A/V Desktop Recommendations

[drpje]

I am in the market for a new desktop computer using the Windows platform. I was almost going to buy the new Sony VAIO PCV-W500GN1. The reason I decided not to buy the Sony is the lack of upgradeability and the integrated graphics. I would like a computer with a small footprint like the Sony that is geared for AV. I would like a high resolution 17" LCD, at least 120 GB hard drive, a video card which will allow me to watch and record TV similar to the Sony Giga Pocket, and a good audio card. I have heard that there are some companies that make this type of computer with a small footprint geared for AV and are upgradeable. What would you recommend. Thanks

[neuroking]

There's a good article on Tom's Hardware comparing two of these systems. itried to find the one that added the MSI system in there, but you can have a look-see for yerself:
http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/20030318/index.html

For PVR typestuff, just make sure th video card has svideo or rca inputs and grab SnapStream. Very nice little program. Also, if you own a PS2, there's a program called QCast Tuner, which I LOVE. Lets youstream video, mp3s and pictures to the TV connected to the PS2. So, with SnapStream, you can replace video on the TV or desktop. I believe that QCast was actually purchased by MadCatz, so they may be doing that whole company transition thing now (which means the sw is hard to find, or that the version you get now is not the MadCatz version, and is incompatible with future upgrades. See vendor for details.)

Just FYI
Brandon

[Ioman]

Honestly, the best method is to probably build your own system. Alienware had a Media Center PC which I thought was pretty cool back in the day.

VoodooPC has a killer looking Media Center PC with a 4-in-1 card reader right in the front of if too.

http://www.voodoopc.com/systems/doll.aspx

I like that it has S-Video out, as well as front and back USB/FireWire ports. This would be a great system for anyone doing multimedia related stuff.

You should be able to upgrade the CPU, HDD, Memory, Video Card on this system too. Plus it uses the same system chassis that Neuroking linked to, except with VoodooPC you get a warranty since its a complete system.

[neuroking]

Or you can opt for a cheaper system from iBuyPower....

http://www.ibuypower.com/confirm/configurator-g-box.htm

You can pretty much max out the system at $2100, which looks sweet.

The Voodo maxed out is $1100, but no AIW choise, which seems very odd, no sound board options, and another couple things that seem strange for a company that is usually very good about flexability in configurations.

Brandon

[Porsche911]

Originally posted by neuroking
Or you can opt for a cheaper system from iBuyPower....

http://www.ibuypower.com/confirm/configurator-g-box.htm

You can pretty much max out the system at $2100, which looks sweet.

The Voodo maxed out is $1100, but no AIW choise, which seems very odd, no sound board options, and another couple things that seem strange for a company that is usually very good about flexability in configurations.

Brandon

I think they are limited by the motherboard they chose to go with. I have heard great things about VoodooPC and you should be very happy with them.