I need a new computer anyway, so following (I think) Electron's advice to look at refurbished models for value, I've been considering
tigerdirect ad for Gateway 831GM for $500. They also have an 830 version with twice the memory: 1gb for $587, but that involves 3 kinky rebates..which means it is probably not much of a deal if I value my time.
I am also willing to consider other choices such as Winbook 410, which got this CNET "excellent" review.
Any opinions here for prebuilt MCE computers?
FYI I'm hoping to make this the hub of distributing movies and windows media music from yahoo music, etc. I'm ALSO hoping it can serve double duty for windows based HA software (or is it a mistake to have both functions on one computer?)
I could also have someone build a custom MCE computer for me, which would doubtless get me upgraded components, but what is "good enough" given that I am not heavy into TV and don't intend to become so (I don't have cable or "DirecTV" as I've tried them both and found them only "chewing gum for the mind" as FLW warned). So...mostly music distribution to the home and HA applications.
Any recommendations appreciated.
tigerdirect ad for Gateway 831GM for $500. They also have an 830 version with twice the memory: 1gb for $587, but that involves 3 kinky rebates..which means it is probably not much of a deal if I value my time.
I am also willing to consider other choices such as Winbook 410, which got this CNET "excellent" review.
Any opinions here for prebuilt MCE computers?
FYI I'm hoping to make this the hub of distributing movies and windows media music from yahoo music, etc. I'm ALSO hoping it can serve double duty for windows based HA software (or is it a mistake to have both functions on one computer?)
I could also have someone build a custom MCE computer for me, which would doubtless get me upgraded components, but what is "good enough" given that I am not heavy into TV and don't intend to become so (I don't have cable or "DirecTV" as I've tried them both and found them only "chewing gum for the mind" as FLW warned). So...mostly music distribution to the home and HA applications.
Any recommendations appreciated.