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For Windows 7.
WIN + NUM to select the program in the taskbar to open.
Dexpot to mimic workspaces.
Three-finger swipe is cool, yes, I get that idea. But swipe is crap if you need to move your hand off the typing position. I rebound workspaces to work with ALT+NUM, infinitely better than gestures, because now I don't have to move my hands off the typing positions to move around, and I can use the full range of the pointer, instead of having the pointer stuck while I'm swiping.
As for the OP, you can invest into either ecosystems can get what you want. It turns out that Apple makes it very straightforward because they produce all the parts, so you just go to the store and pick up everything you want in one go. If you want to set up a media center with windows, you'll have to research a bit more, but potentially save money.
If you want a mac, then you use a mac.
If you want windows, then you use a windows machine.
Saying that a feature doesn't exist in either ecosystem is bull. There is always an alternative available.
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I would go for:
WLAN Router with GigabitSwitch
MediaCenter PC with Win7 and about 4TB internal Harddrive (4x1, 2x2) and BluRay Drive at Living Room connected to main TV and Audio System via HDMI or a soundcard of YOUR TASTE (not Apples)
It can be build as low powerconsumption and low noise as you like.
Logitech WirelessKeyboard + Touchpad ( very good :D )
You can use it just like a normal PC (Girlfriend friendly...not being offensive..just...practical)
You can store all your Media on this PC.
Connect the laptop dockingstation via HDMI/DVI to one TV and ethernet to router and use a Wireless (not BlueTooth since it has low range) Keyboard as well.
If you want to have full Access to all sources on both TVs you can also go for an additional Raspberry Pi computer running Fedora Linux, connected via Ethernet. They are fully 1080p able and cost 35$ (NON RTR) (For bedroom TV)
Or you can set up a network of HDMI cable and switching Boxes, which will be evenly expensive.
I dont believe in Wireless Video 
This will get you a fully scaleable setup with a backup windows computer should your Laptop crash or be stolen.
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If you're deciding between Macs, I would suggest that you consider how much you will move your computer around. Since you're speaking about home use, I guess the answer will be "not very much at all".
The Macbooks are all very nice machines, I own a 15 inch Retina myself – but you're paying a lot of money for the mobility. And although the Retina display is in fact the best notebook screen you can buy today, it's still a notebook screen: It's small, and without a laptop stand the viewing angle is uncomfortable for longer media consumption and gaming. At home you will end up hooking it up to an external display anyway.
That leaves the Mac mini, iMac and MacPro. The latter is due for a big upgrade next year, nobody knows when and you will be ill advised to buy a MacPro until then. The Mac mini doesn't have a discrete GPU so it's out as well.
Now with the iMac you have to options: Pull the trigger now if you want a DVD drive and the option to upgrade the internal HDD, or wait for the new one (the 27 inch will ship in "december", the 21 inch tomorrow but i don't think the 21 inch is what you want). The new iMac is all around faster, has the new FusionDrive tech that merges a SSD and HDD via software, and the display is fused to the glass greatly reducing glare.
And it's jaw-dropping beatiful.
![[image loading]](http://images.apple.com/imac/images/hero.png)
No matter If you decide to purchase a Mac or not, I would get an Apple TV if I were you. You already have an iPhone and an iPad, assuming you got the twitch.tv App installed on either or both of them here's the set-up process to watch live StarCraft in your living room:
1. Insert HDMI cable into Apple TV.
2. Enter your WiFi password.
3. Press the AirPlay button in twitch.
This will take you between 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the length and complexity of your WiFi password since you're required to insert it with the IR remote (thankfully, only once – beyond that point you can use your iPhone or iPad as a remote).
Your plans and description suggest that money isn't a big issue, and you already have an iTunes account – so movie rentals are probably another fun use for you. Again, it just works (enter account info and press one button). The back catalogue could be bigger, yes, but chances are that your local movie rental store doesn't have everything in stock as well.
Granted, Apple TV is limited in use (especially outside the US) and Apple itself still runs this as a "hobby". But if you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem it's hard to not recommend it at just 99 bucks. Besides Airplay and movie rental there are some (more or less neglectable) gimmicks, but these two features alone are worth the price.
What I don't get from your OP is the following: You want to connect both screens to an Apple TV? I'm not quite sure what you mean by that.
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On November 29 2012 17:29 plgElwood wrote:I would go for: WLAN Router with GigabitSwitch MediaCenter PC with Win7 and about 4TB internal Harddrive (4x1, 2x2) and BluRay Drive at Living Room connected to main TV and Audio System via HDMI or a soundcard of YOUR TASTE (not Apples) It can be build as low powerconsumption and low noise as you like. Logitech WirelessKeyboard + Touchpad ( very good :D ) You can use it just like a normal PC (Girlfriend friendly...not being offensive..just...practical) You can store all your Media on this PC. Connect the laptop dockingstation via HDMI/DVI to one TV and ethernet to router and use a Wireless (not BlueTooth since it has low range) Keyboard as well. If you want to have full Access to all sources on both TVs you can also go for an additional Raspberry Pi computer running Fedora Linux, connected via Ethernet. They are fully 1080p able and cost 35$ (NON RTR) (For bedroom TV) Or you can set up a network of HDMI cable and switching Boxes, which will be evenly expensive. I dont believe in Wireless Video This will get you a fully scaleable setup with a backup windows computer should your Laptop crash or be stolen.
Hey OP, heres a useful response. Next time don't go with a title like "Applefying" to avoid an Apple vs Windows shitstorm.
Of course this media pc setup won't run SC2, in this setup you would need a desktop to play SC2 on and a small pc for your TV. You will be able to access all your files on your desktop from the TV.
I run xbmc on my TV computer and its amazing, using smartphone as a remote etc.
An alternative is building a tiny computer that only has the power to playback 1080p, then keep all your media on your desktop and get at it over the network. Ive only ever heard of these, haven't built one so not sure how great they are.
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On November 29 2012 22:41 Blaec wrote:Show nested quote +On November 29 2012 17:29 plgElwood wrote:I would go for: WLAN Router with GigabitSwitch MediaCenter PC with Win7 and about 4TB internal Harddrive (4x1, 2x2) and BluRay Drive at Living Room connected to main TV and Audio System via HDMI or a soundcard of YOUR TASTE (not Apples) It can be build as low powerconsumption and low noise as you like. Logitech WirelessKeyboard + Touchpad ( very good :D ) You can use it just like a normal PC (Girlfriend friendly...not being offensive..just...practical) You can store all your Media on this PC. Connect the laptop dockingstation via HDMI/DVI to one TV and ethernet to router and use a Wireless (not BlueTooth since it has low range) Keyboard as well. If you want to have full Access to all sources on both TVs you can also go for an additional Raspberry Pi computer running Fedora Linux, connected via Ethernet. They are fully 1080p able and cost 35$ (NON RTR) (For bedroom TV) Or you can set up a network of HDMI cable and switching Boxes, which will be evenly expensive. I dont believe in Wireless Video This will get you a fully scaleable setup with a backup windows computer should your Laptop crash or be stolen. Hey OP, heres a useful response. Next time don't go with a title like "Applefying" to avoid an Apple vs Windows shitstorm. Of course this media pc setup won't run SC2, in this setup you would need a desktop to play SC2 on and a small pc for your TV. You will be able to access all your files on your desktop from the TV. I run xbmc on my TV computer and its amazing, using smartphone as a remote etc.
Finally a useful post, Apple vs Windows seems to be a hot subject! I've worked as a project manager in the IT-business, that's why I use PC for work. The reason I'm thinking about Apple is the design of the new iMac 27" and the MacBook Pro with retina screen.
After reading all posts and talking to various people I've realized that I won't be able to have a multimedia solution where I can watch movies on the TV of my choice(wirelessly).
If I really need to connect with a cable I'll use Apple. THEY ARE PRETTY!
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On November 29 2012 22:56 JollYRoGeR wrote:Show nested quote +On November 29 2012 22:41 Blaec wrote:On November 29 2012 17:29 plgElwood wrote:I would go for: WLAN Router with GigabitSwitch MediaCenter PC with Win7 and about 4TB internal Harddrive (4x1, 2x2) and BluRay Drive at Living Room connected to main TV and Audio System via HDMI or a soundcard of YOUR TASTE (not Apples) It can be build as low powerconsumption and low noise as you like. Logitech WirelessKeyboard + Touchpad ( very good :D ) You can use it just like a normal PC (Girlfriend friendly...not being offensive..just...practical) You can store all your Media on this PC. Connect the laptop dockingstation via HDMI/DVI to one TV and ethernet to router and use a Wireless (not BlueTooth since it has low range) Keyboard as well. If you want to have full Access to all sources on both TVs you can also go for an additional Raspberry Pi computer running Fedora Linux, connected via Ethernet. They are fully 1080p able and cost 35$ (NON RTR) (For bedroom TV) Or you can set up a network of HDMI cable and switching Boxes, which will be evenly expensive. I dont believe in Wireless Video This will get you a fully scaleable setup with a backup windows computer should your Laptop crash or be stolen. Hey OP, heres a useful response. Next time don't go with a title like "Applefying" to avoid an Apple vs Windows shitstorm. Of course this media pc setup won't run SC2, in this setup you would need a desktop to play SC2 on and a small pc for your TV. You will be able to access all your files on your desktop from the TV. I run xbmc on my TV computer and its amazing, using smartphone as a remote etc. Finally a useful post, Apple vs Windows seems to be a hot subject! I've worked as a project manager in the IT-business, that's why I use PC for work. The reason I'm thinking about Apple is the design of the new iMac 27" and the MacBook Pro with retina screen. After reading all posts and talking to various people I've realized that I won't be able to have a multimedia solution where I can watch movies on the TV of my choice(wirelessly). If I really need to connect with a cable I'll use Apple. THEY ARE PRETTY!
Fair enough. The lack of wireless media solutions really disappointed me as well when I went to build my media setup.
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On November 29 2012 22:56 JollYRoGeR wrote:Show nested quote +On November 29 2012 22:41 Blaec wrote:On November 29 2012 17:29 plgElwood wrote:I would go for: WLAN Router with GigabitSwitch MediaCenter PC with Win7 and about 4TB internal Harddrive (4x1, 2x2) and BluRay Drive at Living Room connected to main TV and Audio System via HDMI or a soundcard of YOUR TASTE (not Apples) It can be build as low powerconsumption and low noise as you like. Logitech WirelessKeyboard + Touchpad ( very good :D ) You can use it just like a normal PC (Girlfriend friendly...not being offensive..just...practical) You can store all your Media on this PC. Connect the laptop dockingstation via HDMI/DVI to one TV and ethernet to router and use a Wireless (not BlueTooth since it has low range) Keyboard as well. If you want to have full Access to all sources on both TVs you can also go for an additional Raspberry Pi computer running Fedora Linux, connected via Ethernet. They are fully 1080p able and cost 35$ (NON RTR) (For bedroom TV) Or you can set up a network of HDMI cable and switching Boxes, which will be evenly expensive. I dont believe in Wireless Video This will get you a fully scaleable setup with a backup windows computer should your Laptop crash or be stolen. Hey OP, heres a useful response. Next time don't go with a title like "Applefying" to avoid an Apple vs Windows shitstorm. Of course this media pc setup won't run SC2, in this setup you would need a desktop to play SC2 on and a small pc for your TV. You will be able to access all your files on your desktop from the TV. I run xbmc on my TV computer and its amazing, using smartphone as a remote etc. Finally a useful post, Apple vs Windows seems to be a hot subject! I've worked as a project manager in the IT-business, that's why I use PC for work. The reason I'm thinking about Apple is the design of the new iMac 27" and the MacBook Pro with retina screen. After reading all posts and talking to various people I've realized that I won't be able to have a multimedia solution where I can watch movies on the TV of my choice(wirelessly). If I really need to connect with a cable I'll use Apple. THEY ARE PRETTY!
Once you go Mac you won't want to go back. They're just too fantastic.
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On November 29 2012 22:56 JollYRoGeR wrote:Show nested quote +On November 29 2012 22:41 Blaec wrote:On November 29 2012 17:29 plgElwood wrote:I would go for: WLAN Router with GigabitSwitch MediaCenter PC with Win7 and about 4TB internal Harddrive (4x1, 2x2) and BluRay Drive at Living Room connected to main TV and Audio System via HDMI or a soundcard of YOUR TASTE (not Apples) It can be build as low powerconsumption and low noise as you like. Logitech WirelessKeyboard + Touchpad ( very good :D ) You can use it just like a normal PC (Girlfriend friendly...not being offensive..just...practical) You can store all your Media on this PC. Connect the laptop dockingstation via HDMI/DVI to one TV and ethernet to router and use a Wireless (not BlueTooth since it has low range) Keyboard as well. If you want to have full Access to all sources on both TVs you can also go for an additional Raspberry Pi computer running Fedora Linux, connected via Ethernet. They are fully 1080p able and cost 35$ (NON RTR) (For bedroom TV) Or you can set up a network of HDMI cable and switching Boxes, which will be evenly expensive. I dont believe in Wireless Video This will get you a fully scaleable setup with a backup windows computer should your Laptop crash or be stolen. Hey OP, heres a useful response. Next time don't go with a title like "Applefying" to avoid an Apple vs Windows shitstorm. Of course this media pc setup won't run SC2, in this setup you would need a desktop to play SC2 on and a small pc for your TV. You will be able to access all your files on your desktop from the TV. I run xbmc on my TV computer and its amazing, using smartphone as a remote etc. Finally a useful post, Apple vs Windows seems to be a hot subject! I've worked as a project manager in the IT-business, that's why I use PC for work. The reason I'm thinking about Apple is the design of the new iMac 27" and the MacBook Pro with retina screen. After reading all posts and talking to various people I've realized that I won't be able to have a multimedia solution where I can watch movies on the TV of my choice(wirelessly). If I really need to connect with a cable I'll use Apple. THEY ARE PRETTY!
Most people just buy a dedicated HTPC if they want to use their TV to play music, watch movies and stuff. It costs essentially, $300 for the system, then a bit more for wireless keyboard and mouse, and how you want to run networking, wirelessly, cabled or powerline.
The idea for Windows is to use their media center to stream content from your desktop to your HTPC, and use Remote Desktop Connection to look at your desktop if you need to do that.
On wireless video, with a Wireless N router, I can stream decently from my wired desktop while walking around in my apartment on my laptop, with the video. Of course, my router and computer is pretty bad, but if I had a wired connection, the stream is perfect.
A lot of the things in that list are extraneous really. If you had a good motherboard, it'll have all the necessary outputs, and you just need to get the right cables to connect to the TV. Sound cards are rather useless in this application, and you can just stream directly from your desktop. The internal storage space doesn't need to be huge in the HTPC, as you can always hook up an external too.
The "reasonable" debate around Apple and Windows here would be which one fits your overall lifestyle and integrates well with what you have. Lifestyle being how you want things to look, how much you want things to cost, and so on. The difference is usually always the price. With Apple, you can get instant one-click integration, but at a much higher cost than simply setting everything up yourself. Some people like the no-hassle, some people like the learning experience. It also essentially comes down to maximum performance per dollar, as in, you can do the same with less money, but it's not all done for you (i.e. you can go out and find a really nice case and internal parts and monitor, or you can let Apple do that for you).
To be honest as well, you could just as easily buy a dock for your laptop with connections to the TV, so when you dock the screen shows up on the TV and use your phone to control the laptop from the couch or something. Lots and lots of solutions.
I might've missed this, but could you describe what you have right now? All I see is what you're looking for.
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After 4 pages of shitstorm finally...
I set up a HTPC : 4TB HDD /8GB RAM 3.3ghz I3 , Asus mATX Board in LianLi case with Seasonic PSU for 600€ it also has an GF 620 or something, even could handle a more Powerful graphicscard.
Performancewise it kicks ass. I dont know what Software you are working with, but it will most likely be x86 and Windows dependent so i would go for these two on every Computer i buy to have a backup for worst case Scenarios (important meeting coming up in 12 hours just one Presentation to fix and a broken Laptop..)
I will not get why people want "wireless everything" Are you moving your TV arround this much? Why not take a Cable?
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On November 29 2012 07:46 ToKoreaWithLove wrote:
There are 4 reasons I went with Apple.
1. I was bored of the upkeep involved in running a linux desktop.
2. I wanted a nice computer, and I wanted to try OSX.
3. I was tired of massive noisy mid towers and cheap monitors.
4. I was about done with gaming, so I was done chasing ultimate performance per dollar.
1. You don't need to upkeep, Linux users just take satisfaction in being able to customize, update and tinker.
2. A nice computer doesn't require an Apple, and that's what virtualization is for. I've been curious about OSX too, but I didn't need to buy anything for it.
3. So buy a better case, better fans, and a better monitor? My computer is hardly noticeable and it's like a foot away from me.
4. This is one reason I cannot commit full-time to OSX (even if I wanted to), or to Linux. Right now, I'm dual-booting Windows 7 and Ubuntu; generally, I'd have no reason to keep using Windows if I didn't still game. OSX on the other hand is too easy and boring as an operating system. I take more pride in my PC knowledge than to use something that is so basic.
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On November 29 2012 23:53 Blisse wrote:Show nested quote +On November 29 2012 22:56 JollYRoGeR wrote:On November 29 2012 22:41 Blaec wrote:On November 29 2012 17:29 plgElwood wrote:I would go for: WLAN Router with GigabitSwitch MediaCenter PC with Win7 and about 4TB internal Harddrive (4x1, 2x2) and BluRay Drive at Living Room connected to main TV and Audio System via HDMI or a soundcard of YOUR TASTE (not Apples) It can be build as low powerconsumption and low noise as you like. Logitech WirelessKeyboard + Touchpad ( very good :D ) You can use it just like a normal PC (Girlfriend friendly...not being offensive..just...practical) You can store all your Media on this PC. Connect the laptop dockingstation via HDMI/DVI to one TV and ethernet to router and use a Wireless (not BlueTooth since it has low range) Keyboard as well. If you want to have full Access to all sources on both TVs you can also go for an additional Raspberry Pi computer running Fedora Linux, connected via Ethernet. They are fully 1080p able and cost 35$ (NON RTR) (For bedroom TV) Or you can set up a network of HDMI cable and switching Boxes, which will be evenly expensive. I dont believe in Wireless Video This will get you a fully scaleable setup with a backup windows computer should your Laptop crash or be stolen. Hey OP, heres a useful response. Next time don't go with a title like "Applefying" to avoid an Apple vs Windows shitstorm. Of course this media pc setup won't run SC2, in this setup you would need a desktop to play SC2 on and a small pc for your TV. You will be able to access all your files on your desktop from the TV. I run xbmc on my TV computer and its amazing, using smartphone as a remote etc. Finally a useful post, Apple vs Windows seems to be a hot subject! I've worked as a project manager in the IT-business, that's why I use PC for work. The reason I'm thinking about Apple is the design of the new iMac 27" and the MacBook Pro with retina screen. After reading all posts and talking to various people I've realized that I won't be able to have a multimedia solution where I can watch movies on the TV of my choice(wirelessly). If I really need to connect with a cable I'll use Apple. THEY ARE PRETTY! Most people just buy a dedicated HTPC if they want to use their TV to play music, watch movies and stuff. It costs essentially, $300 for the system, then a bit more for wireless keyboard and mouse, and how you want to run networking, wirelessly, cabled or powerline. The idea for Windows is to use their media center to stream content from your desktop to your HTPC, and use Remote Desktop Connection to look at your desktop if you need to do that. On wireless video, with a Wireless N router, I can stream decently from my wired desktop while walking around in my apartment on my laptop, with the video. Of course, my router and computer is pretty bad, but if I had a wired connection, the stream is perfect. A lot of the things in that list are extraneous really. If you had a good motherboard, it'll have all the necessary outputs, and you just need to get the right cables to connect to the TV. Sound cards are rather useless in this application, and you can just stream directly from your desktop. The internal storage space doesn't need to be huge in the HTPC, as you can always hook up an external too. The "reasonable" debate around Apple and Windows here would be which one fits your overall lifestyle and integrates well with what you have. Lifestyle being how you want things to look, how much you want things to cost, and so on. The difference is usually always the price. With Apple, you can get instant one-click integration, but at a much higher cost than simply setting everything up yourself. Some people like the no-hassle, some people like the learning experience. It also essentially comes down to maximum performance per dollar, as in, you can do the same with less money, but it's not all done for you (i.e. you can go out and find a really nice case and internal parts and monitor, or you can let Apple do that for you). To be honest as well, you could just as easily buy a dock for your laptop with connections to the TV, so when you dock the screen shows up on the TV and use your phone to control the laptop from the couch or something. Lots and lots of solutions. I might've missed this, but could you describe what you have right now? All I see is what you're looking for.
At the moment I'm using a Lenovo T520 with 180GB SSD, i7, 8GB ram and NVIDIA NVS 4200M. A standard work computer. I have a docking station connected to my TV and speakers. It works pretty good, but I want a good solution that will work on 2 different TVs without having to move my computer, and I also wanna switch to Apple because of their design. And how's the quality of the movies from AppleTV? Does it really suck as much as ppl say?
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Does it really suck as much as ppl say?
It is 99$ and from Apple. Thats like a "New 5000$ Ferrari" there has to be a catch.
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Was that really bumpworthy? O.o
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my biggest problem with mac is not the OS or the hardware over priced etc
but the cooling is seriously lacking if you are going to do some hardware demanding games.
Even if the temp is fine, it won't be as cool as it would be on other brands except for some horrid brands like HP
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EPT
