I’m not sure if the Mac Mini is a stroke of genius on Job’s part, but it is a good idea. The psycological impact of a $499 price point is big — for a Mac voyuer like me, it’s just about enough to get me to finally try Mac again after 10+ years away. Why bother? For one, good design pays — not just the seller, but the buyer/user as well. My time is valuable, and as much of it I spend in front of a computer, the more I enjoy it the better. Secondly, $499 is doable to check out Apple’s great software, as well as great third-party apps like Delicious Library and Quicksilver. I haven’t bought mine yet; I’m waiting for the little block of AAPL that I bought the day of the announcement (@ 66) to climb high enough to cover the cost. Almost there!