Media System for a novice..

[J4MES]

thanks - again! I should add that it's really just for internet (and some music - iTunes) through my TV, not for digi TV... does that effect the price of fish? I would like something stable and reliable

[directhex]

well, you can surf the web and listen to music without the windows part, saving fifty quid - but to use itunes specifically is another matter

[Biscuit]

Well im not sure if i-tunes uses the remote but other than that everything is fine, im not sure how the onboard graphics would handle HDTV if you used it for anything other than music and internet (ie im not sure it would run DIVX very well but you should be fine) the only other thing about the motherboard is it says it has a HDMI header on the motherboard but im not sure if it comes with the actual connection...? might be better off finding one with a DVI-out port and using DVI-HDMI cable

[Biscuit]

Apple Store - U.K. - Apple TV

You considered this? im not sure if they have the interent on them but if they do its an ideal solution really

[directhex]

Apple Store - U.K. - Apple TV

You considered this? im not sure if they have the interent on them but if they do its an ideal solution really

nope. need to buy a real computer for that. which means a mac mini. which is £400 or more

[dangel]

I would avoid the MS keyboard - i got (and prefer) this one: Computer hardware and software at amazing prices, available online from Scan Computers UK

I know it's not ultra cheap but it does work really well and it's NOT infrared too.

[directhex]

and if you really only want to surf the web and use itunes, you don't need the remote. which frees up more keyboardin' budget

[Biscuit]

and if you really only want to surf the web and use itunes, you don't need the remote. which frees up more keyboardin' budget

True, sorry to emphasise but any left over budget should definately go towards motherboard, the 780G is the best for a multimedia PC even though it is overkill...

I would avoid the MS keyboard - i got (and prefer) this one: Computer hardware and software at amazing prices, available online from Scan Computers UK

I know it's not ultra cheap but it does work really well and it's NOT infrared too.

I was looking for that keyboard...

[dangel]

and if you really only want to surf the web and use itunes, you don't need the remote. which frees up more keyboardin' budget

I'd have both - the MS handheld remote is very good for MC in all honesty and you can't beat it for quick access. Depends on your wants/needs though obviously. It's part of the fun of DIY-MC-ing

[directhex]

True, sorry to emphasise but any left over budget should definately go towards motherboard, the 780G is the best for a multimedia PC even though it is overkill...

ati motherboard means it's *definitely* gotta run windows

[dangel]

I was looking for that keyboard...

Easy if you search for keysonic but hard otherwise oddly.

Battery life good, touchpad good (and has scroller) and good range too. Has wireless dongle in a USB port.

[Biscuit]

ati motherboard means it's *definitely* gotta run windows

Good point

Abit AN-M2HD

Nvidia alternative?

[J4MES]

do you work for Scan? thanks - I wouldn't know what's compatible with what otherwise...

edit: could I save some $$ by having a smaller HDD, or get a faster/quieter smaller one for the same money? could I do with 2GB or RAM or is that OTT for Win XP?

getting excited now

I like the case btw - good find...

[dangel]

Having two sticks of RAM would be nice - for DDR capability..

MC's usually end up needing big hard drives

[Biscuit]

do you work for Scan? thanks - I wouldn't know what's compatible with what otherwise...

edit: could I save some $$ by having a smaller HDD, or get a faster/quieter smaller one for the same money? could I do with 2GB or RAM or is that OTT for Win XP?

getting excited now

I like the case btw - good find...

I wish i did work for scan im pretty poor atm NP mate, my pleasure

I agree 2GB of ram is a worthwhile upgrade. As for the hard drive, no point getting anyless cost per GB wise, if anything i would squeeze more in if you can. Samsungs tend to be extremely quiet anyway so dont worry about that.

Antec NSK2400 / Fusion Media PC Case | silentpcreview.com

Here is a review of the case if you want to look into it a little deeper.

A big advantage of the upgrade listed on the previous page is when it comes to the time you want to get a blu ray drive, you only need to slide one into the computer(and possibly a cheap graphics card) you wont have to buy a whole player

[dangel]

A big advantage of the upgrade listed on the previous page is when it comes to the time you want to get a blu ray drive, you only need to slide one into the computer(and possibly a cheap graphics card) you wont have to buy a whole player

Something i'm thinking of too