Mac Mini as a client (running XP)

[tonyimp]

So my local Microcenter had a deal on the previous generation Mac Mini (Intel Core 2 Duo, but no on board hdmi).
Still - for 350 bucks, I got a $100 OS, and a great little MVP at worst.

Anyway - my primary goal is to use this thing to run GBPVR in my spartan living room. My TV is only 720P, so I don't need to push 1080 for another few years. By then we will be driving to work in flying electric cars.

Anyway - I am giving it a shot. Any advice out there? I will update this with results.

Tony

[hurleyp]

Tony,

GBPVR newbie here :-) I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for, but this article might be a starting point:

http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/21/tuaw-guid...e-theater/

Paul

[zed]

It's probably do-able but a PCH would be a more cost-effective approach...$99 for a refurb...and easier to implement.

Just my $0.02 worth...

[tonyimp]

I am not planning on runnning in Mac OS. I have installed XP on the mac hardware. Using bootcamp, whcih was simple, I partitioned the 80 gb HD in half. The first half is where the Mac OS resides. The second half houses the new Win XP OS. I would have loved to install Win7, but I will be happy with what I have.

Zed - Thanks. You are probably right. I considered a PCH, but in the end decided that I still wanted a PC (regardless of OS) in the living room. My original plan was to use an ION based desktop. In the end I found myself with an extrqa Mac that I did not know what to do with, so I figured I would repalce my current rig with it. HD playback is less of a concern for me. I will not be buying a 1080p TV for another 2 yrs At that time, I will go blue ray, 1080p and smellovision (if it is invented by then). My current panel is 720p, which the mac handles with no sweat. I did not think that a PCH has a DVD player in it. So that would mean more HW in the living space.

So after installing XP, my mac looks and feels like a classic Wintel machine. It is not speedy, but it will handle everything I throw at it. It is a dual core, so it will be handle comskip. The HDHR works fine. I was able to tune in most of the clear QAM that comcast is sending.
GBPVR is the next install. Maybe tonight.

Thanks for the advice - from here on in, it feels like just another GBPVR build - smooth as silk. I will update this thread with usability comments after it is up and runniingl. I am still a bit concerened Re cpu horsepower.