Using a Mac Mini allows for better integration with existing Apple services. For many users, that just makes sense.
replyExactly, especially iMessage. It's fair to think that's not worth it, but for those who choose to use it, it is.
replyAs a long time computer hobbyist who grew up in MSDOS and now resides in Linux I'm starting to wonder if I am not more connected to computing than a lot of people employed in the field.
replyYour suspicions are correct, any extra machine works: 4GB Pi, virtual machine, or old laptop.
reply>technical person
replyThere's the issue.