Thin client?

[ffutures]

I've been vaguely thinking that it'd be nice to get another PC with basic web browsing capabilities and hook it up to the TV on a more or less permanent basis - I could use the laptop instead, but it might be nice to have something there all the time. Trouble is that space is limited and money is currently in short supply. However, I've noticed that second hand thin clients look pretty cheap and are comparatively small; is it worth considering one, or are they more trouble than they're worth? Can anyone make any recommendations?

One thing I need to consider, whatever I get, is that it'd need a network cable - I have a spare socket on the router, but getting a cable through the wall and across the room to the TV unobtrusively wouldn't be easy.

I suppose the alternative I should consider is one of those shoebox-sized PCs with a mini motherboard and a wifi card, but they're rarely cheap. Unless someone knows of one at a budget price, of course...

Comments

[epocalypse.livejournal.com]

If only you would abandon the PC and embrace the heresy that is Macintosh. Actually not so much a heresy now that they use Intel chips.

Get a mac mini, it really is tiny. You'll need the correct cable to link it to your TV (also available from apple) and I would recommend a wireless keyboard and mouse. The Intel mac mini comes with a remote for multi-media use and come with a Beta of Boot Camp which allows you to run windows on a mac (if you must, it is slightly slow but not much). Boot Camp will be standard with the next release of OSx (10.5).

Like all macs it has bluetooth and wireless G as standard so ditch your router and pick up a wireless router instead. No messy wires or drilling holes through walls.

The Mac Mini is US$600 new but refurbished models can be bought from Apple with warranty for US$479.

I switched back in 2004 and haven't looked back.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

I've got an iBook and a wireless g router, and if I went for a computer I'd certainly consider a Mac Mini, but they cost roughly twice as much in Britain as in the USA and I simply can't afford it right now. Maybe next year, but even then I'd have to think very carefully, PCs are still a LOT cheaper here, and this will probably get a lot less use than my other computers so I can't justify a big budget.

[dsample.livejournal.com]

If you only want it for web browsing and email and such, there are a lot of G4 mac minis available second hand from people who felt that they had to upgrade to an Intel model.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Not sure there are many in Britain, but I'll check it out.

[epocalypse.livejournal.com]

Sorry forgot we're looking at the UK.

When I was looking to pick up a G4/G5 mac over the last few months (as they were being phased out) I kept checking the refurbished store at Apple and some of the resellers. Cancom always looked good to me.

They have a couple of g4 mac minis available for £300 right now.

Sorry for assuming you were a pc user.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

I've got both - probably won't stop using the PC any time soon because I have too much investment in software.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Forgot to add that £300 is about £250 more than I want to spend right now - I really am looking for a CHEAP option.