Extreme as File Server vs. Mac Mini G4

Hello all,
I have an iMac 24" 2008 and a Macbook White 2010 which I use for work both at home and away. I have all my work files and databases on an external hard disk plugged into the Airport Extreme as a file server. I can also access this when away from home using Macbook and MobileMe. I also have an Airport Express to extend the network at home. Currently reaching 8.4MB speeds on a 10mb connection over wireless.
Recently the iMac has been taking it's time to connect to the HD to such an extent that I get frustrated and pull the HD from the Airport and plug it direct into the iMac just so I can work. The Macbook doesn't seem to have a problem connecting to it.
I also have an old Mac Mini G4 which I tried to use as a file server before but found it slow also.
Given the choice, what would you opt for? Mac Mini again as server or Airport Extreme with HD? The HD I use is a portable Maxtor 160Gb but I also have a Lacie Starck 1tb that I currently have plugged into the iMac as a Time Machine.
I just want a simple file server option with fast access!!!
Lewis

RAID is not backup.  Software RAID and hardware RAID are the same thing operation wise.  The only difference is that you need your Mac Mini to do the managing and controlling of the RAID array as opposed to the dedicated RAID controller with the hardware option.  With 2 drives on your server, you usually have 2 RAID choices -- Stripe (Raid 0) or Mirror (Raid 1).  If you set up your Mini with software RAID 1, then what this does is whenever your first drive is being written with data, the second drive is mirrored with the same data.  In the event of a boot drive failure, you can still boot from your second drive.  You can achieve the same thing somewhat with Carbon Copy Cloner, but it is not as seamless as RAID 1.  Raid 0 stripe mode essentially doubles your hard drive throughput, but because the Sandy Bridge Intel Core i series chip is a powerful and efficient CPU, there won't be a huge latency lag associated with previous software RAID setup.
Dual Core vs Quad Core is really dependent on software used.  If you use Handbrake a lot which takes advantage of the multi-core of the Quad Core, then Quad will be faster than Dual Core.  However, some Mac software are not multi-core aware.  In this case, a fast Dual Core with Turbo Boost engaged will be FASTER than a Quad of a slower clock speed in single process type application, but the newer Core i5 can run up to 4 threads, simulating somewhat 4 virtual cores, so really it is application and usage dependent. 
I recently purchased a Mac Mini Core i5 2.3Ghz to deal with more HD video work and upgraded it to take a second SSD drive.  It is way cheaper than the Apple BTO option, plus I get to choose which fast SSD drive I want in.  With a SSD drive installed, the Mini just flies.  The Mini did not dissappoint me with iMovie 11 and editing plus finalizing.  For the cost to performance and power usage aspect, the Mini with Core i5/i7 option is a viable path.

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