Apple TV seems like the new hotness.  However, I want storage and additional features that an actual computer can give instead of a device created for the specific purpose of streaming TV shows from the internet. That includes using iTunes and the ability to view content from video sites not supported by Apple TV.  I have been mulling over using an Mac mini to serve that purpose.  A Mac mini is not cheap (prices start at $699) so I’ve been thinking it over for quite some time.

In the meantime I was using a Windows-based PC to fill the role of home theatre PC – until it died a few weeks ago. I hadn’t been able to sync my iPod and it really sucked because I wanted to download new music. I needed to replace the PC, but was I willing to shell out the kind of cash needed for a Mac mini?

The PC I was using has a smaller footprint and was pretty lightweight which is why I decided to bring it into the living room. Despite the small size it had nothing on a Mac mini’s form factor. I really wanted that extra small form factor so I started doing some research on small form factor PCs. I found several but decided on the Foxconn because I know that most major hardware companies outsource their manufacturing to Foxconn.  I also figured that these devices are cheap enough that if it did suck it wouldn’t be that much of a loss.

I ordered a Foxconn Netbox barebones kit, a 160 GB 2.5″ Western Digital hard drive and 2 GB Corsair memory chip for a grand total of $260. The machine is extremely tiny; it’s basically a netbook without the screen, keyboard and battery. Assembly took no effort at all. What took a lot of effort was imaging my old 3.5″ drive onto the new one, but I know it took less time that it would to do a fresh install of Windows. I also had to install the drivers that were included on CD (an external CD drive is required to do this).

Features

From the packaging:

This barebones kit integrates an Intel Atom D510 dual-core processor with comprehensive performance and low power consumption. It can support up to 2GB DDR2 667/800 memory and one 2.5’’ SATA hard drive. This barebones kit also boasts Intel GMA 3150 graphics, 7.1-channel audio with SPDIF output and Gigabyte LAN, as well as HDMI port, card reader and 6 USB 2.0 ports.

Four USB ports are on the back and two on the front. For video output it has HDMI and VGA ports. For audio there is a combination analog 3.5 mm output that doubles as an optical output on the back and of course you can use the HDMI output. On the front there are headphone and microphone jacks. There is also a memory stick/SD card reader on the front. For network connectivity, the Netbox can do wired or wireless.  It comes with a stand to allow the Netbox to sit vertically on a surface, feet to allow horizontal placement and a bracket for mounting on the back of a flatscreen display.  The only downside is the lack of an internal optical drive.  These are still a lot of features packed into a system that measures only 7.48″ x 5.31″ x 0.98″.

My Setup

I have the Netbox connected to my TV via VGA cable and to my shelf stereo system via optical cable.  (I had the unit connected via HDMI alone but I had to give that port back to the cable box.) It’s connected to my network and the internet via wi-fi. I’m using a low profile Bluetooth dongle to connect a Bluetooth keyboard w/ touch pad.  The machine is set up to dual boot Windows XP and Ubuntu.

I’ve been watching TV shows via the Hulu Desktop application.  iTunes has the same bloat issues as before but I was able to get the new music on my iPod without problem.  I was able to get Netflix up and running again after resolving a DRM issue caused when I copied my old drive.  Netflix, Hulu and iTunes are the main reasons for the home theater PC so I am satisfied.

The Verdict

I am happy with the small size of this device as well as all the ways I can connect it.  I am also happy with the way Hulu and Netflix run.  I’m not sure how happy I could be with iTunes on a Windows machine but it does what it needs to do (eventually).  I will, however, watch for any hardware issues.  I will report back if I encounter any.

You might also be interested in:

Tags: , , , , , , ,