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More => Old Versions => Media Center 11 (Development Ended) => Topic started by: Harry_The_Hipster on February 02, 2003, 01:54:53 pm

Title: Using Laptop as Networked Client
Post by: Harry_The_Hipster on February 02, 2003, 01:54:53 pm

This suggestion was made in the thread concerning Audiotron:

http://www.musicex.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=general;action=display;num=1023155728;start=22#22

Having thought about this, it makes sense for a number of reasons  to use a simple client unit as the interface between the server and the receiver/amp.

What would you suggest as minimum specs for the laptop? This will be a dedicated unit, not used for other apps. I'd rather buy a lower-end unit on eBay than spend unnecessary $ for something with more horse-power than I need.

I have broadband access, run XP Home on the server and a good number of files are encoded in APE. I would probably use 802.11a or g for the network. There would never be more than these two units on the network.

TIA...HTH

Title: Re: Using Laptop as Networked Client
Post by: Harry_The_Hipster on February 03, 2003, 05:08:29 am

(http://www.bbwfigurines.com/images/mainpage-bump.jpg)

(Bump)

HTH

Title: Re: Using Laptop as Networked Client
Post by: JimH on February 03, 2003, 06:08:16 am

Not quite as esthetically pleasing as Turbo's, but still...

I do what you're suggesting at home with a Sony VAIO.  The latest one I use is the C1 picturebook that uses the Transmeta CPU and I think it's 867Mhz.  Here are the slightly more recent models:
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=bNIqXPStSX4qcMqT_iwgV7ujcqTYEUc397Y=?CatalogCategoryID=J6cKC0%2eNtlMAAADzIPrRvxPb&ProductID=N_0KC0%2eNGbwAAADzlBXRvxPf&Dept=cpu

This machine would be ideal:
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=bNIqXPStSX4qcMqT_iwgV7ujcqTYEUc397Y=?CatalogCategoryID=0hwKC0%2eNZfUAAADzGfrRvxPb&ProductID=R5gKC0%2eNy6gAAADzwQrRvxPf&Dept=cpu

A PIII at about 800 MHz should work.

802.11b is fast enough, but just barely.  802.11a should be fine.

Is there a TV connected to the AMP?  If so, there may be another possibility.

Title: Re: Using Laptop as Networked Client
Post by: Harry_The_Hipster on February 03, 2003, 06:56:36 am

Quote

Is there a TV connected to the AMP?  If so, there may be another possibility.

Sometimes what can be done shouldn't be done. The domestic truce line lies somewhere between the audio system and the TV monitor. Any attempt to oust FoodTV from its current priority position could result in summary eviction.

(http://siol-nan-gaidheal-usa.com/dealbh/eviction.jpg)

Thanks for the thought, however.

HTH

Title: Re: Using Laptop as Networked Client
Post by: JimH on February 03, 2003, 07:15:10 am

"Out, out, dam-ned spot!"

We've all been there.