Doug, while I may share some of your prejudices against Apple ( ), I couldn't ever recommend an HTPC to my mom. It would be far too much of a support hassle (not because of the software, but because of my mom).

For nearly everyone who asks me about these set top boxes (who is also the "average consumer"), I give them the same reply: if you have a bunch of Apple stuff and/or use iTunes a good amount you should get an Apple TV. Otherwise: get a Roku.

The Roku is FAR easier to use and much cheaper than that desktop you linked to. Plex even runs on it now, so that can display local media pretty darn well.