[quote=stockstradr] . . . I can get my $225 back, add another $100, and simply upgrade our few-years old home pc to a media server PC. That will give me ALL the functionality of the WiFi blu-ray player, PLUS way more.
I could then stream hulu – AND I could record it, store it to PC hard drive, along with DVD-ripped movies and music and photos, and play those anytime. I could run iTunes and browse music through “album-flow” on the big screen and played on the 7.1 surround speakers. Or my wife could play Lady Gaga’s new 1080p music videos off VIVO . . . [/quote]
stockstradr, I see what you are trying to do here, and IMO please reconsider keeping your new blu-ray player. The “solution” you are considering will cost WAY MORE than $225 and will not easily hook up to your family TV unless that is it’s permanent place.
The type of desktop multimedia computer you are considering is very heavy – not portable, because they are LOADED with goodies. I am not aware of any laptops that are comparable without perhaps spending the same amount of $$.
I have a 2006 version of the same computer you are considering, which I use for both work and multimedia. The motherboard alone on this computer is $863 so you will NOT be able to upgrade your motherboard for $225. I know this because mine had to be replaced thru Sony warranty repair. (I bought a “refurb” to save $$). It has a 1st generation Blu-ray that still works fine and room for four SATA/eSATA drives. It retailed for $2,225 at the time.
I use it with an Acer AL2251W 22″ wide 1080p flat screen monitor, which I am very pleased with. It was about $230 out the door in March 2007.
Although my computer is now unavailable, here is link, so you can see the specs.
I’m sure there are comparable computers on the market today, but none of them are “cheap,” at least not in the neighborhood you are thinking.
Updating an operating system is a huge pain in the a$$ on these machines because there are so many proprietary updates to install in the correct order or Vista/WIN 7 will not work properly.
I just purchased my *first* laptop in January 2010, a Toshiba A505-S6986 at a very good price $499.99 + a $16.00 “screen disposal” fee. It is also a heavy (21 lbs.) multimedia computer but in NO WAY compares to the Sony desktop.
