[csete]

Hello,

I have an old Inspiron 5160 with S-Video out that has a LCD panel that is dying. I'd like to convert this machine to use with XBMC using Ubuntu Linux. Does anyone have any thoughts on the best way to do this? In particular, I'm wondering about power options versus keeping the lid closed. I have a StreamZap remote that I plan to use to control the machine. I'd prefer not to have to do any hardware mods if possible... mostly because I'm lazy.

Any thoughts on the best way forward on this "conversion".

Thanks,
Craig

[Maxim]

If it's the classic dell that I know then the switch that is activated when the lid is closed can be used to your advantage. You can setup ubuntu to ignore this trigger and not go to sleep, but the switch will also turn off the screen physically. The laptop should still operate without issue. The only problem might revolve around the S-Video out, and how to get that to work. I don't know where to begin with both of those issues, but it should be possible. They'd be a lot easier to address in Windows.