Hey there.
I'm disappointed with my WD TV Play box (you get what you pay for, etc etc). I want the "desktop" experience I think. I'm not a Mac person, so I think my options are Windows and Linux.
I'm hoping some of you can help me out. I want things to work well... snappy menus, good remote response, excellent playback, etc. But its just a client, so I can't imagine I need a high-end computer, right? Unfortunately, the only machines I have for testing are high-end. I'm thinking of putting together a PC using low-end, low-power (but current) components. I'm also considering appropriating and repurposing my mother's unused laptop (pretty low end HP laptop from 2009-ish). Would either be described as "more than sufficient" for a client machine? Or am I kidding myself and it needs a more powerful setup?
Thanks.
I run the Ubuntu version of Plex HT on an Intel i3 3225 with 4 GB of RAM. This machine is also my PMS, TeamSpeak 3 server, SHOUTcast server, Usenet/torrent downloader (SABnzbd/CouchPotato/SickBeard/deluge). The only time the playback isn't smooth is when I'm unpacking/repairing archives or doing large file transfers to/from the same disk the movie is located on.
So if you're only planning on running the client, I think you'd be fine using your mother's laptop. Can't say for sure though.
Edit: I should mention that if you plan on using your TV remote to navigate the Plex interface, then you have two options.
1. Get the Pulse-Eight USB adapter.
2. Get a motherboard which lets you plug in the Pulse-Eight Internal HDMI-CEC adapter.
I opted for the second option since the internal adapter is cheaper, can reside within the computer case and I was getting a motherboard anyway. I have the Intel DH77DF motherboard.
http://www.pulse-eight.com/store/category/59-cec-control-usb-cec-adapter.aspx
