Desktop PC
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From: 3rd bedroom on the right
Desktop PC
I'm finally going to get ADSL2 for my unit and was thinking I should get a desktop to run as a server and eventually to use as a media centre with a 42" display 
I already have a work laptop but I'd rather limit the non-work related use to avoid any dramas.
So can anyone recommend something that'll be cheap but good for the above?
I thought this looked pretty damn good Ebay
then I saw it on the trading post for a touch cheaper
Trading post ad
[QUOTE]Vista Desktop Computer!WTY!
I already have a work laptop but I'd rather limit the non-work related use to avoid any dramas.
So can anyone recommend something that'll be cheap but good for the above?
I thought this looked pretty damn good Ebay
then I saw it on the trading post for a touch cheaper
Trading post ad
[QUOTE]Vista Desktop Computer!WTY!
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From: Sydney
Hi Aust,
OK, firstly you say you want to use this as a server first and then possibly a media centre - these are very different roles for a PC and would typically require different hardware and OS, if you get one to do both then both will be a compromise.
If you mean a true server (i.e. box sitting in the corner on all the time and using another computer to access it) then you might want to consider the new MS Home Server that has just been launched, they are complete hardware packages with the MS Home Server OS on them.
For a media centre you need to decide exactly what you want it to do, to use the Vista Media Centre software to drive it you will need Vista Ultimate not Home. Also you will need to make sure that you have compatible graphics card and tuner card (if you want to have TV input into it).
So, what do you really mean by server and what will you want your media centre to provide you?
- Adam
OK, firstly you say you want to use this as a server first and then possibly a media centre - these are very different roles for a PC and would typically require different hardware and OS, if you get one to do both then both will be a compromise.
If you mean a true server (i.e. box sitting in the corner on all the time and using another computer to access it) then you might want to consider the new MS Home Server that has just been launched, they are complete hardware packages with the MS Home Server OS on them.
For a media centre you need to decide exactly what you want it to do, to use the Vista Media Centre software to drive it you will need Vista Ultimate not Home. Also you will need to make sure that you have compatible graphics card and tuner card (if you want to have TV input into it).
So, what do you really mean by server and what will you want your media centre to provide you?
- Adam
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From: 3rd bedroom on the right
Hmmm maybe server isn't really what I'm after.
I want to be able to access files on the run and I guess that's about the extent of that aspect. More important really is the media capabilities such as playing movies through a plasma or lcd and playing music.
p.s that 2nd hand one off ebay got a quote for $400 to courier it to sydney
Seems he doesn't want to have to box it himself so Australia post wont do.
I want to be able to access files on the run and I guess that's about the extent of that aspect. More important really is the media capabilities such as playing movies through a plasma or lcd and playing music.
p.s that 2nd hand one off ebay got a quote for $400 to courier it to sydney
Seems he doesn't want to have to box it himself so Australia post wont do.
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From: Sydney
Well, if what you really want is a media centre device then you really should consider a Mac Mini, OK it does not have a tuner card built in but the benefits are:
1. Intel based now so you can dual boot into Vista if you need to
2. Latest OSX has FrontRow builtin to provide a media centre feel frontend with remote control
3. Small form factor, sits nicely with other components under the plasma
4. Silent! There is no fan noise from these unlike most PC's
5. Comes with iPhoto, iTunes, Quicktime and DVD Player so all ready to host your photos, music and movies.
I have a gen 1 Mac Mini running exactly like this, connected to my 42" plasma, sitting on my wireless network and operated with a bluetooth mouse and keyboard - it rocks! I intend to upgrade it to the current Intel based model next year.
If you want a tuner card you can get them for the Mac as well so you can record TV.
That would be my recommendation.
- Adam
1. Intel based now so you can dual boot into Vista if you need to
2. Latest OSX has FrontRow builtin to provide a media centre feel frontend with remote control
3. Small form factor, sits nicely with other components under the plasma
4. Silent! There is no fan noise from these unlike most PC's
5. Comes with iPhoto, iTunes, Quicktime and DVD Player so all ready to host your photos, music and movies.
I have a gen 1 Mac Mini running exactly like this, connected to my 42" plasma, sitting on my wireless network and operated with a bluetooth mouse and keyboard - it rocks! I intend to upgrade it to the current Intel based model next year.
If you want a tuner card you can get them for the Mac as well so you can record TV.
That would be my recommendation.
- Adam
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the configurations you have listed are good like the dual 2.88GHz, plenty of memory etc.
Your only two considerations should be
1. Video card. Buy the best video card that you can within your budget. This way you can play some of the latest games etc which will be AWESOME on your huge screen.
2. Disk redundancy. I would get a motherboard which can support hardware RAID; this way you can run a RAID-1 (disk mirror). This provides you with redundancy - there is nothing more annoying than your harddrive dying. You can use software RAID however this is slower than hardware raid. Sure you have to buy an extra disk but disks are cheap these days and can save you a lot of nonsense if your disk does die.
Your only two considerations should be
1. Video card. Buy the best video card that you can within your budget. This way you can play some of the latest games etc which will be AWESOME on your huge screen.
2. Disk redundancy. I would get a motherboard which can support hardware RAID; this way you can run a RAID-1 (disk mirror). This provides you with redundancy - there is nothing more annoying than your harddrive dying. You can use software RAID however this is slower than hardware raid. Sure you have to buy an extra disk but disks are cheap these days and can save you a lot of nonsense if your disk does die.
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From: 3rd bedroom on the right
Originally Posted by Frisky,Nov 8 2007, 05:05 PM
Well, if what you really want is a media centre device then you really should consider a Mac Mini, OK it does not have a tuner card built in but the benefits are:
1. Intel based now so you can dual boot into Vista if you need to
2. Latest OSX has FrontRow builtin to provide a media centre feel frontend with remote control
3. Small form factor, sits nicely with other components under the plasma
4. Silent! There is no fan noise from these unlike most PC's
5. Comes with iPhoto, iTunes, Quicktime and DVD Player so all ready to host your photos, music and movies.
I have a gen 1 Mac Mini running exactly like this, connected to my 42" plasma, sitting on my wireless network and operated with a bluetooth mouse and keyboard - it rocks! I intend to upgrade it to the current Intel based model next year.
If you want a tuner card you can get them for the Mac as well so you can record TV.
That would be my recommendation.
- Adam
1. Intel based now so you can dual boot into Vista if you need to
2. Latest OSX has FrontRow builtin to provide a media centre feel frontend with remote control
3. Small form factor, sits nicely with other components under the plasma
4. Silent! There is no fan noise from these unlike most PC's
5. Comes with iPhoto, iTunes, Quicktime and DVD Player so all ready to host your photos, music and movies.
I have a gen 1 Mac Mini running exactly like this, connected to my 42" plasma, sitting on my wireless network and operated with a bluetooth mouse and keyboard - it rocks! I intend to upgrade it to the current Intel based model next year.
If you want a tuner card you can get them for the Mac as well so you can record TV.
That would be my recommendation.
- Adam
Mate, that's the only one I found on ebay and its $1750 2nd hand! Am I missing something?
Something I have to figure is how I can have it set at a desk with its own screen on one side of the room but able to be used on the big screen on the other side of the room for movies.
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From: Sydney
Hmm, they are from $850 direct from Apple, does depend on the options you choose though.
Regarding running 2 screens, the Mac Mini only has a single DVI output so you can't run 2 screens BUT Apple TV could be the answer! ...
Apple TV
Regarding running 2 screens, the Mac Mini only has a single DVI output so you can't run 2 screens BUT Apple TV could be the answer! ...
Apple TV