[hudson]

Prob been asked before, so if anyone has a link, please pass it on...

• Looking to ditch cable.
  
• I want a small profile HTPC- looking to build or even buy (but I have not found anything decent enough- or it has been too pricey).
  
• I plan to use it as home base and have it store media files. It will connect to my TV via HDMI. I do have an xbox360 with MCE, but I would like to use PC apps, too.
  
• Any advice on specs? Something in the $500-600 range?
  

Thanks for any help

[ahmada]

I am in the same situation that ur in. I recommend the Acer Revo or Custom Built like this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundl...mbo.353864 Both are somewhat similar except for the 2nd one it has a large Hard Drive. I would also recommend that you look into purchasing the Lenovo wireless multimedia remote / keyboard http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/28/lenov...s-our-for/. If you want to use windows 7 then go with the Acer Revo 3600 if you want to use Linux then I suggest that you go with the custom build from newegg. The price is a steal

[hudson]

Any luck with that or have you not purchased?

You mentioned a second one? I only see one at newegg, but I assume I can install a bigger drive as needed or even external.

Thanks for the help, BTW.

[ahmada]

Any luck with that or have you not purchased?

You mentioned a second one? I only see one at newegg, but I assume I can install a bigger drive as needed or even external.

Thanks for the help, BTW.

There is the Acer Revo 3600 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...-_-Product (Which retails for around 329.00) and the custom one which was shown in the link I sent you. Its not easy adding / Replacing an internal HD on the Acer Revo because 1st off it is a pain in the butt to open and opening it voids your warranty. You might wanna consider buying an external USB drive or just going with the custom build one from newegg because of the 750GB HD that is included. Or you can stream directly from your computer if you have movies on it.

[hudson]

Considering I want to make this a hub of media in my house, I may go with the other one. I considered some Media storage boxes, but they just got to be too much.

Just needed a solution that stores media and can be networked. I have 2 tv areas and it would be great for both to access the same sotrage area.

[ahmada]

Considering I want to make this a hub of media in my house, I may go with the other one. I considered some Media storage boxes, but they just got to be too much.

Just needed a solution that stores media and can be networked. I have 2 tv areas and it would be great for both to access the same sotrage area.

Becareful with the media hubs they dont output 1080p or even 720p that well. If it doesnt have the ION 330 with the NVIDIA dedicated video card then dont waste your money. If you want to stream SD content then I suggest the WDTV live. No matter what you hear it will not output 1080p in the quality that you want to see it in. I got an AppleTV and it was the worst decision I have ever made in my life even with XBMC and BOXEE the only movies that would stream well were 4.7 ISO files.

[hudson]

That is good to know. I did find this thread, however:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940972