minimum specs for laptop client?

[procon]

Hi all:

I am spec'ing out a server and client SageTV setup and would love your advice on whether to go with either a used laptop or-- when it comes out-- the new HD Media extender.

The media extender will probably be more economical and low maintenance, but the laptop is desirable for a few reasons: my display is a projector, so turning it on to pick MP3s is impractical-- a laptop's screen and interface is perfect for that. Also, if I got the extender I'd need a DVD player, so the laptop's ability to do double-duty would narrow the price gap by $50 and reduce wiring.

What's the least powerful laptop I could get that could handle pushing an HD signal to an EDTV projector? I don't mind a used machine with a dead battery or a small hard drive, but I don't want to spend more than $500.

What do you think?

Thanks,
Ari

[roxy99]

Originally Posted by procon

Hi all:

I am spec'ing out a server and client SageTV setup and would love your advice on whether to go with either a used laptop or-- when it comes out-- the new HD Media extender.

The media extender will probably be more economical and low maintenance, but the laptop is desirable for a few reasons: my display is a projector, so turning it on to pick MP3s is impractical-- a laptop's screen and interface is perfect for that. Also, if I got the extender I'd need a DVD player, so the laptop's ability to do double-duty would narrow the price gap by $50 and reduce wiring.

What's the least powerful laptop I could get that could handle pushing an HD signal to an EDTV projector? I don't mind a used machine with a dead battery or a small hard drive, but I don't want to spend more than $500.

What do you think?

Thanks,
Ari

A labtop would require at least 3ghz to drive HD video. If the labtop has a good video card such as a GF 76xx or higher then maybe less processor. I think you may end up spending closer to $1000. Maybe you can squeeze 720p out of a used 2ghz laptop for under $500.