Instant On

[hmsrolst]

I'm thinking about building an HTPC and am interested in instant on, something that's faster than coming out of standby, and will leave a wireless connection connected.

I've done some searching of the forum, but can't find anything. Can someone point me in the direction of where I should be looking or post a reply RE what's involved?

I'm pretty much thinking of Windows. Do I need Vista Premium or Media Center XP? Another option is to use my Mac Mini rather than build, so Leopard is also a possible OS.

Thanks.

 

[rdp6]

I leave my mbp connected to the HDTV. It wakes nearly instantly from the wireless BT keyboard (which is awesome). Front Row works well for me with the remote that came with the computer. I'm thinking of getting a mini to take the HTPC role now that I finally have a job.

Bonus: I added an alias to the movies directory so that Front Row plays videos directly from my external hard drive.

 

[Shawn]

My laptop wakes up from sleep mode within 2 seconds. How much faster do you want?

 

[hmsrolst]

Originally posted by: Shawn
My laptop wakes up from sleep mode within 2 seconds. How much faster do you want?

My wake-up occurs quickly too, but then it often takes time (up to a minute) for the wireless connection to re-connect. Is that unusual?

 

[hmsrolst]

Originally posted by: rdp6
I leave my mbp connected to the HDTV. It wakes nearly instantly from the wireless BT keyboard (which is awesome). Front Row works well for me with the remote that came with the computer. I'm thinking of getting a mini to take the HTPC role now that I finally have a job.

Bonus: I added an alias to the movies directory so that Front Row plays videos directly from my external hard drive.

Thanks. I hardly every use my Mac Mini with Leopard, since I'm more accustomed to Windows, so I didn't know the BT would wake it up. Maybe I'll just use it with Leopard. BTW, I just upgraded it to 802.11n and an Intel X-25M SSD, and it's nice to have the extra zip.

 

[krotchy]

One option is instead of using a Wireless card, get a wireless router that is DD-WRT capable to configure as a wireless bridge (or get a normal Wireless bridge though it generally will cost more). Then take the Ethernet from the bridge to the HTPC directly. Since the bridge is always on you just need the time for the LAN to reconnect which is nearly instant.

 

[rdp6]

Using what you already have to get the job done ftw. My mbp reconnects to my wireless network (WPA2/b+g via older airport express) very quickly, as in I never have to wait for it. I am definitely not a patient person when it comes to waiting for computers to be responsive, so it means something when I say I love my 2 year old mbp and OS X.

from wikipedia:
According to data on the Apple web site, first-generation PowerPC Mac Minis consume 32 to 85 Watts, while later Intel Core machines consume 23 to 110 Watts.

I'd just set it to never go to sleep. A few tens of watts isn't going to do anything to your electric bill, and there is no excess of heat in my house for the next several months.

 

[Shawn]

I'm not sure about the mac mini, but the wifi on my MSI Wind works instantly on wake. I am using Windows Vista if that matters.

 

[vshah]

i can't imagine connecting to wireless would take more than 10 seconds ever.

idea - maybe find a way to run a script when your comp wakes from standby? a simple "ipconfig /renew" should start the process as soon as possible if there is some delay we don't know about.