HP DM1 as HTPC w XBMC?

Riczter on 18/05/2013 - 14:33

Hey, I wanna know if I can use my crappy HP laptop with E450 processor as a HTPC running XBMC.

Its a HP DM1-4108AU but there's something wrong with the ac plug, because it wont charge the battery. (tried new battery, tried new AC adaptor, tried reinstalling windows), so it only works while plugged in. I plan to plug it into Ethernet over power to link it to my NAS to get content, and plug it into the TV via HDMI for video and sound.

Can the laptop handle it? And should I run win 7 or 8. I'm thinking 8. Is it worth upgrading the hdd to ssd?

Comments/suggestions?

Computing

Comments

  • tonyjzx on 18/05/2013 - 14:53

    i wouldnt bother with any upgrades as you're putting money into something broken

    why dont you get a hdmi cable, put it in and give it a shot? you dont have a LCD monitor or TV?

    I have an old AMD laptop i use as a portable media play. Works fine.

    The e450 is an ok performer but i would imagine it might have some issues with high bitrate FHD especially if it has a hopeless n150 wireless card.

  • Riczter on 18/05/2013 - 15:01

    I wanted to check if it was going to work before wasting time installing windows and drivers. And wont be using wireless, using EoP. cheers for the input though.

  • _Bruce_ on 18/05/2013 - 19:04

    Yes it should work fine.

  • jellymelly on 19/05/2013 - 15:11

    If you MUST use this old craptop:
    - SSD is always welcome (if you can afford it)
    - Windows 8 will cut startup time substantially.
    - but it will be hot and slow trying to output 1080p
    - Probably will not play HD content (stutter pop stutter crash), only <540p

    I have used an old HP netbook as a HTPC before, but it has been a terrible experience. Slow, hard to control, separate remote with trackpoint, cannot play anything CLOSE to 720p

    I have since gotten a Raspberry pi (only $30-40) and I haven't looked back. Full HD playback, HDMI CEC support (use your tv remote to control it!), quiet, power efficient, responsive. Streaming via powerline from my NAS (WD My book live) is a dream. Definitely recommend the pi with openelec (A version of XBMC)

    • _Bruce_ on 20/05/2013 - 07:40
      • but it will be hot and slow trying to output 1080p
      • Probably will not play HD content (stutter pop stutter crash), only <540p

      It has hardware h264, so it should have no trouble with 1080 video.

      I have used an old HP netbook

      With what GPU?

      • Riczter on 20/05/2013 - 09:16

        A netbook is very different to a DM1

  • Riczter on 19/05/2013 - 16:16

    Hmmm, cool thanks for that info :)

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join