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Ideas for a living room PC

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  • 03-05-2020 4:06pm
    #1
    The Undecided One
    Registered Users Posts: 157 ✭✭


    Hi All!

    I'm looking for a solution that can run VLC Player (network stream) and a web browser while connected to a TV through HDMI.

    For the moment I'm using my main PC but I want to free it up for other tasks.

    Budget? The cheaper the better ��ðŸ‘

    I'm willing to buy a ready PC or build it, if anyone has a cheap second hand for sale in the Limerick area I could consider that as well.

    I also have a Lenovo Thinkpad T430 but with VGA port only, could I use that to connect to the TV with both video and sound?

    Thanks for any ideas ðŸ‘


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    #2
    JoyPad
    Registered Users Posts: 1,703 ✭✭✭JoyPad


    Would a Raspberry Pi be sufficient for your needs?
    It won't get cheaper or quieter than that, I think.


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    #3
    Polar101
    Registered Users Posts: 3,839 ✭✭✭Polar101


    VGA would be video only. I had a T430 at work for a long time, I think it had a mini-displayport too? Maybe you could get a mini-dp -> HDMI adapter and then you might get audio and video in the same cable (but don't quote me on that one).


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    #4
    Cuddlesworth
    Registered Users Posts: 13,984 ✭✭✭✭Cuddlesworth


    Its usually hard to beat devices like the Lenovo M630e, or the dell/HP equivalents for a use case like that.

    If you subscribe to their mailing lists, a couple of times a year you will see deals on the higher specced devices, but even the lowest specced PC will be a great media machine for years to come.


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    #5
    The Nal
    Registered Users Posts: 12,717 ✭✭✭✭The Nal


    I use a Dell refurb I bought on Adverts for 150 quid. i5, 8GB RAM, 1TB HD. Bought it 3 years ago and haven't turned it off since. One before that was similar. Lasted 7 years.

    Something like this with a small wireless keyboard and mouse.

    https://www.adverts.ie/desktops/dell-optiplex-3020/20245544


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    #6
    The Undecided One
    Registered Users Posts: 157 ✭✭The Undecided One


    Thanks for the suggestions!

    That machine seems to be sold, I will keep an eye out for similar ones.


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    #7
    The Undecided One
    Registered Users Posts: 157 ✭✭The Undecided One


    Any opinions on those PC's?

    http://www.adverts.ie/20223912

    I know they are only I3 and 4GB but I think it should be enough?

    Thanks!


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    #8
    The Nal
    Registered Users Posts: 12,717 ✭✭✭✭The Nal


    The Undecided One wrote: »
    Any opinions on those PC's?

    http://www.adverts.ie/20223912

    I know they are only I3 and 4GB but I think it should be enough?

    Thanks!

    i3 probably ok, 4GB RAM isn't these days. You'll need 8GB. Could always get another 4GB RAM for 20 quid ish.


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