What do you think about using a Notebook as a HTPC

64bit · Post by **64bit** » Tue May 27, 2008 9:44 pm

Specifically this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6834146448

Im worried mainly about the constant heat on the laptop. It would be used quite a bit. Other than that what do you think of the Notebook on its own?

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Wed May 28, 2008 7:05 am

The only 2 things that come to mind....hard drive RPM speed...and enough ports for the type of connections that you'll need?

I've been pondering building my own HTPC soon...as my current DVD/speaker system for my TV blew its HDMI connection. Started looking at HTPC specific cases...lots of brands out there, Shuttle, TTake, LianLi, some gorgeous ones from Silverstone..and what seems to be my favorite..Moneual Lab.

64bit · Post by **64bit** » Wed May 28, 2008 3:36 pm

Yeah thats something I didn't think of. Especially considering I have 2 external HDD connected to my current htpc, along with gyration mouse, it would be tight. Im really just looking to get the square box from beside the TV.

Ken · Post by **Ken** » Wed May 28, 2008 5:09 pm

How is your room and entertainment center laid out? IOW, is there any other location that you could relocate to? (Behind cabinet, other room behind cabinet, through wall, under bed, on top of cabinet, inside of cabinet, etc...)
What about a server case?

I know that you could build a better machine for less than $1400 and, as you, heat w/ lappy's are a big concern....

A_old · Post by **A_old** » Wed May 28, 2008 9:09 pm

i think you could build a better htpc for less than 1400 as well

64bit · Post by **64bit** » Wed May 28, 2008 9:37 pm

Yeah I think thats what Im leaning toward just building a new one with a smaller case. I would be mad if I burnt the thing out in a year. My tv stand is very short on space. Just 2 shelves and they are full. No cabinets, just a 42in TV stand. No room for anything like I need.

YARDofSTUF · Post by **YARDofSTUF** » Thu May 29, 2008 11:38 am

So look into a small form factor case and see if you can get an HTPC and a new tv stand/shelving unit for your budget?

Ken · Post by **Ken** » Thu May 29, 2008 1:08 pm

http://www.newegg.com/Store/Category.as ... -Computers

Some of these may give you a start...

64bit · Post by **64bit** » Thu May 29, 2008 9:57 pm

YARDofSTUF wrote:So look into a small form factor case and see if you can get an HTPC and a new tv stand/shelving unit for your budget?

Small form factor like Ken posted yes. New TV stand would be tough because of the room. The current TV stand and Tower next to it just fits as it is. Now Im wondering how tuff some of these cases are, and if they could stand a 50lb tv on top of them? Probably not.

Ken · Post by **Ken** » Fri May 30, 2008 10:39 am

64bit wrote:Small form factor like Ken posted yes. New TV stand would be tough because of the room. The current TV stand and Tower next to it just fits as it is. Now Im wondering how tuff some of these cases are, and if they could stand a 50lb tv on top of them? Probably not.

If you have a camera, post a pic to give an idea of the variables. (PM me the pic, if you wish) A cabinet shop might be an option to build you a custom made, laminated (inexpensive...) stand or rack of sorts. With a pic of the room, and an idea of your needs, I may be able to steer you in the right direction. Hell, I may be able to get it built here and sent to you if you have a problem with the local shops...

If you are going to spend money, make sure it is for something that you want and will fill your needs, is my way of thinking. Planning can save cash in the long run.

satyre · Post by **satyre** » Fri May 30, 2008 1:37 pm

Which is the best TV capture card available now?

Mark · Post by **Mark** » Fri May 30, 2008 4:11 pm

what about making a wall mounted PC like i have seen some guys build, mount everything to a piece of lexan or whatever ?

some day i want to do that to some old rigs of mine for the heck of it

64bit · Post by **64bit** » Fri May 30, 2008 8:43 pm

Ken wrote:If you have a camera, post a pic to give an idea of the variables. (PM me the pic, if you wish) A cabinet shop might be an option to build you a custom made, laminated (inexpensive...) stand or rack of sorts. With a pic of the room, and an idea of your needs, I may be able to steer you in the right direction. Hell, I may be able to get it built here and sent to you if you have a problem with the local shops...

If you are going to spend money, make sure it is for something that you want and will fill your needs, is my way of thinking. Planning can save cash in the long run.

Thanks Ken. I think Im leaning in the direction of mounting the tv on the wall and then I can use the top of the TV stand for sff case and one or two more peripherals. Im looking at something like this http://www.affordablehdtv.com/chief-jws ... -4077.html

64bit · Post by **64bit** » Fri May 30, 2008 8:44 pm

Mark wrote:what about making a wall mounted PC like i have seen some guys build, mount everything to a piece of lexan or whatever ?

some day i want to do that to some old rigs of mine for the heck of it

I had a PC of mine like that on a desk in my bedroom for quite a while. Sure easy to swap stuff out

chimdogger · Post by **chimdogger** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 4:54 pm

http://www.silentpcreview.com/

This website helped alot when I built my HTPC. I was most concerned that the pc was as quiet as possible.

Samuel4u · Post by **Samuel4u** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 3:39 am

I agree with the quotes of Amro, that - you could build a better htpc for less than 1400 as well.