Buying a desktop

I want to buy a desktop that I can hook up to my t.v. and record television to the hard drive and all that jazz. I would also like to do the usual stuff - browse the web, create photo albums etc. Basically I'm looking for a media center. Can anybody recommend such a machine and is it possible to do the above on a PS3, XBOX 360, Wii etc???

Thanks

 

Check out the Archos portable media players/recorders:

http://www.archos.com

Argos usually sells them as well as gadget shops - there are different
versions - some dont record from TV but most do i think. They all support video/music etc., come with medium sized hard drives and can connect to your PC too - higher range ones browse the web too i think with wifi connection (e.g. Archos 705 wifi). QVC on Sky demo them from time to time on their electronic slots - havent got one myself but they look very impressive.

 

Cheers that does look like a nice piece of kit but I want a machine that does everything. I also wouldn't be too interested in a portable device. I read today that Sony are bringing out a t.v. tuner for the PS3 so that might work if I haven't found a desktop by then.

 

most new desktops connected to modern LCDs dont they?? whats your telly, what console have ya got?

 

I'll buy a new t.v. when I choose what type of machine I want. I think most desktops connect to LCD's alright but I also want the computer to have a built in t.v. tuner if so I can hook my cable t.v. box up to it.
I don't have a console at the moment.

 

so a telly with a freeview tuner wont do? most tellys have them.

 

this telly may be of interest http://www.pixmania.com/ie/uk/888179...75-lcd-tv.html a nice 37" LCD with 160gb hard drive for recording and freeview tuner. also, i hear that ps3 is the best for Internet browsing as Linux can be installed. Wii can go on the web too but its not meant to be great.

 

You need a tv and pc with hdmi inputs/outputs. Get a decent graphics card that can output full hd picture also.

 

Dell XPS. But Sony do pretty cool machines

 

Cheers lads. Thomas the XPS is slightly out of my price range.
I'm thinking that I'll either wait for one to come to Lidl/Aldi or hold out for the PS3 tv tuner.
Any other ideas would be welcome

 

Build one youself with dell. All ya realy need is a good graphics card and RAM. And an Intel Duo proccesor should be sufficient

 

nice aldi laptop doing the rounds at the moment, 3gig ram, huge HD, HDMI connections so could hook it to the telly. 799.99 snots.

 

oh good man tom you know your computers.i havent a clue about all that stuff sorry james.a local computer dude sorted me out with my computer

 

Ya but yours fell off the back of a truck SignoraFrasi
Ya that Aldi laptop looks the business. Was looking at it myself. Would just be worried about the make. Am a bit concious that way. But there is a lot of extras.

 

Lads I wouldn't worry about buying a Medion. My mate got one last year very similar to the one on offer now and its the business.

 

why not go for that so, james? its got better spec than most desktops and should cover many of your needs plus you can carry it around of course.

EDIT:link-http://www.aldi.ie/ie/html/offers/58_5769.htm

 

To Aldi it is.
Seriously though, it looks like a good investment for that machine.

 

I have a laptop at the moment which I use for surfing the web and doing projects on office and all that. I want to keep the media side separated from all my other computer needs. I know that if I buy another laptop I wont be able to do this and the current laptop will never be used!!! I've gone through 2 laptops in 2 years because I've been cramming so much stuff onto them! I just want a dedicated stationary machine for t.v. , downloads, streaming, pics etc.

 

you want a desktop?
Dell

 

Options right now are a desktop or PS3. I know that if I get a Dell then next weeks Aldi/Lidl special will be a media center desktop!! I'm just going to hold out and see what comes out over the summer