My Mac Mini music server sounds great!! But...

I am so happy with my new music server. First of all thanks to all for their help. I purchased a Mac Mini (MB139LL/A), then connected it via ethernet to my local network (router, cable modem, printers, other computers, etc.) which are located in my office located below the music room. I initially decided to go with a standalone 1TB WD external hard drive (firewire connection). Both the MAC Mini and the WD HD are totally silent. After I rip my library I will do a backup to another 1TB HD then take it off line entirely (100 cd's down, over 700 to go) or look into a NAS storage device. The Mac Mini outputs the music to a Benchmark USB DAC1>preamp>poweramp.

Here's the "But". After I finish ripping all my CD's I would like to remove the monitor from the Mac Mini. I tried connecting a regular laptop (Vista PC) using a VNC (TightVNC) type connection. While it worked it was very slowwwww. My question, is there a faster way to connect and get complete control of the Mac Mini with either a Vista based laptop or a Mac based laptop? I would like to be able to control the Mac Mini's desktop just like I was sitting at a screen/keyboard connected to the Mac Mini, but at a much faster speed. I borrowed the Vista based laptop to try the above connection, but I am not opposed to purchasing a new Mac laptop if it will allow for a much faster connection to the Mac Mini.

Thanks

1/ Control itunes with the "Remote" App for iPhone/iTouch (I have tried this and it works a treat with my imac),

or if this isn't enough:

2/ I think there is now a VMN (virtual machine) app out now for the iPhone/iTouch which will put the whole screen on the iPhone...but I havent tried it and cant remember what the app is called....visit the Apple app store...

You can also use "screen sharing" between two Macs. You said you were open to buying a Mac laptop so this may be your solution. I already have a Macbook Pro that I use for other stuff, and I just bought a regular Macbook that I plan to use as my music server. So, this is the remote method I plan on using. Here is a little tutorial from Chris:

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/node/422

Another option is to set up AOL instant messaging on both machines, and there is a screen share option via that. Don't know if this would work across Win and Mac platforms but it might.

Of course, a lot of folks, like wappinghigh above, are big fans of the iTouch/Phone solution. That is indeed pretty slick.

TheOtherTim

Screen Sharing in OS X is fabulous and plenty fast. When I want control over everything this is what I use from my MacBook Air.

Thanks! If screen sharing is fast then there is another Mac coming into my life. The Apple reps at the store told me about screen sharing, but could not/did not demonstrate it.

Thanks,

Hi Alan - I am 100% satisfied with screen sharing. You should give it a shot at the Apple store, you will be very happy indeed!