Hi guys, my aunt asked me to build her a Media center. Her basic goals are to access her divx/xvid collection, listen to music and occasionally browse the web (mostly youtube) all watching from her 42" sony bravia. She is a little older and definitely not a gamer, but she does have kids over once and a while. She has a budget of about $300 so ill have to squeeze it out. my initial thoughts where to scrounge though used parts but, after looking through parts for that specific form factor, they are harder to come by considering my budget limitations. So ive been debating though weather to build her media center rig, or just find a used ps3 which can be had for around $250 here. I know, I know shes not a gamer. But with a PS3 she has added blu ray which is a definite plus. She would have divx support, A HD that can be exchanged if needed, wifi, also the ability to install Linux on separate partition. My first choice would be to build her a custom media rig, the only drawback ss her budget. So what do you guys think? Is it a practical choice? She is getting what she needs and more. right?
For 300$ I would say go with the ps3. Building a 300$ isnt impossible but it would be total garbage and she wants to use a 42" screen and watch divx movies so you'll have to get at least a decent graphics card. Not to mention blu-ray drives start at like 150-200$ For this situation a PS3 would be perfect. Another idea would be the Western Digital media center. Hooks up to any tv and directly plays just about every time of media file you have from a flash drive or external hd. Just no internet surfing. thats about 200$
I am also considering a Popcorn Hour A-110 or a Elektron EHP-606, Mostly for the multi format support. Because I dont think the ps3 can play mkv files. But the only drawback is no browser.
I'd go with a PS3 & a 500GB hard drive, should do most of the job. As for MKV...check this out: http://hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Play-MKV-Files-On-Playstation-3
If you need something very small and compact, a PS3 will have to do, but a media PC is a better option. It can easily be done for that budget.
