El-Cheapo Media Center

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Forums › Offers and Wanted › El-Cheapo Media Center

bener

272 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#91040 5-Oct-2011 15:22

Hey all,

I'm just looking for something in the $2-300 range that is capable of running xbmc with vga output, only real needs are small and quiet (and preferably with WiFi).

I might just have it booting xbmx, or run a trimmed down xp with media center on it. I am currently running a similar setup on an old xbox but XBMC4XBOX (the xbox-only release of the xbmc media software) is pretty limited.

It will just be running 800x600 to a projector with VGA in. Anyone got anything suitable? I was kind of disappointed that I sold my Acer EEE Box - it would have been perfect for this setup!

Note: I am considering getting an HP mini as they can be had for around $250 second hand...

gehenna

8495 posts

Uber Geek

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#529664 5-Oct-2011 16:11

Get an Apple TV and jailbreak it with XBMC. This is my main rig at home and it works a treat for $150 outlay. You just have to be able to share the content from another location over wifi or ethernet.

reven

3743 posts

Uber Geek

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#529665 5-Oct-2011 16:13

if you dont have a hdmi input the appletv 2 wont do you any good (thats the only output it has)

gehenna

8495 posts

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#529666 5-Oct-2011 16:14

reven: if you dont have a hdmi input the appletv 2 wont do you any good (thats the only output it has)

Ah true I missed that, though you have conversion options with adapters.

michaelt

425 posts

Ultimate Geek

#529702 5-Oct-2011 17:06

Try looking on trademe for laptops with broken screens, broken keyboards, dead batteries, etc.

They're cheap, usually quiet and have wifi.

bener

272 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#530532 7-Oct-2011 12:22

Gehenna - I would definitely get an AppleTV if I could use HDMI, they are pretty good value for what they are...

Michealt - that's a great idea, thanyou!