My USB dilemma, can you help?

Here's my daily dilemma. Between work and family, we own 6 iPods (this includes our two iPhones), each of which has its unique playlists, podcast subscriptions and so forth. We also have a printer and scanner -- both used regularly, and an EyeTV tuner, again critical. We have an external microphone connector for Skyping and no fewer than three external disks. One is used for Time Machine, one for EyeTV recordings, one for my G4 backups.

My G4, with its ten built-in USB ports and connection to a single powered USB 4-port hub, is on the fast-past to dying. It's not right on the edge yet but all the signs are there. It's time to move on. But what is going to replace that G4 with its surfeit of USB ports?

I'm not holding my breath waiting for Apple to release a mini-tower any time soon. And that's a shame. Between my disk needs and USB port needs, a mini-tower would give me all the peripheral power I needed without committing me to an overpowered, overpriced Mac Pro. Even the refurb Pros are priced beyond what I can spend, before adding disks and USB cards.

Minis are a problem too. The Mac mini with its 4 ports and no drive bays ends up a Franken-monster rather than "simple elegance" after you somehow add on 10 additional USB ports and 3 external disks. And I haven't found any really good hubbage solutions out there.

I don't understand why Apple, supplier of USB-based iPods hasn't realized that its consumer base needs lots and lots of USB ports on their standard models. And I don't understand why Apple hasn't yet delivered any wire-free iPod docking and powering solutions. The iPhone and iPod touch are meant to live by your side. So where is the WiFi sync that would allow the iPhone to sleep on your headboard in your bedroom while connecting to the iTunes computer in your office?

As for me, I'm stuck between buying a Mini and complaining that it doesn't have enough ports, disk space or dual monitor support, and buying a refurb Tower and having to outfit it with ports and disks. Are you in a similar situation? What's your advice? How would you handle this challenge?