a2k

Hey everyone,

I'm looking to build or buy some sort of thin-client box that will run a web browser and media player through my home theater. I'm running Jinzora on one of my PCs and I would like to be able to access it to play music in my living room.

The requirements:

1. support TV-out as it's only video
2. be able to launch to a web browser when it boots
3. be able to play MP3's and MP3 playlists (so it's gotta have at least a decent audio out or digital audio out)
4. ability to get onto a wifi network
5. it's gotta be silent
6. Cost $100 or less, somewhere, somehow

I know that there are a bunch of wifi media recievers coming out right now, but that's not what I'm looking for. I checked into buying a used WebTV on ebay, but they require a subscription to MSN and a phone line to work. It seems like something like this is what I'm looking for.

Anybody have any ideas?

Thanks,
a2k

JohnnyRoyale

Dreamcast? If you can find an old one, I know there's a bunch of old disks for it running around. I know it's got a web browser, but I don't know about mp3's or wifi, but it can do audio cd's
Otherwise, maybe an X-box running Linux? I've not seen them, but I know that people have made that happen.

__________________
I'm gonna be rich and famous, as soon I invent a device that lets you stab people in the face over the internet.

Cynthetiq

find a cheap laptop that can accommodate a wifi card.

__________________
I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not.

a2k

These are both interesting ideas. Dreamcasts can be found for pennies, and I know there is mp3 software for them. The question is if the I'll be able to play mp3s from the browser. If so, I'd just need to get a Wifi bridge and I'd be good to go.

Another option I'm thinking about is getting one of the original Compaq Ipaq PC's (not the handhelds). These can be had for about $50, are totally silent, and really compact. Problem is they don't have AGP or PCI slots and no TV out. So I'd have to find some sort of USB-to-video out (maybe with digital audio out as well). Anyone know of anything like this?

I'm sure the GF would love to see me turn my XBOX into anything besides a video game console, but it's so darn big and loud...