It certainly bears a high resemblance to the ubiquitous banner ads advertising "Free* <Insert Miscellaneous Personal Electronics Here> *after you sign up for 'steen credit card offers or what-have-you and get five formerly-friends to do likewise."
I think everyone who's read the article understands that it's a genuine article not out there to scam people, but ptomato suggested that the title be changed (perhaps to something along the lines of "Mac mini Pays for Itself After 2 Years").
