The Mac Mini is basically an out of date computer sold to the mac users who don't have gobs of money...
I'm sure I'll get flamed for this, but your initial assumption about macs is closer than most of the responses...macs aren't just for the "computer challenged", but for people who don't want their pc use to be complex. I run linux because I enjoy total and absolute control of my system. Windows users enjoy both a decent amount of control, and a decent amount of usability. It comes out to a *decent* product in all regards, but not fantastic in either, which is why it gets so insulted. Then macs have very little flexibility or control, but alot of usability. The things they can do are hassle free, but don't expect to be doing as much.
If you buy a mac mini to run windows, you're wasting your money
Mac Minis are comparable to the PCs you see on Craigslist for ~$150 except they'll run you $600...old processors, very little ram, small hard drives...
The MacBooks are well designed pieces of hardware on the outside. That said, the inside is almost exactly like a PC...and people who tell you "you get what you pay for" are either full of **** or just not very bright. Guess who makes the mac processors? Intel. Guess who makes the PC processors? Intel. Guess who makes mac video cards? Nvidia. Guess who makes Vid cards for the PC? Nvidia.
The Macbooks are nice because they're sturdy...but there are just as sturdy PC laptops like the IBM thinkpad.