Mac Mini as Info Center....

Good morning.
I have a 1st gen Mac Mini. I'm interested in setting it up in our kitchen as a "info center". What I'd like to do is use it stream select music to play, videos to watch, TV (using Elgato?) and have weather updates available, etc. I do have Front Row on the mini. Couple of questions:
1. Is there any other "Media" type software available (tried Media Central... too slow on gen 1 mini)?
2. Is there a remote available for the mini that will allow control of functionality (don't think the 1st gen has IR capability, does it?). Rather have that then keyboard and mouse on kitchen counter.
I have many ideas and can see this working, just wanted to be able to get the most "bang for the buck".
Thanks.

I have a G4 mini (the first generation) in use as a 'media center', using Front Row, and it works very well. TV is handled by an Elgato EyeTV device, and it streams music and video, including my movie library, from the iTunes library on my G5 - that content can be accessed either via iTunes sharing or Front Row (Front Row is more elegant as a control interface).
Since the first generation mini does not have an IR interface for remote control, I have a Keyspan remote (http://www.amazon.com/Remote-Front-Row-Mac-Only/dp/B000FBK3RE/ref=sr11?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1226494866&sr=8-1) which works very well, though range is not as great as typically suggested. The remote uses a USB 'dongle', so it takes up one of the two USB ports on the back of the G4 mini.
Overall performance is more than adequate for my needs, including internet access for browsing and even direct access to online content.

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