Building a media center (TV/movies) computer. Thoughts?

[dsiglin]

Hi, I'm thinking about building a media center pc. What I'm wondering is if I can build one for cheaper than I can buy a pre-made one. The pre-made center I'm looking at is here: CompUSA.com - HP Pavilion m8100n Minitower - GC673AA#ABA - Computers » Desktop PCs

Is it possible to build it myself for cheaper? If I do build it myself I'd like to do it for under $500 for the computer (no monitor, keyboard, mouse). Is that possible?

thanks.

EDIT:

This is not going to have HD capabilities.

 

[Impotence]

Welcome to hardwareforums dsiglin :beer:

Yes, I'm quite sure that you could build a Media Center for ~$500. The easiest way to save money is not to use a operating system that you have to pay for [The HP machine uses Micro$oft Vista, which is at least 1/8th of the price].

Your best bet would be to use a Linux based operating system such as Ubuntu and install a piece of software called LinuxMCE (Watch the Video). Linux based OS's in general are faster and much more secure, and you don't need Anti-Virus software [as there are no viruses, Like OSX for Apple computers & Laptops]

[OT]
I am unsure of how many hwf members have experience with media centers [I know i don't :P so unfortunately this is as much help as i can be] so if you don't have any luck here you might want to try posting on Ubuntu Forums

PS Ubuntu is also a great operating system for everyday computers :) Although beware, you might have to get used to some alternative software (such as Open Office instead of Microsoft Office, but its all 100% free :D) which tends to put new users off... but once your past that you realize your much better off [and you'll never have to pay for software again :P]
[/OT]

 

[dsiglin]

Thanks for the reply. I agree Ubuntu is a great OS. I have it installed on my old computer, along with XP. And I actually use Open Office. I prefer it over Microsoft Office for a multitude of reasons. This computer build is actually for a friend who doesn't know anything about Ubuntu and I don't have time to teach them. So unfortunately I'll have to stick to Windows for this build. I think I'm going to go with the HP. I'm familiar with sites like NewEgg, slickdeals, Frys, etc and it would still cost me around $600 to build a comparable PC. I found Amazon has the HP computer for $750 so in this case the prebuilt actually is a good deal. Surprise. :eek:

thanks for the help though.