Looking for ideas on a small HTPC

[darkamulets]

I been outta the scene for a long while, currently looking to drop 200-400 on a small setup for an HTPC. I've also heard of a few pieces of software that make it easier to use from a tv with menus. I'm also looking for a mouse/keyboard to go along with it as I don't want to run long cables. I currently have an older 1080i tv 50" that I got dirt cheap with only DVI/component in. Most of the media would be on shared drives and it would have a ethernet connection.

Any advice on what I could do in that price-range and the menu software? TV/Tuner probably won't be necessary as I have a comcast box at the moment.

 

[Decembermouse]

We've been discussing the Dell Zino HD around here, which you can find some really good deals on. You can't build a machine with its performance level for anywhere near the price Dell sells 'em at. I would recommend upgrading it to the dual-core processor, and POSSIBLY more than the integrated Radeon 3200 graphics, although they can do HD video just fine. Only if you want to do some light gaming should you upgrade I would say, but keep the drivers current.

I'd go with the Zino HD in a heartbeat if I were going to get a Media Center PC today, and I want one soon...

 

[darkamulets]

When you say light gaming, want kind of resolutions are we talking? I'd mostly be torchlight or dragon age probably. Also any suggestion on control options?

 

[Decembermouse]

You can get a radeon 4330 for $75, but this won't be spectacular for gaming either. Dragon Age... you should be able to play that at 1440x900 from what I've read, and probably not at max settings. I think the video card in the Zino HD is a low profile one, but I'm not sure if it's a laptop form factor video card. If it's a low profile, just get yourself one of those off of Newegg for cheaper than the 4330.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aorkBIrrHlQ