These past few months I've been following new solutions on the horizon with the release of Windows 7. I've researched barebones systems such as the ASRock ION 330HT, buying a Dell Inspiron 537s, and building from components using one of many Mini-ITX motherboard cases like the Antec ISK300-65. Most solutions for a small, quiet, low-power consumption system will run from $350-$500 on up from there.
I decided to focus in on one of the nettop solutions. Several are available now or soon:
After comparing features, cost, and availability, I settled on the Acer Aspire 3610 from Newegg.com. The small form-factor, fanless operation, HDMI port, several USB ports, wireless N, 160GB SATA hard drive, eSATA port, dual-core Atom 330 processor and Nvidia ION graphics, and Windows 7 Home Premium made this one a hard system to beat for $329.
Now for the other pieces to bring this all together:
DVD player/burner
I recently purchased an HP Mini 311 netbook with an External USB LightScribe Super Multi 8X DVD+/-RW w/Double Layer. I can easily share this between the netbook and nettop as needed. Other similar drives can be purchased for around $50. Those who wish to have Blue-Ray support can find USB and eSATA compatible drives.
Storage
To supplement the internal hard drive, provide for backups, and store music and video, I purchased an Antec MX-1 eSATA hard drive enclosure to use with a refurbished 500GB SATA hard drive. The enclosure is quiet and claims to actively cool the drive so it can remain powered on at all times. So far so good.
Remote Control
For a remote control and infrared receiver I went with Anyware GP-IR02BK which is designed to work with Windows Media Center. It connects via USB and includes two channel infrared. This will run $25-$30 depending where you buy it.
Keyboard
The Acer Aspire Revo 3610 comes with a wireless keyboard and mouse that will likely be sufficient for most users. Both keyboard and mouse connect via a little USB receiver that comes nested inside the mouse. Thinking I might need a better keyboard for use from the couch, I went ahead and purchased the Microsoft ZV1-00004. While this keyboard doesn't come with an infrared receiver, it utilizes the same on that came with my remote control. I don't find I'm using it much so could have easily done without it.
Applications
So far I've been pretty happy with Windows Media Center on Windows 7. I've installed Boxee to gain access to Youtube, Pandora Radio, Hulu feeds, and many other sources of Internet content. I removed the trials for Microsoft Office and McAfee Security to start, and installed CCleaner for routine maintenance.
Final Thoughts
Next on my list of to-do's will be installation of a TV Tuner. Currently I'm considering the Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-1950 which connects via USB. It's compatible with Clear QAM digital cable but will likely require that we drop our Comcast service back down to a basic package to work. So, I'll do a bit more research first, but expect it will work just fine for over-the-air digital reception and FM radio. At that point I'll be able to experiment with scheduled recordings, pausing live TV, and taking advantage of the other Windows Media Center features.
Today I ripped several of my old music CDs to the external drive using Windows Media Player. I opted for the highest quality MP3 format and set all my media libraries to use the external drive. Well, back to an on-demand Netflix movie. It's coming through just fine over our wireless connection.
