Does this kinda of computer accsesory exist?

[bornl33t]

I was curious, does anyone know of any kinda of case MP3 player? something that operates independant of computer, but uses the computers HD for storage? I just though of this while watching TV :P

[teufelhunden]

Some laptops came with that feature. I can't think of which one(s) or if they're still made/that option is still available, but its been done.

Really no reason to have it on a desktop anyway.

[Python14]

What exactly would be the purpose? Either you have a stand alone unit like and ipod, or you have a desktop player like itunes....whats the point of having a wanna-be stand alone unit with a leash?

[Onryou]

i can't remember exactly what its called off the top of my head, but to keep you looking (i'll look too and hopefully get a full answer), I've seen recievers that plug into your stereo and can draw music off your HDD in another room...

[Mango]

Dosent apple make something for that purpose?

[Muzikman]

The Tivo Series 2 with the "Home Network" option does just this. It's kinda cool, but the interface sucks.

[Bluestrike_2]

Yes, Apple does make a product like that. The Airport Express.

It plugs into the wall and sends the audio out via a mini jack(I think)to optical cable.

It also functions as a base station or an extender for your Airport(and some Linksys units) wireless network. It's pretty neat. Can also be used to share your printer.

It's very neat. It uses iTunes and a part of it called AirTunes.

[bornl33t]

Yes, Apple does make a product like that. The Airport Express.

It plugs into the wall and sends the audio out via a mini jack(I think)to optical cable.

It also functions as a base station or an extender for your Airport(and some Linksys units) wireless network. It's pretty neat. Can also be used to share your printer.

It's very neat. It uses iTunes and a part of it called AirTunes.

erm yeah, PC has that too. wireless mp3 station? they sell em at wally world for crying out loud. I was just thinking if there is a way to use a computer as a media player. I want to convert one of my desktops to a server/media station. I would stick it next to the TV, no keyboard just a remote. It would function as a DVD player, a type of TIVO (obviously not all the finctions) digital VCR, mp3 player. Pretty much everything AND a server. I was going to stick a couple 120gig Hd in there and use it to dumb all the stuff I store AND keep it accessible to outside computers via FTP. Sounds like a good use for don't it? I just can't figure out a good way to control the whole thing with just a Remote.... so if I do it, I will need a small wireless keyboard I guess. I wish I could get my hands on a newer receiver that's blown so I can gut it and discuise the PC next to the TV.

Anyway... thanks for the info!

[Bluestrike_2]

AVS Forum

http://www.avsforum.com

Do a good search to find the information you need, and then ask whatever questions you have left. Try the Home Theater PC Forums, as that is where you will find everything you need.

More or less, your looking for an HTPC. There are some very nice front-ends for them out there.

Cinemar - http://www.cinemaronline.com Has the Lobby software. Very nice.

myHTPC and a good few others out there I don't recall...

Very neat....

[teufelhunden]

erm yeah, PC has that too. wireless mp3 station? they sell em at wally world for crying out loud. I was just thinking if there is a way to use a computer as a media player. I want to convert one of my desktops to a server/media station. I would stick it next to the TV, no keyboard just a remote. It would function as a DVD player, a type of TIVO (obviously not all the finctions) digital VCR, mp3 player. Pretty much everything AND a server. I was going to stick a couple 120gig Hd in there and use it to dumb all the stuff I store AND keep it accessible to outside computers via FTP. Sounds like a good use for don't it? I just can't figure out a good way to control the whole thing with just a Remote.... so if I do it, I will need a small wireless keyboard I guess. I wish I could get my hands on a newer receiver that's blown so I can gut it and discuise the PC next to the TV.

Anyway... thanks for the info!

So you're looking for pretty much what WinXP Media Center or whatever does? It has many/most of the features you listed.