Side by Side Comparisons.

Mac Mini: The Affordable MAC.
1.25GHz PowerPC G4
256MB DDR333 SDRAM
ATI Radeon 9200 with 32MB DDR video memory
40GB Ultra ATA hard drive
Combo drive
DVI or VGA video output
AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth
optional
$928

Handpicked Components: Ugly Workhorse
2.4GHz P4
512 DDR400 SDRAM
ATI Radeon 9600 Bravo with 128 MB DDR video memory
80 GB Ultra ATA Hard Drive
16X DVD Writer
DVI or VGA Video output
Linux 2.7 Kernel OS.
$954

Cheaper alternative to the PC? Nah.
The computer times guys REALLY need to get their heads checked.