Tablet as HTPC / Set-top box

how about a "for fun" topic for a change.

you've all probably seen the various "stick pc" offerings from many outfits, running android, hdmi, usb, able to connect to HDTV [allegedly] for full internet content - netflix, youtube, crackle, vimeo, news channels, network series replays, ESPN! etc.

I have worked through some of those android devices and the only way, so far, to get good results, is with a custom hack. there are a couple of devs that have done heroic work on such, but its still a "roll your own" game and its not necessarily "cheap"/inexpensive. the things overheat, have soldering issues, antenna issues, etc.

there should be however a good solution somewhere, say under $200, maybe well under. I'm wondering if any of you have taken a dell or toshiba windows tablet, used the HDMI port to attach to HDTV and did you get good results?

or yet another android device?

it ain't ipad - that's for sure. I like my ipad a lot but its a joke in attempting any bigscreen high definition work

 

I like the idea but I found when I had a hot cable internet that with a good monitor I or 'we' could watch shows on the desk instead of across the room on a more expensive tv. And 2 or 3 people could watch their own desired programs. I like my music videos on a monitor and my amp. Sometimes headphones so it don't disturb other 'watchers'. I just can't justify the cost of the biggg tv. Why save on a hookup if the tv cost $1500

 

I'm currently using an Asus tablet and used an Archos previously. I'm having better luck with HD from Netflix than my HTPC due to some Silverlight/driver issues. I don't see why Dell or Toshiba would provide an inferior HD experience. As far as Android, it's still hit or miss. Exercise due diligence.