Mac Mini's

Doctor wrote:
Vansmack, you can't add an external wi-fi to it?

So I ended up getting this N Network Adapter from TrendNet for $39 and plugged it into my switch.  It now allows for N speeds for my TiVo, Slingbox and yes, that stupid Zotac HTPC.  Quite pleased with it (and no wire drop in the bed room).

I also added this for $40 from Hong Kong (smackette not happy with the old full size wireless keyboard and mouse next to the bed): 

Anyone use a slingbox with their home media setup? I want to install one at my parents house and then stream at my apartment through a media pc to my tv, so I wont have to pay for cable. But if Slingbox requires any upkeep, thats out of the question because my parents are techno-phobes.

reggie wrote:
Anyone use a slingbox with their home media setup? I want to install one at my parents house and then stream at my apartment through a media pc to my tv, so I wont have to pay for cable. But if Slingbox requires any upkeep, thats out of the question because my parents are techno-phobes.

I have a slingbox.(original) and I probably have to reset it about once every two months because it loses it's IP from the router (can't tell if this is a SB problem or a router problem).  There's a reset button on the back of it or it can just be unplugged and plugged back in - it's as easy as that.

The only other concerns in your scenario is that the SB will have to be wired (wireless stream quality is poor) and you'll have to watch whatever the person who's watching that TV is watching (or they'll have to watch what you're watching) so pick a very seldom used cable box to hook your SB up to.  If you're going to stream HD, there will have to be at least a cable modem on each end (or high end DSL - starter DSL won't cut it).

I'm happy to answer any more questions for you…

vansmack wrote:

Doctor wrote:
Vansmack, you can't add an external wi-fi to it?

I also added this for $40 from Hong Kong (smackette not happy with the old full size wireless keyboard and mouse next to the bed): 

Jesus crap, that thing looks like exactly what I need!  Logitech has something similar, is this better?

Doctor wrote:
Jesus crap, that thing looks like exactly what I need!   Logitech has something similar, is this better?

The Logitech DiNovo Mini Keyboard, which sells for about 2-3 times as much (around $120 on Amazon).  The main difference between the two is that the touch pad on the Dinovo switches between a touch pad and directional pad.  The Rii has a separate touch pad and a select up/down button for menus.  Here's a review I left on a Tivo site:

It's been great - and full of nice touches. I really like the recharageble battery aspect of it (mini USB) and the fact that it can be backlit. The receiver also stores in the underside of the keybaord - another nice touch. I ordered an all black one, but mine came a silver and black combo - no big deal really. I also didn't pay Bando's $92 - I purchased mine from Tomtop for $48 before they raised the price to $59 and received it in about 3 weeks from Hong Kong (they sent me a notice that they were having delays due to demand and that I might receive a slightly different colored model).

It works on both the TiVo Premiere and my HTPC (Zotac Mag HD). The range is not fantastic behind the TiVo, but it's strong when it's in the front USB port of my HTPC (I'm probably 12-15 feet away). When I added a 1 foot USB extension to place the receiver in the front of the TiVo, it worked much better.

The only problem I'm having so far is when the HTPC goes to sleep, I only get keyboard on wake. I have to unplug the receiver and stick it back in to make the trackpad work. I'm working on a solution.

Otherwise, well worth the $50 and the wife is super happy that the full size mouse and keyboard have disaapeared.