Neat new possible HTPC frontend client

[mikesm]

I'm sure many folks have seen this already, but check out this link for an announcement of a new VIA based HTPC solution targetted at gaming, but also clearly able to be used as a display client for an HTPC backend.

Looks like a standard PC architecture system, with a $299 pricepoint. Being announced at CES this week.

This would make an ideal front end for Sage. Some folks at Myth are looking at that too, since it looks like it could run Linux natively. And it has component out... Very cool. With the upgraded Via CPU, it may have a shot at HD decode as well. But it's too soon to tell for that...

Thanks,
Mike

PS Here is the link to the device maker's home page as well...

[Grasshopper]

This looks like an ideal solution for my purposes. I want a small box that'll run Sage Client and play DVD's on a regular TV. I was going to build a client box, but maybe I'll wait and see whether this will do Sage.

Any word on when this will be out, or if it'll run Sage Client?

[-LD]

it runs XP embedded so it could be made to run sage client more than likely

[Beelzebub]

It might be cool if the price wasn't so high. IF you shop smart you could build a small pc in a Flex ATX case for around $300 - $400.

I also didn't read anything about Online gaming, and it mentioned you can't play modded games. So I doubt this will catch on much.

[-LD]

you can't get a small PC with component video out like this for $300 though

[mikejaner]

www.pricewatch.com

Athlon 2400XP with motherboard and Fan $95
256 MB Memory $27
16X DVDRom Drive $25
Case $50
60GB Hard Drive $46
ATI Radeon 9200 128mb $44

Total: $287

I don't know what the component adapter costs for the ATI cards, but it makes it pretty damn close to build your computer yourself. Not to mention the computer would have a lot more cpu, hard drive, memory etc.......

mikejaner

[stanger89]

The component adapter is $29.

[mikejaner]

So, yeah, $316 and you have a machine with twice the power, four times the memory, 50% more hard drive, and I would be willing to bet, alot better GPU than, this Apex Xtreme box.

mikejaner

[mikesm]

The issue here isn't that you couldn't build something somewhat more capable for about the same price. The issue is that you can buy something that is already integrated well, and in a quiet and small case.

My wife wouldn't let me put several devices like this around the house unless they looked well and were quiet and unobtrusive.

From that perspective, it's right on target.

Thanks,
Mike

[Beelzebub]

Originally posted by -LD
you can't get a small PC with component video out like this for $300 though

Hmm the Radeon 9200 has SVideo and DVI. As mentioned before you can buy a component video adapter the plugs into your VGA port. So really you get more.

[-LD]

does the radeon have overscan problems with component?

i'd rather not piece together a low-evd system...too much work for too little reward...plus it will look like crap instead of something that should belong in my A/V rack