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2010-10-07, 01:08
(This post was last modified: 2010-10-07, 17:56 by InnKeeper.)
Hi guys, this is my first post after parousing through XBMC Forums and AVS.
I am looking for the Best/Current solution for my needs.
My goals for a box are:
- Stream my ripped movies via an external drive (need to buy one, suggestions?)
- Hook it up to my home theater
- Surf the net
- Ability to download nzb items (not necessary, can use laptop)
- Take it with me, as I travel weekly and stay in hotels with LCD's with HDMI
- Wireless not huge, but would be nice to access hotel's WIFI
After reading, I heard installing an SSD into a ZOTAC Box might be a way to go. Also looked into the CinemaTube, but that unit has some pretty bad reviews. The Acer Revo 1600 is like $200 these days as well.
All in all, I am looking for a portable solution for the road, and a primary solution for home, in one package.
Any suggestions?
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I have a HP mini 311 for this exact reason, and so I also don't have to drag around a laptop when I travel. ION is a good choice for that situation, and works well with a USB drive (get a 2TB WD one).
I will admit though that until I overclocked the 311 to 2.2GHz even with a SSD the web browsing experience was subpar, so I would recommend looking at dual core units (aka scratch out that AR1600). I like the Zboxs based on my experience with Zotac mobos (quality).
This is a fun thread soo please ask more questions if you need to.
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Thanks PoofyHairGuy,
The ideal unit for me would be a box that I can hook up a remote/keyboard to at home, and take the remote with me when I travel, so a Netbook wouldn't work...or would it?
Have no idea.
The Boxee box looks like it may do the trick, but I'm not a fan of the Boxee content, which I guess I don't have to use. I do not know the capability of the hardware provided in said box.
Based on some of the forums, you were recommending a Zotac? These are $179 right now @ Fry's.
Some recommendations would be helpful!
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Wow the Divino Mini looks pretty nice..but based on the cost of all this stuff...wouldn't a Boxee box do the trick? All for just 199$.
While on the road, I could just hook up a external drive and I'm done.
Would the Boxee box allow one to surf the net without hooking up a computer?
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I hate the Boxee interface and how it handles local content (its like XBMC with unneeded training wheels) so you will never find me recommending their box. Might work for you, just try the program on your laptop first to make sure you don't hate it too.
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Yeah, I'm not a fan of the Boxee software.
Why is this so hard?
I need a device!! Is the ZBOX is only suitable portable device out there?
Anyone?
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Thanks, I might purchase this system I found online, guy wants $450:
Case:
HTPC CASE ANTEC|FUSION REMOTE BLACK (comes with remote control)
Motherboard:
MB ASROCK H55M PRO LGA1156 R
CPU:
CPU INTEL|CORE I3 530 2.93G 4M R
Heatsink:
CPU COOLER CM|RR-CCH-PBU1-GP R (this is a significant heatsink, so if you want to overclock you can)
Ram:
MEM 2Gx2|GSK F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ R (4 gigs)
Video Card
VGA SAPPHIRE 100287VGAL HD5670 512M
Powersupply:
PSU CORSAIR|CMPSU-450VX 450W RT
Harddrive:
HD 640G|WD 7K 16M WD6400AAKS %
Blue Ray Drive:
BLU-RAY DRIVE LITE-ON| IHOS104-08 R
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Looks good to me! Come with Windows?
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Yes it does. But too bad, the guy just sold it.
I will have to re-think...what do you think about the Sagetv 300 box?
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Good if you use a sage tv backend? I would prefer a WD Live for media playback.
