2012-06-27, 08:26
Hi all,
I've recently purchased an AC Ryan Playon HD2 mini, but as the only skin available for YAMJ is the default one, it's too plain and I want to go down the HTPC with XBMC and Aeon (or similar) skin.
I was going to build my own system but as I'm currently living in Singapore it's turning out more expensive than I expected. All of the local stores seem overpriced for components and all the online stores are overseas so the shipping would push the price up too much.
As the self build options will cost too much. I've been looking at the following:
- Zotac ZBox ID82: i3 2.2 Ghz / Intel HD 3000 @ $569 but will need to buy a SSD and RAM
- Mac mini i5 2.3 Ghz / Intel HD 3000 / 500Gb HDD / 4Gb RAM @ $858.00 (maybe upgrade HDD to SSD)
- Mac mini i5 2.5 Ghz / AMD Radeon HD 6630M / 500Gb HDD / 4Gb RAM @ $1088.00 (maybe upgrade HDD to SSD)
My only requirement is for it to run XBMC with AEON skin and to play full 1080p 3D movies (not side by side versions), will all of the above options be suitable?
I'm not a massive fan of Macs to be honest, and hate having to use my girlfriends Mac Book so would probably give the Lion OSX 10 minutes before installing Windows 7. I have to say though, the Mac Mini's seem to be pretty good value for money.
Any advice would be appreciated
Cheers,
Charlie
I've recently purchased an AC Ryan Playon HD2 mini, but as the only skin available for YAMJ is the default one, it's too plain and I want to go down the HTPC with XBMC and Aeon (or similar) skin.
I was going to build my own system but as I'm currently living in Singapore it's turning out more expensive than I expected. All of the local stores seem overpriced for components and all the online stores are overseas so the shipping would push the price up too much.
As the self build options will cost too much. I've been looking at the following:
- Zotac ZBox ID82: i3 2.2 Ghz / Intel HD 3000 @ $569 but will need to buy a SSD and RAM
- Mac mini i5 2.3 Ghz / Intel HD 3000 / 500Gb HDD / 4Gb RAM @ $858.00 (maybe upgrade HDD to SSD)
- Mac mini i5 2.5 Ghz / AMD Radeon HD 6630M / 500Gb HDD / 4Gb RAM @ $1088.00 (maybe upgrade HDD to SSD)
My only requirement is for it to run XBMC with AEON skin and to play full 1080p 3D movies (not side by side versions), will all of the above options be suitable?
I'm not a massive fan of Macs to be honest, and hate having to use my girlfriends Mac Book so would probably give the Lion OSX 10 minutes before installing Windows 7. I have to say though, the Mac Mini's seem to be pretty good value for money.
Any advice would be appreciated
Cheers,
Charlie