Has anyone ever used a laptop for a HTPC?

[Arkitech]

I was just thinking that a laptop might make the perfect HTPC. Its small, does'nt take up much space, can be transported to other TVs with little work and when you're done watching TV you can still use it to play games or do work. The new Qosis machines look like the perfect solution since they essentially have DVR abilities, I'm not sure if they have TV outs though.

Anyone out there ever use a laptop as an HTPC

 

[Traire]

Few laptops have TV tuners, so you would need an external one.

Few laptops have fast hard drives, which are fairly important when recording high quality video.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I haven't...

It could be a really good solution depending on what you want to do with it.

Generally I just want something that can output video in good quality... s-video minimum but if you have newer tv, DVI or component would be nice.

Also, the sound on laptops tends to be a bit lacking. I'm not sure how many come with some kind of digital out, but that's what I would want either in digital coaxial or optical output.

I haven't checked out the Qosis laptops, but if they can output good quality video and sound, have decent storage, then I'd be happy to use one. Just add a wireless mouse and keyboard (if you're far away) and you're pretty set... unless you want to do more than watch DVDs on it / do normal internet stuff (only with a TV and HT sound system)

If you want to go beyond that, Traire is right that you'd have to add some external equipment which would probably not be as good as you can get with a desktop solution (expecially in the cost department)

 

[MrAustin]

I can't wait to get my HTPC setup finally <<drools>> GL OP with laptop!

 

[Zepper]

USB tuners etc. tend to use more CPU cycles than equivalent PCI solutions. To solve the underpowered notebook HD problem, use a self-powered external Firewire desktop drive to record the DVR stuff. Most notebooks have FW connections. USB 2 would be 2nd choice. Still a desktop solution would give you better performance in the HTPC arena. You could probably get a spectru of ideas on the topic of notebook vs. desktop as HTPC on http://www.htpcnews.com .

.bh.