Mac Mini in an iMac Possible ?

im sure with enough time and some money you could make that work.

It would be time-consuming to fabricate all the necessary brackets and breakout boxes to match the DV's ports, but there aren't any big technical issues to overcome since you're pulling the built-in CRT. You'd need an amplifier if you want to use the DV's speakers.

Of course, with all that leftover space, you'd need to stick in some neat space filler like a plasma globe...EFI be damned.

I had a couple people approach me for doing mini-in-colour-classic mods, and the biggest hurdle there was finding an LCD that would fit, but neither panned out. This one's easier....and since I don't think it's been done yet, I think you should jump in feet first.

i say go ahead with it. i'd actually mount the mini such that the drive aligns with the imac's drive face (assuming that they are close enough for you to easily slip the cd in and out), and then use extension cables to meet up with the imac's ports. rewiring the power button would be easy, but you'd have to think more carefully about the sleep light (my imac at least uses two different colors, don't know about the later crt models). with the lcd, you'd have plenty of space for maybe an extra drive or something considering i believe the mini has one more usb port than the imac. extra usb hard drive possibly?

sounds fun. i can't wait to see the results.

What Kind of Amplifier ?
I think I may just attempt the mac mini in an iMac and as for the power button I came up with a great idea I will use the front button for the monitor and then use a saw to cut the apple on the back and make a spring loaded button.

You'd just need to pull the amplifier out of a pair of computer speakers and wire them into the DV's speakers.

One of the suggestions I'd been given for the power button was to use a shutter cable from a camera, and run it from the iMac's power button to the mini. Monitor power you could have it always on, since they draw little power when not on, or since you'd need to remove the monitor from its bezel anyway, run a new power switch to the DV port area. It'd just be a momentary switch, so it wouldn't be obtrusive.

Why use an lCD? A regular 15" CRT that has been "Skinned" should fit perfectly. What exactly are you making room for?

An LCD is cooler (in both temperature and aesthetics), lighter, easier on electricity, and safer to work with for those less experienced around CRT innards.
Plus, not every 15" CRT has the same measurements, and there could be just as many fit issues as an LCD, along with the additional weight, etc.
Besides, if you're going to do a hack like this, why invest in a mini, only to cut costs on a poopy curbside CRT that's nearly as old as the iMac's built-in?