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Newbie need some help

1025 Views 6 Replies 2 Participants Last post by assassin, Nov 8, 2010

patricksull

Discussion Starter · Nov 6, 2010

I currently use a media player (popcorn hour) that pulls media from a NAS (network attached storage). I want to get a laptop instead. One that will play everything that I throw at it. Small screen (because I will be using it with my projector), and small drives (I pull all content from NAS). I will be using it for 1080p content (bdrips) and other avi files.

Suggestions?

Again, small screen, small drive size, fast processing ability, HDMI out (audio and video), graphics card/audio card for movie playback, not gaming.

Also curious what player you guys recommend? TrueHD and HDDTS capabilities. (Power DVD? VLC?)

thanks!

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assassin

· #2 · Nov 6, 2010

Why do you want a laptop?

I would build a mini-ITX or micro-ATX instead.

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patricksull

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 6, 2010

hummm....so I grap a mini-ITX motherboard, some processor ???, a cheap drive, a cheap power supply, an AMD Radeon HD 6900 graphics card and throw it in a small box and I'll be set?

Advantages vs laptop?

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assassin

· #4 · Nov 6, 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by patricksull

Cheaper.

Higher performance per dollar.

More upgradeable.

More versatile for future upgrades.

Easier to service if a part breaks in the future.

Overall just better.

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assassin

· #5 · Nov 6, 2010

This is what I would build.

Small ITX form factor.
i3 GPU which can handle native 1080p video, HD audio without the need for an expensive discrete video card (saving on cost, noise and heat also).
4 GB RAM
SSD Hard Drive (no moving parts saving on heat and noise. should have plenty of room for your OS)

Total cost is $450 before tax (if applicable --- I don't pay tax on newegg where I live), shipping and your operating system:

Case: Antec ISK 300-150 with 150 watt PSU (plenty for HTPC): $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129080

MB: GIGABYTE GA-H55N-USB3 LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI: $105
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128448

CPU: Intel Core i3-530 Clarkdale 2.93GHz 4MB L3 Cache LGA 1156: $117
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115222

RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600: $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231193

HD: Corsair Nova CSSD-V32GB2-BRKT 2.5" 32GB SATA II Internal Solid State Drive (SSD): $79
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820233122

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patricksull

Discussion Starter · #6 · Nov 7, 2010

Fine.....I'll do it!! I was looking forward to taking the easy way out and buying a damn laptop. I wish there was just one project that I didn't have to research and execute myself: home PC, xbox mod, wii mod, xbox 360 mod, psp mod, theater room construct, etc, etc, etc.

Thank you very much Assassin for your input. I'll get started next week.

Patrick

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assassin

· #7 · Nov 8, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by patricksull /forum/post/19450499

Fine.....I'll do it!! I was looking forward to taking the easy way out and buying a damn laptop. I wish there was just one project that I didn't have to research and execute myself: home PC, xbox mod, wii mod, xbox 360 mod, psp mod, theater room construct, etc, etc, etc.

Thank you very much Assassin for your input. I'll get started next week.

Patrick

Glad you like the parts.

I also welcome any other thoughts from other members if they have any other thoughts on the selections.

I think you will really really like this system.

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