On 13 Jan 2004 03:43:00 -0800
(Max) wrote:


Why didn't I use a pc option and a large hard disk in the first place?
Well that was due to cost. Storage is relatively cheap, but a 'decent'
sound card is expensive and so is the touch screen flat monitor that I
want in my setup. Would probably put it on a new server and network
into my exsisting pc. The idea was the have the flat screen in the
living room and the rest of the hardware upstairs in an office, well
away from everything. You must be looking at 1500 quid for a really
good setup like that perhaps a bit less.

You're kidding, right? These prices are 'first found in google/ebuyer/whatever, no real digging:

Via VE5000 (fanless, aka silent) mobo inc. processor... 60ukp
Case to match... 60ukp (or much less if you dont care about the size)

60W fanless PSU (external) and internal ATX distribution board: 40ukp

Flat panel monitor... 120ukp

Total: 280ukp.

The Via boards have acceptable onboard sound. That said, if you want something that will blow away any prepackaged solution, simply add a DAC to the above (which has SPDIF coax out). a 2nd hand one will cost 200ukp ish at most (I payed 135 for mine).

So, with DAC, thats 415ukp.

add (to both prices) the cost of whatever harddisc you choose. (if you need it - you might boot it without a disc from your other PC for example)

and you can even use the PC to play movies on or games, or...

If you can live with a fan or two, a machine with a lot more 'grunt' would be a shuttle XPC, which are also very quiet if you pick a good harddisc like a seagate barracuda.

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