Updated Thoughts on HTPC (Part 2)

[cheshirenoir]

This is more of a addenum, rather than part two.

Here are some other things I'd add to the HTPC:

Firstly some additional Software:

Burning / Video Editing Suite
Nero Suite:
ADVANTAGES:

• Excellent suite for burning and even authoring DVDs. Since the unit is quite a useable PC, we may as well go and get this
  
• It'll work well if we need to rip from Mini DV cameras.
• Good for running off basic video DVDs
• Only $80usd
  

DISADVANTAGES:

• A little bloated. (Don't install anything you don't need)

Web Browser
Firefox:
ADVANTAGES:

• A great browsing experience
• Not Microsoft
• Free
• Extensible
• What I use as my "default" browser
  

DISADVANTAGES:

• Some people don't like it?

Game Launcher
GameEx:
ADVANTAGES:

• Integrates into MCE
• Does a fair amount of the heavy lifting of getting all those emulators running
• Cheap: £14gbp
  

DISADVANTAGES:

• Complex to fully set up. (Blame the range of things it can do)
  
• integration not quite perfect (but pretty damn good)

Localised TV Guide
IceTV:
ADVANTAGES:

• It works. They support it
• It's an Australian TV Guide. M$ should be doing this.
• Much easier to set up compared to the "free" alternatives
  

DISADVANTAGES:

• Not so cheap at $99/Year
• Legal cloud over them currently

And now for some additional hardware:
2 x PSX to USB Controller Adapter:
ADVANTAGES:

• Allows you to plug in a pair of PSX joysticks per adapter. 2 total. Gauntlet anyone?
• Cheap! $30aud per control adapter, allowing you to use cheap PSX joysticks
  

DISADVANTAGES:

• Ugly! Hide em down the back
  

4 x Wireless PSX Joysticks:
ADVANTAGES:

• Wireless! Kid Free!
• Good, comfortable joysticks
• Cheap! $45aud a joystick
  

DISADVANTAGES:

• Make sure you have plenty of rechargable batteries
  

Universal Remote Control
Harmony Remote 785:
ADVANTAGES:

• These things just rock! They can change your whole HTPC experience. They are activity oriented, rather than device oriented. Brilliant!
  
• Has a recharging station
• Colour, backlit screen for readability
• Throw away all your other remotes!
  

DISADVANTAGES

• Expensive $290aud

TOTAL: $770 approx

Now we have a powerhouse! We can play arcade games. We can control the whole setup wirelessly with ease. We can rip n burn. Now we are cooking with GAS!


Let me know if I have missed anything, or alternatives for any components across either posts. Please give me REASONS to change them, mind you. I'd be interested in your reasoning.