Mini PC - yeah or nay?

[Ricknextpvr]

Been running NextPVR on a Dell Optiplex 990 for a long time.  It runs Windows 10 and cannot run 11.  Moved to new computers for my wife and I on Windows 11, and now considering getting a mini computer for the next home theater box.  When I say "home theatre", I mean watching OTA programs, streaming, and playing DVDs (library loans them for free).  I do NOT mean gaming, have zero interest.  

Any good discussion on here about the pros or cons, the specific configuration needed / desired?  Or a good source for that info?  My preliminary research indicates that a very basic mini PC can fill my needs.  

Thanks!

[HarryH3]

Playing DVD's will obviously require an external player. I've been using a GMKtec N150 mini-PC for a few months now. It works great for streaming Netflix and the like. I also have it connecting to my old NextPVR/Kodi box, mostly because that has a 3.5-inch spinning hard drive (4TB) that holds all of my recordings and videos. It also has an external USB disk that syncs with the main drive every night so that we won't lose everything if the main drive dies. So far I've been pretty impressed at the performance of the N150.

[Ricknextpvr]

Right. I currently have a 3TB in the PC that I would move to a usb drive enclosure for use with the mini. I have an external DVD drive also, but would probably upgrade to an external BluRay drive. It seems all the mini PCs are made and sold by Chinese companies. Currently looking at Geekom.

I just ordered a Geekom Air12 with the N150, 16gb of RAM, and 512 NVMe. I have a 2TB NVMe that I can swap in, just have to clone it. Hopefully this will work fine. $179 before tax.

Edit - all set up with the 2TB NVMe, working fine except for the consistent audio lag problem that existed prior.