I'm on the hunt for a new laptop after leaving my old one behind at my previous work.

While I only really need basic laptop functions ie: won't be playing games, I'd like to be able to use it as a media pc to the TV in the lounge room. This won't be a permanent set-up just when I want to watch shiz that's been downloaded.

With the never ending choice of Laptops out there I have a few questions some one with some knowledge on may like to answer. It will be networked to a XP Home PC.

Vista Basic or Vista Home Premium? The premium version has the Windows Media Centre stuff included where the basic doesn't. Do you need WMC to watch things on the tele or is this just marketing bs?

Will the onboard basic graphics be enough?

I guess the models with HDMI output both sound and image through the one cable?

Anyone recommend a good value unit? I was looking at the Compaq for $500 after cashback but I'm concerned about the Vista Basic. It only has 1gig RAM as well but I suspect that's an cheap and easy upgrade.

Cheers

No, you don't need WMC to play stuff on the TV, it just treats it like any other monitor.

As for what system to get, I don't know.

just when I want to watch shiz that's been downloaded.

If you're only doing this, go have a look at Popcorn Hour / Media Gate devices instead.

You're not going to get much of a laptop for $500, even if it's after cash back.

Watching stuff is secondary.

Just need a laptop to store music, photo's, internet etc and have the necessary outputs (HDMI would be ideal) to connect to the TV.

Budget is somewhat flexible but certainly under $1g.

last edited by mission at 22:03:24 17/Sep/08

Dell Inspiron 1525 $899 has HDMI port built in.

^^ buy that one ^^

Yeah that's the one I was considering, they stock them at office works so no time lag. There is a $699 version of that one but Dell can't ship it until next week (and OW don't stock it). I'd really like it by Tuesay next week as I'm going away for a few days.

But it is $400 more than the basic Compaq........ arrhhh I hate decisions like this :(

last edited by mission at 11:50:16 18/Sep/08

the $699 one has slower CPU, only 1 GB RAM and vista home basic, $899 represents much better value.