Laptop suggestions for 1080p

[psbfan9]

If I had my way, I would have a tower. But, I have a wife and she's saying no boxes in the living.

So, In my quest to 'cut the cord' and get rid of cable, I'm searching for a quality laptop. My blu ray streams netflix and I have a digital antennae, so I'm looking for something that will stream hulu and other internet content.
I found out Windows Media Center is not DLNA certified, which is surprising to me since it has the ability for watching tv/movies. WMP is DLNA certified, but it seems that most websites, youtube and such, have built in flash(?) videos now. So WMP seems useless except for music.

Questions: Does a laptop having HDMI equal 1080p output? Should I not worry about output and let the receiver up convert to my desired output?
Would an HDMI upgrade kit like this work? I know it would be cheaper.

Newegg.com - Shell Shocker Deal. Exclusive Jaw Dropping Savings on PC Components and Electronics.

How would I know if my Dell Inspiron 580 is compatible with an upgrade kit?

Am I missing anything?

Thanks for the help.

Barry

 

[BMXTRIX]

Barry - I would seriously be considering a dedicated home theater PC over a laptop.

A HTPC is designed to look like your Blu-ray player or cable box, so it isn't a PC looking intruder in the family room and is designed with silence and usability in mind.

You will get a few recommendations here I'm sure as I do not personally use one as I use a media server (Dune) within my system. But, in your case a HTPC seems like a much better way to go.

 

[psbfan9]

Barry - I would seriously be considering a dedicated home theater PC over a laptop.

A HTPC is designed to look like your Blu-ray player or cable box, so it isn't a PC looking intruder in the family room and is designed with silence and usability in mind.

You will get a few recommendations here I'm sure as I do not personally use one as I use a media server (Dune) within my system. But, in your case a HTPC seems like a much better way to go.

BMXTrix, after a quick Google search for HTPC, you're 100% correct. I was going about this all wrong.

I appreciate the suggestion!

 

[psbfan9]

Apple Mac Mini

I've decided to try this.

Best Buy - Apple® Mac mini / Intel® Core

Seems to be the best solution for what I'm trying to achieve.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

For my living room, I have a $400 HP laptop w/ HDMI. Also a $100 Panasonic BD for BD & movie streaming. Hooked to a Denon 3310.

I get 1080p video. HD sound when available.

I also have a $50 HDHomeRun TV tuner (single) that I connect to my network. It works with WMP, which has DVR capability. I recorded The Royal Wedding for my wife using this back then.

I don't think you need to spend a lot.

http://www.amazon.com/HP-G62-373dx-Laptop-Processor-Biscotti/dp/B004GNS8CE/ref=sr_1_5?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1328730158&sr=1-5

Amazon.com: SiliconDust HDHomeRun Dual High Definition Digital Television HDHR3-US (Black): Electronics

Looks like this tuner is a dual tuner for 2 different PC.

The one I got was the older model with a single tuner.

 

[Adam]

I've decided to try this.

Best Buy - Apple® Mac mini / Intel® Core

Seems to be the best solution for what I'm trying to achieve.

Very cool! I was going to recommend one, but I hesitated because of the cost. I play with the idea of getting one, but with my MacBooks, I don't really need one.

I have an Elgato USB TV tuner dongle. I got mine back in 2006ish, so the current ones are a bit different, but it worked great for me while I used it (and it came with DVR software).

 

[psbfan9]

Very cool! I was going to recommend one, but I hesitated because of the cost. I play with the idea of getting one, but with my MacBooks, I don't really need one.

I have an Elgato USB TV tuner dongle. I got mine back in 2006ish, so the current ones are a bit different, but it worked great for me while I used it (and it came with DVR software).

Yeah, about the cost, I shouldn't say this on a public forum but I cheated a little. I found an 'open box' mini at an online retailer, printed the ad and BB matched the price.

Thanks for mentioning the Elgato. I'm researching which one would be the best fit.

This little Apple Mac Mini computer is really cool.

apple mini mac - BestBuy