The popular Mac mini (PowerMax) does things no other mass-market computer has ever done at a price point no one ever thought Apple would hit. Because it's so complete, it really does fit any environment.

Well, if I were writing copy for Apple, I might try plying you with such, but Mac mini owners know Apple's micro wonder isn't perfect, especially if multimedia is on your agenda. It's a matter of ports and storage.

Naturally, one could add ports by purchasing USB and FireWire hubs. More storage, whether added inside or out, really isn't much trouble either.

However, by far the most-economical and stylish way to extend your mini is the miniStack from Other World Computing (OWC). It houses a standard 3.5-inch ATA drive, as well as USB and FireWire hubs with three and two useable ports, respectively. And, it's styled to complement the Mac mini's superlative visuals.

The unit shown in the links above is installed in my parents' library; who are pretty gosh darn hip. All of the pictures of my kids (.Mac homepage) are digital (10GB), and add in their digital camera, digital camcorder and respective music collections—my folks are both over 70—and the need for more storage and ports is absolute.

The price for the needed storage and ports? At OWC, a miniStack with 160GB of storage sells for $180, after a recent reduction, which is the price many disc drive vendors sell an external drive. That's none too shabby...

What's your take?