Working on a client pc, need some help on my project

[tanquef]

Ok, here is the deal, basically i need the smallest computer as possible to put in my kitchen, because the wife is claiming to watch some tv while she is cooking...

So, what i was thinking about is some good ideas which i'm not sure if they are possible or not.
I was thinking on using a 15" Flat LCD with Touchscreen panel, so i dont need to use a mouse or keyboard.
maybe using linux as a client since like i saw on the linux faq, sage linux can work with a windows server, and to boot directly into sagetv.

my questions are:
1- Is this possible, to use a touchscreen to change channels, etc?
2- Any recommendations on a very small computer, maybe a via mobo with the processor attached, the ones that do not need cooler, which will be quiet.


thanks for your help on this project!!

[CollinR]

Yes it's possible and might look at the Intel Little Valley however HD is out of the question on most if not all Mini-ITX boards until the new Intel units come out.

Also you can use a remote and ditch the touchscreen, that will save you a couple hundred bucks.

[tanquef]

well, after i post the message i was reading another comments and find this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16856167032

maybe that will work at least a part of it, regarding HD i'm not planning for now since in Argentina there is no HDTV yet.
You say that instead adding touchscreen i should buy a remote (maybe a microsoft media remote with the USB stick)

that will work out on linux? or i should put XP instead?

[vividweb]

What about a laptop or tablet? I have always wondered about making a client that could be mounted to the underside of the cupboard and flip down to view.

[tanquef]

Originally Posted by vividweb

What about a laptop or tablet? I have always wondered about making a client that could be mounted to the underside of the cupboard and flip down to view.

i think about this option for a moment, i do have a laptop which i'm going to sell very soon, that i might use for that, the thing is that i preffer to have a touchscreen like i said at first place, maybe because it will be a lot better to use, but i'm honestly thinking about it cause it will also solve the wifi issue...

thanks for the tip!!

[S_M_E]

I'd prefer a touchscreen for the kitchen too; it might get messy but it's easier to clean than a keyboard/mouse/remote. That said, you could use the laptop that you have AND get a touchscreen for it. 299.99 at newegg...

[wado1971]

If you decide to go the linux route, I'd stay away from ATI graphics cards - the support is not as good as nvidia.

I'd suggest (with no first hand experience) to check out the intel G45 motherboards (mini). These little guys can run HD and playback h.264 with the integrated graphics - more than you need but upgradeable when HD reaches you. The reviews say they do run a bit hot but linux drivers where available prior to the MB release.

I think SageMC has an import which will add touchscreen capabilities. Check this thread out (not sure if it's for a touchsreen) http://forums.sagetv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30962

[traker1001]

I have one of these in my kitchen, They work great with sagetv. The touchscreen works great also.

HP TouchSmart IQ504 PC

http://www.staples.com/office/suppli...C3:CG71:DP4119

[tanquef]

Originally Posted by wado1971

If you decide to go the linux route, I'd stay away from ATI graphics cards - the support is not as good as nvidia.

I'd suggest (with no first hand experience) to check out the intel G45 motherboards (mini). These little guys can run HD and playback h.264 with the integrated graphics - more than you need but upgradeable when HD reaches you. The reviews say they do run a bit hot but linux drivers where available prior to the MB release.

I think SageMC has an import which will add touchscreen capabilities. Check this thread out (not sure if it's for a touchsreen) http://forums.sagetv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24825

That seems a great idea, checking all the MINI ITX mobos to find out which will suit my needs, probably getting something like this or the MSI WIND and a touchscreen will keep my budget below $500.

Originally Posted by traker1001

I have one of these in my kitchen, They work great with sagetv. The touchscreen works great also.

HP TouchSmart IQ504 PC

http://www.staples.com/office/suppli...C3:CG71:DP4119

This is a great item, but a little out of my league i also dont think that it will be worth it seems like a waste of computer, since the use will be very little.



One extra thing, the wife asked me if there is any plugin or add on where i could get recipes streamed or something like that...
any ideas will be great

[S_M_E]

Originally Posted by tanquef

One extra thing, the wife asked me if there is any plugin or add on where i could get recipes streamed or something like that...
any ideas will be great

If you're running an OS it should have a browser for searching for recipes. Or she could just record The Food Network on Sage if your provider has it.

[tanquef]

Originally Posted by S_M_E

If you're running an OS it should have a browser for searching for recipes. Or she could just record The Food Network on Sage if your provider has it.

is there a plugin on sage that let you run a browser inside like windows media center does?

if so, if i can use the XP accessability onscreen keyboard then we are good to go with a touchscreen LCD... and with that i dont need to run LINUX.

[wado1971]

The Customizations forum has a sticky List of available Customizations where you'll find both the .... "Touchscreen Controls for SageMC" & the "Recipe Viewer for SageMC".

[bjterry62]

Providing you already have a SageTV HTPC somewhere in the house, how about a small LCD TV and an HD200 extender mounted underneath the cabinet[/URL]. You could get a mount that allows the LCD to fold up under when not in use. Then she can run it with nothing more than a remote.

BT

[tanquef]

Originally Posted by bjterry62

Providing you already have a SageTV HTPC somewhere in the house, how about a small LCD TV and an HD200 extender mounted underneath the cabinet[/URL]. You could get a mount that allows the LCD to fold up under when not in use. Then she can run it with nothing more than a remote.

BT

only if it will support a wireless connection, because i dont have enough space to put an ethernet cable through there