A challange for non OSX computer literate types...

[simongr]

OK - I was running my older iMac in the kitchen as a combination TV (using eye TV diversity), computer and media player. This worked well until it died (twice to quote Buffy).

So then we switched to the iBook but that didnt work so well - older, slower and with a smaller screen.

When I went to WLG recently we moved the 24in iMac into the kitchen so mrssimongr could skypecam with me and my parents more easily (the study is less baby friendly than the kitchen). This has left a large hole in my study that sadly due to upcoming surgery costs wont be filled with a new 27in iMac.

So I have two options - buy a low end 21in iMac ($1599+apple care) or something else. So that is where the non-OSX users come in. Can I do this more cheaply?

The requirements are:

Integrated screen/computer (this is preference more than a requirement)
No tower - so a small form factor could be an alternative (e.g. a mac mini sized box)
Wifi enabled to allow connection to the network (no problems about setting up the network as I can do that)
DTV tuner of some sort (note no external aerial at the location in the kitchen)
Able to play back Xvids
Fairly simple user interface (WIn7, OSX are ok but I have no idea on the useability of Linux for someone like mrssimongr)
19-22in screen

So any thoughts? Can this be done more cheaply than $1600?

Cheers

S

Dear God - I can't even spell challenge!

 

[medhead]

I'm on the phone so can only offer some thoughts but no links, sorry.

My brother was looking for something similar for his lounge room and at one stage was talking about Dell all in ones. They might be a bit cheaper. Assuming the diversity is still working I think there's a win version of Eyetv now.

I like the mini personally. But it's not an all in one. Add in a screen, KB, M and camera that might be cheaper depending on model. You could skip the mouse and keyboard and use the remote for pure TV viewing and recording if you have a program guide. Or maybe just a mouse for recording. I was able to get by for 6 months with just the remote. (recording paytv requires a KB)

Otherwise, to really save money means self build and Linux and I think mythtv is what to use. This is not going to be all in one, but there are small HTPC cases, so similar requirements as for a mini, plus you might need a new tuner. I'm not sure the savings are worth the hassle.

 

[simongr]

The main issue I have with even doing a mini+screen (I have plenty of keyboards and mice) is finding an acceptable screen at the right price (white is preferred by mrssimongr).

I think if the savings wont be that significant then the form factor of the iMac will definitely be a consideration.

 

[medhead]

Well in that case my best suggestion is the Dell all in ones. Studio One 1 $1099 or $1299. Touch screen, white with grey trim, but it does claim to have other colours. 18.5" widescreen 1366x768. Wireless b/g

Inspiron One 19 starts at $999 but black only it seems and non touch screen.

 

[JeniSkunk]

The HP All-In-One 200-5020a might be a viable solution.
Off hand, the only downside I can see to the specs of it as sold at Officeworks and ****Smith is the supplied ammount of RAM, a measly 2Gb for running Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit, when 4Gb is the ammount that is really needed.
Of those 2 places selling the HP, I'd buy from ****Smith due to their listing the slightly faster CPU.
The HP 200-5020a at Officeworks and DSE

Jenifur Charne

 

[simongr]

Hmm - not dramatic savings in either case then and both systems are quite unattractive/lack style.

I think if I was going for the higher end 27in then the question would be different. Looks like a mac will be ordered in not too distant future...

 

[samh004]

Hmm - not dramatic savings in either case then and both systems are quite unattractive/lack style.

I think if I was going for the higher end 27in then the question would be different. Looks like a mac will be ordered in not too distant future...

Get a mini with a new 27" LED Display, or if you want to re-mortgage your house, the new 12-core Mac Pro would be great for emails and web browsing

 

[simongr]

I wouldnt mind the mini if I could find a nice 20-22in LED/LCD TV that could be wall mounted (though being black could be an issue for mrssimongr)

 

[simongr]

Actually that 24in cinema display wall mounted might be an option... just realised that a TV set up with the min wouldnt have the built in camera which is a key requirement...

 

[samh004]

Actually that 24in cinema display wall mounted might be an option... just realised that a TV set up with the min wouldnt have the built in camera which is a key requirement...

You’d have to act quick, the 24" LED has been discontinued, so they’ll only have stock to get rid of, after that you’re out of luck.

 

[simongr]

Ahh - I thought they were just axing the 30in... shame really. Timing might be a little off...

 

[samh004]

Ahh - I thought they were just axing the 30in... shame really. Timing might be a little off...

Well they’re not shipping the 27" ones yet, so who knows, I’d read somewhere that both the 30" and 24" were going out the door. I guess the 20" is gone too? In the US at least, the 24" has been reduced to clear, though I’m not sure if that’s the same here, can’t see the 27" price yet either way (in AUD).

 

[medhead]

Hmm - not dramatic savings in either case then and both systems are quite unattractive/lack style.

Note I did say it was my best option, not a good option. I guess lack of style is the sacrifice if looking to save cash.

If looking at a mini you are not limited to a computer display. You could find a cheap and stylish flat panel TV. You'd still need the camera and also a video adapter, from memory they run at about $50.

 

[drewbles]

Considering how cheap the Dell 24" ultrasharp displays are I'd suggest a refurb mac mini direct from the online apple store and the Dell display. Should get away with it for around $1k all up not including apple care (it's not really worth it for this IMHO).

Refurbs come with full factory warranty btw.

 

[samh004]

Considering how cheap the Dell 24" ultrasharp displays are I'd suggest a refurb mac mini direct from the online apple store and the Dell display. Should get away with it for around $1k all up not including apple care (it's not really worth it for this IMHO).

Refurbs come with full factory warranty btw.

Do they come with a built-in camera, as I think that was the reason of thinking behind the Apple 24" LED.

 

[lilypage]

Lenovo for my suggestion check it out
it was previously IBM