HDMI media pc on the cheap?

[jp1]

I want some recommendations for a good cheap media pc. I only want it to be able to play Hulu and the like on the tv...it doesn't need to support any other functions.

HDMI output is a must.

Looking for the cheapest option that doesn't suck. Any suggestions?

[CRTGAMER]

Direct HDMI off the computer isn't a low end computer.

You can use your existing computer.

There are VGA to HDMI converters out there ...............

Link for a VGA to HDMI converter box:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/produ ... 1&format=2

[tbeeghly]

The Boxee Box

[jp1]

Direct HDMI off the computer isn't a low end computer.

You can use your existing computer.

There are VGA to HDMI converters out there ...............

Link for a VGA to HDMI converter box:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/produ ... 1&format=2

I don't want to use my existing computer. My laptop has hdmi and so do several sub $300 netbooks/nettops I'm just asking to see if anyone has any experience in which of them are good.

As for the Boxee box it looks quite nice. It also looks expensive.

I can't find any pricing info on it.

[racketboy]

Acer Aspire Revo is the best bang for the buck. I just wish the case looked a little nicer

[jp1]

Acer Aspire Revo is the best bang for the buck. I just wish the case looked a little nicer

That is pretty nice for $200. I was thinking of the wireless logitech keyboard/mouse combo to go with it. I guess I could just load the boxee software though and use a media remote.

[hailrazer]

Acer Aspire Revo is the best bang for the buck. I just wish the case looked a little nicer

+1.

Get the dual core processor and add 1gb Ram and it's just about perfect.

[racketboy]

Acer Aspire Revo is the best bang for the buck. I just wish the case looked a little nicer

That is pretty nice for $200.

Exactly. Trust me, I've been keeping an eye on this market for about 6 months now -- just waiting to pull the trigger myself.

The other nice one is ASRock Ion, but they usually start at $400-$500

[racketboy]

The Boxee Box

I have been considering that -- but being Boxee only and the weird shape (not that it doens't look nice) keep me from being in love.

if boxee had TV tuner support and recording, I would be sold though.

[Niode]

You could always get a mini-atx motherboard and make one yourself?

Intel D945GCLF2 with integrated Atom 330. £62
OCZ DDR2-533 1GB. £18 (could probably get away with 512mb for £8-9 if you're on a real tight budget)
Powercolor PCI HD4350 512MB HDMI. £37 (This has to be PCI, most mini-itx boards don't support PCI-E)
Piano Black minit ITX cube with 300w PSU. £36

If you're just streaming video, get a USB 8GB (£10 max) memory stick and install linux + boxee on it. If you want to upgrade to running movies down the line get whatever 2.5" SATA drive fits your need down the road. Add another £15 if you need an optical drive (isn't needed at all these days not for linux, just install using your main computer and transfer the stick to your media box).

All that just costs £153 and is more than capable for your needs. Hell put XP on it and you can play quite a few PC games to boot. Of course prices will differ in your country but I'd be surprised if you couldn't get those parts for around $200 in your country.