Mate is after a media PC

Flying_V

Flying_V

Flying_V

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Joined
1 Apr 2004
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491
Location
London
Hi

A work colleague is after a media PC to watch TV on, with a wireless keyboard and mice. The usual basically - he needs a monitor too. I suggested a shuttle or similar purely as it will look nicer than having a big grey pc box in his living room - plus the sony model he was looking at is £900 plus without the monitor!

In an ideal world a pre-built system would be great as he's not a techy and I don't want to do it. Some recommendations would be great..thanks!
 
Think I'd go for a Mac Mini with an external USB2 drive and a gig of memory. Its being marketed as a media centre and seems to fit the bill well. It comes with a remote and suitable software etc. The Core Solo one is OK for standard definition, and I understand it is unofficially possible to upgrade the processor. Digital tuner functionality can be added with a USB tuner. Of the pre-built options I've seen, which admitedly isn't that many, this one looked good, and is not that expensive. And its tiny. All the branded MCE options (Sony, Phillips etc) seemed pricey.

For me the idea of a "media pc" is that you use it with your TV and home theatre amp rather than a dedicated seperate monitor. A HD capable 26" or larger LCD would be good.
 
Thanks mate. I think he's just after a unit that will do the job of TV as well, as i'm assuming he doesn't have one. I'll pass the Mac Mini idea along, i'm interested in how they cope as I heard they weren't as usable as windows mce machines.
 
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