HP Stream Mini

[jackel314]

I'm wondering if the recently released HP Stream Mini could work as a Media Center PC:
http://store.hp.com/webapp/wcs/stores/s ... ---200-010

I realize it will require me to hook up an external hard drive for storing recorded shows, but I'm very interested in the smaller footprint, lower power consumption, and quieter operation. I may just pick one up and give it a try.

[Scallica]

It looks nice, but there are two reasons not to buy it:

The Celeron Processor
Windows 8.1 - you need 8.1 Pro to install WMC

[LuckyDay]

It looks nice, but there are two reasons not to buy it:

The Celeron Processor
Windows 8.1 - you need 8.1 Pro to install WMC

You could just update the 8.1 to Pro, but it's pricey.

And for standard HTPC usage the Celeron isn't all that bad.

[RyC]

You could also use a USB installer and do a clean install of Pro and maybe get rid of the HP bloatware

[Xyst]

What about the Pavilion Mini instead? It steps up to an i3. Would it be able to cope with a Ceton Ethernet 6 for DVR duties?

http://store.hp.com/webapp/wcs/stores/s ... ---300-030

[Scallica]

What about the Pavilion Mini instead? It steps up to an i3. Would it be able to cope with a Ceton Ethernet 6 for DVR duties?

http://store.hp.com/webapp/wcs/stores/s ... ---300-030

I like it. However, you'd have to factor in the cost of upgrading to Windows 8.1 Pro, and the additional $10 for WMC.

[makryger]

The HP mini is a cute little computer... I'd wait for it to come down in price, but it would make a nice small form factor HTPC.