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Dark forces are tempting me to switch from xbmc on atv2 to the mini
Re the most appropriate choice between the i5/i7 models... Have noted the issues so far mentioned in the thread.

My main purpose of moving from the atv2 is to be able to use xbmc more extensively (heavier skins, video codec support etc.). Whilst playing a 1080p file in xbmc (external volume attached via usb) I would like to have the ability to simultaneously:

1. Use eyetv hd streaming. (for those unfamiliar with it, hd tv channels require decoding on the computer before streaming to e.g. an iPad. This process usually shows up at 30% cpu on an intelduocore 2.0 ghz iMac) OR
2. Have Serve2me/Airvideo running and streaming.

Would either/both of the models be able to support the above requirements.

3. One of the configuration options of the minis is a SSD, though a costly one. I think its a 256g at a lot of $. Would this improve XBMC's standalone performance and in the setup as described above.

4. Haven't looked into this functionality but I wonder if in dev progress is voice recognition interface with xbmc using native or dragon or even siri when/if it gets across....

Thanks guys