Thanks, Jim. I didn't realize the APC could do that, but just checked and they do have management software for OSX. And I've also had good experiences with APC, so I'll look at those instead.
CyberPower appears to make models that connect to a Mac so that one can attempt an orderly shut down while on battery. That's something that I think would be useful as it is possible the Mac Mini would be left on unattended for a while.
The setup is coming along nicely. Two more questions:
1) The power at my parents' house sucks. Lots of power failures and/or brownouts. So I'll need some form of surge protection, I suppose. Any suggestions?
2) I'll want to be able to support the Mac remotely--when I'm in NYC and they're in East Hampton. Can I do this via screen sharing or do I need something else?
Just got back from my son's "dance" class that my wife signed him up for. In every way a disaster. He was a nightmare. But the parents were far far worse. Yuppie parents FTMFL.
I generally agree with Dan. fwiw, here's the link to the TV set speculation: Speculation That Apple's Rovi Deal Could Signal Shift Into Live TV and DVR - Mac Rumors
Very speculative.