Thank you Tim but the computer is packed back waiting for TNT to take it back to Apple. I don't have time to play with permissions, the permissions are OK in the old computer.
This is what may have been your problem. The permissions on your old computer may not have matched the new computer. I think you gave up before the penny dropped.
They sell the computers very expensive and I think they would have to improve quality.
I am unsure how that can be one of your gripes as when the cube came out it was way overpriced in comparison to their other desktops. That did not stop your or I getting one then.
Your issue was a software problem not a hardware problem so no matter what kind of mac you had it would have needed troubleshooting.
The quality of the new mac mini far exceeds that of the cube. Try playing 1080P high definition media on your cube, or even 480P for that matter. Try outputting 5.1 surround sound from your cube without the addition of a firewire audio interface.
I know how frustrating it can be when something just does not seem to work. I have encountered this a few times in my work. However sometimes I just have leave it come back with fresh eyes and try other approaches and I succeed.
What you need to appreciate installing an upgrade should be planned for any eventuality. In business upgrades are scheduled to have the minimum impact on the workplace. That being said I have worked 48 hrs solid over a weekend getting systems up for a monday morning. They are not always straightforward.