Sounds possible, but getting a, " USB stick with the burnt Linux iso," could be an issue. My Windows XP desktop had a built in CD/DVD THANG, but not the Mini, and would buying a stick say on Amazon, even if it specifically says for MAC, would be trustworthy??

I converted my XP PC to Mint 17 and loved it.

I should be OK, for now, as long as Chrome keeps updating. Just did again YESTERDAY, LOL