Computer guys need help with HTPC.

[MikeofTulsa Moderator]

No time to really help much, but this is what i recommend...
Samsung Ecogreen hard drives for storage, they run extremely quiet and cool and are only about $75-80 per 1tb. I have 4 of them and really like them.

Get a SSD for your OS drive, they are fast, silent and cool. I run OCZ 30gb drives in both my HTPC's for about 6 months and they have worked great

Will you game on this pc? If so get a dedicated video card, if not just get a 8100 based mobo with HDMI and a digital audio out

Get a keyboard with mouse/touchpad built in, you will thank me later. I use a Logitech Dinovo mini and a Logitech Mediaboard with mine

good advise here.

 

[IamDeMan 5,000+ posts]

No time to really help much, but this is what i recommend...
Samsung Ecogreen hard drives for storage, they run extremely quiet and cool and are only about $75-80 per 1tb. I have 4 of them and really like them.

Get a SSD for your OS drive, they are fast, silent and cool. I run OCZ 30gb drives in both my HTPC's for about 6 months and they have worked great

Will you game on this pc? If so get a dedicated video card, if not just get a 8100 based mobo with HDMI and a digital audio out

Get a keyboard with mouse/touchpad built in, you will thank me later. I use a Logitech Dinovo mini and a Logitech Mediaboard with mine

I am not a fan of the touch pads, but many others seem to like it, so it is worth a try for him.

 

[gymfreak101 10+ year member]

I guess the touchpad would work when sitting on the couch, instead of having the mouse next to you.

 

[Scoobydoo 5,000+ posts]

leaning over to mouse on the coffee table gets extremely old after a few days and it is pretty awkward as well.

i prefer to be relaxing on the couch and have the keyboard resting in my lap or next to me so i dont need to move to add songs to the playlist or switch **** scenes on the fly

if you can use a laptop touchpad you can use the touchpad on the logitech mediaboard