Building an htpc or just use an old laptop?

[holden j caufield]

I've started to buy some parts for an htpc build but we've got so many laptops in the house, some i5 and i7 we aren't using with modular dvd drive so I can put in extra hard drives. Is there any reason I should try to build an htpc instead of repurposing the laptops?

 

[NutBucket]

I'd vote no. Why reinvent the wheel?

 

[SlitheryDee]

I'd vote yes. The reason for that is that an HTPC is easier to maintain, more readily upgradable, and should hold up to that kind of extended use for longer. Of course, I don't have a lot of spare laptops lying around either. The idea of not having a machine built for the purpose of being an HTPC bothers me as much as having a bunch of laptops lying around unused, so I'd be kind of distressed if I were in your situation. I still think I'd end up building the HTPC and selling off the unused laptops though.

 

[poofyhairguy]

should hold up to that kind of extended use for longer..

That is the only thing that worries me. Some laptops simply melt down if you leave them running all day.

 

[DesiPower]

since LTs are already there, why not give that a try first? If they have HDMI then they should theoretically work.
Personally I HATE LTs, I would sell their asses and sue the money to build/beefup HTPC or a NAS

 

[Charlie98]

Sell the laptops, build an HTPC... unless you want to scavenge the CPU and maybe the HDD out of one of the laptops... then sell the rest of the parts off. A laptop i5 would rock an HTPC (depending on what socket it is...)