunge into a hard drive transport.
http://www.apple.com/macmini/whatsinside.html
Obviously, Steven Jobs has picked up on the idea of using the Mac Mini as a media hub. The new Mac Mini even sports a matching remote control for navigating media tracks and controlling volume.
I am so glad I have waited on buying a new PC for my next digital transport. Coupled with a FireWire drive or Network Attached Storage (NAS) device, I am now ready to take the plunge into a hard drive transport.