[yunti]

I'm looking for some suitable hardware to run xbmc.

I did try out an xtreamer but don't like the software. Ideally would like something similar to run xbmc, ie small, easy to use and low power.

I'm not sure if there is a set top box which plays xbmc? (I did read about the Sigma SMP 8656 port but this seems for sometime in the future)

I had hoped my ipad 2 might be able to fill in the gap for a bit, but as the jailbreak isn't realised yet and the iOS port of XBMC still seems to have several issues (1080p output unknown etc...) this doesn't look like a good solution currently.

Additionally with all the recent announcements of low power dual and quad core chips these looked to be a good option but from what I can see none of these can currently be used for xbmc. (I've read that an android port looks difficult, Windows not yet on arm devices and not sure if Linux or XBMC Live runs on any of these tegra 2 etc... devices.)

I would ideally like a set-top box to run xbmc for ease of use (ie via remote) but as that doesn't look like anything is currently available it looks like it will need to be some form of htpc.

I'm only looking to run xbmc on this device, not interested in gaming or anything else, and the key thing is :

-smooth 1080p playback
- HDMI output

without sacrificing:
- ease of use (all used via remote)
- low power
- small form factor
- relatively low cost

bonus things are (but not necessary and without sacrifising any of the above)

-HD codec output
- Optical drive
- DVR functionality (using Freeview HD - I'm in UK) - this is low priority
- 3d playback (again low priority)


I did look through the very useful HTPC thread and I had thought the Fusion platform looked good but worried about the comment on stuttering playback.

I also saw these 2 boxes which look quite good:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zotac-Z-Box-Mini...B004TS2MHI
http://www.xtreamer.net/Ultra/

Any tips or advice?

Thanks

[Kirky99]

I have one of these, but it's not low cost. Came with IR remote, keyboard AND mouse, has DVD drive and works FANTASTIC with XBMC on Win7. It's running @ 25w when playing back a movie, still has a spinner in it, I'm going to swap in an SSD soonish.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Asus-EB1501P-W01...015&sr=1-1

Friend has one of these, so I know it works, but needed to get a remote and doesn't have an optical drive. Plays 1080p great as well... Don't know the power consumption, probably close to the above Asus PC.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Acer-Aspire-Revo...131&sr=1-1

I really like the looks of the XStreamer, but no experience.