I have a Mac Mini (but running Linux, of course), that I got around seven years ago, and I'm happy about the hardware. It's not my work station any longer, but sits in the living room for watching films, casual browsing, etc. The only downside I can think of, at the top of my head, is that the thing seems welded shut, so you'll not be able to replace the optical drive when it dies on you, for instance.
Soccer? I dunno. Rugby seems much more intellectually stimulating.
As always,
Minotauros