That is too bad. It it really easy to control outlets and check probe data with either the mini or pi if you can write actual code (not Apex code) - the only really semi-difficult thing about the apex is the pseudocode interpreter, but that is still Comp Sci 200 level stuff and not rocket science. I used a Mac Mini once for a controller until I figured out what a pain that they are and I just let it slip away into nothing and still just use light timers.
You might have to write java on the Mini, but you can ssh into it from anywhere, host anything and it has a full unix suite of tools. If you are going to write code, you might want to consider using a real machine - used Mac Minis are really cheap. You could probably use Ruby if you wanted to.
ubuntu on an old PC would be just as good.
These are skill that might be able to get you a good job.