Replace aging nettop, suggestions?

[Seanpr123]

Picked up this Acer AspireRevo AR3610 back in July 2010 (paid $333) and it's been quite the faithful HTPC for us.
Upgraded RAM and has streamed anything locally I've throw at it, but as I'm sure you can imagine HD Flash was crippling.

Recently tried going the Android stick route and picked up a cheap little MK908, had a ton of issues at first but after configuring different ROMs, Kernels and software it's running quite nice. Netflix and Youtube is good, browsing my local LAN kinda sucks with the different SMB file explorers and it's really lacking since we can't use Hulu anymore.

Anyway, I think I want to stick with the full Windows setup and I also just picked up an ASUS T100 Windows 8.1 tablet for $300 that has really rocked my rocks (to replace an older netbook). This thing handles about everything I throw at it.

So what are my options... Would like to keep it small and cheap. I figure if this little Bay Trail Atom can decode anything and everything it shouldn't be too hard to find a good replacement.

Are there any good suggested nettop devices anymore? If not do I need to build a Micro ATX machine? No problem with the actual building, would just need suggestions on parts for a great price/performance ratio.

Thanks!
Sean

 

[vipz]

I don't seem to find any Bay Trail nettops, but if you're happy with the T100 then I think anything with a Celeron 847 (dual-core Sandy Bridge 1.1 GHz) or above will work great for you.

C847 NUC: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856102004 $152

If you want some headroom there's the Celeron 1037U (dual-core Ivy Bridge 1.8 GHz)

C1037U Gigabyte BRIX: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856164005 $170

 

[Machupo]

I don't know what you've got setup for local media files, but I've had good success with a Chromecast for streaming content (still experimenting with casting mkv's from my NAS to it).

 

[Seanpr123]

Hey thanks vipz, those are the type of thing I was looking for just hadn't been able to find.

All my media is just on my main desktop; maybe someday I'll get a NAS but for now that works for me.
Staying away from Chromecast, definitely want more functionality than that can/will provide.

 

[Seanpr123]

So I guess last two questions.
Are there any other NUC's (that's a new term for me) I should be looking at?
How much would I be looking to spend if I wanted to build out a micro/mini ATX box with comparable specs? I'm guessing more money actually but better future proofing with the ability to upgrade at a later point?

 

[JoanTheSpark]

So I guess last two questions.
Are there any other NUC's (that's a new term for me) I should be looking at?
How much would I be looking to spend if I wanted to build out a micro/mini ATX box with comparable specs? I'm guessing more money actually but better future proofing with the ability to upgrade at a later point?

My thougths:
If the stuff vipz quoted the prices for work it prob doesn't matter.
Either you get new net-tops every 3 to 4 years or you upgrade for that amount of money..

 

[Zap]

Another option is the Lenovo Q190.

$299 (or less if there's a deal/coupon)
Celeron 1017U 1.6GHz ultra low voltage dual core Ivy Bridge CPU
4GB DDR3 SODIMM (single slot only)
500GB 2.5" 5400RPM HDD
SPDIF output
2x USB 3.0, 4x USB 2.0
VGA and HDMI
10/100/1000 NIC and B/G/N WiFi
SD card reader
Windows 8 64-bit

NUC/Brix PRO
Even smaller for that wow factor
Cheaper if you already have parts and Windows
Dual channel RAM
Brix has slightly faster CPU for cheap
Brix has mini DisplayPort, if you need high res support

NUC/Brix CON
Can be costlier if you have to buy all the parts and Windows
No 2.5" drive support may be limiting for capacity or cost
NUC doesn't come with WiFi
No USB 3.0, fewer total USB ports
No SPDIF output for HTPC use
No VGA port (for old or business projectors)
NUC a lot slower (1.1GHz Sandy Bridge versus 1.6GHz Ivy Bridge)

 

[vipz]

Nice, the Q190 even comes with the Lenovo mini keyboard w/ optical trackpoint - that's like another $25 right there.

For something not handling local storage though I would want a small SSD instead of the platter drive, but that's easy to fix.

 

[Seanpr123]

Damn, ya thanks for the heads up.
Got a few more options than I was expecting!

Time to do some more research and deal hunting, thanks boys.

 

[Zap]

Nice, the Q190 even comes with the Lenovo mini keyboard w/ optical trackpoint - that's like another $25 right there.

Sorry, but it doesn't. Shows in the pic, but somewhere there is fine print saying it is an option. I bought a Q190 a while back (hot deal for $250, but older model with Celeron 887 or some such CPU) and it comes with a standard mouse/keyboard.

For something not handling local storage though I would want a small SSD instead of the platter drive, but that's easy to fix.

Me too. That's one of the best things about it - USB 3.0. Swap out the HDD to an SSD and put the HDD in an enclosure.