[vannyi]

Would it be possible to get some opinions on this desktop, the Acer AXC-605. I know it's a desktop, but in the comments, someone does say they use it for XBMC.

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/a...7705a3en02

I thought this would be a nice addition as it has an i3 processor.

Thank you

[00b5]

Acer AXC-605 Desktop PC - (Intel Core i3-4130 / 1TB HDD / 4GB RAM / Windows 8)

Looks like its a Haswell i3, assuming i'm remebering the numbering right.

In that case, it has intel HD video, and HDMI out, so I think you are all set.

Check on available/free ram slots if you are running windows on it, since you might want to add more one day (4GB is plenty otherwise)

I can't comment though, if there are any specific issues with that PC, but the components look ok.

[teeedubb]

Looks good, although the HDD is slow - I'd look at getting a minimum 60gb ssd (128 if its going to double as a desktop).

[yokkals]

Just wanted to throw out another option if a smaller form factor would be beneficial to you. The Intel NUC has an i3 version that was recently (on Cyber Monday) around $170 on Amazon and Newegg.

$171 -- Intel NUC i3 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6856102001)
$80 -- 8 GB RAM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820191523)
$21 -- Internal WiFi Card (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007QXL...UTF8&psc=1)
$88 -- 128 GB SSD (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B3X7...UTF8&psc=1)
$3 -- Power cord (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000234...UTF8&psc=1)
______
$363 Total

All for a powerful computer with an i3 processor, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD, and it's in a small (4x4 inch) box that can even be mounted to the back of a VESA-compatible TV or monitor. I couldn't pass it up, although now that NUC is over $300... I suspect it'll drop to back around $220 before very long (it was $220 on Newegg the day before the big sale).

Hope that helps!