john banks

I hated Windows 8 on a cheap laptop recently, but think it could be good on this. Found 11% off and free delivery, and 5% Quidco if they pay it.

Have ordered the 8GB i5 version with 500/32GB hybrid drive.

Wondering about an Apple TV and AirParrot to go with it and whatever new TV I end up with.

Should I have bought an iPad instead?

Flaps

iTrader: (1)

A well known fan boy on here says, buy cheap, buy twice, so yes, you should have!

hpoolsteve

iTrader: (4)

Just use itunes to stream your media to apple tv, No need for airparrot.

jonc

If you hate Windows 8 interface, this will be like a godsend!!

http://www.classicstart8.com/

mart360

I have win 7, (more like vista7) lol and i disklike it greatly,

I used classic shell to get back the majority of the XP feel to menu's etc.

Why did they take logical stuff and make it illogical?

It would appear the analogy, if it aint broke dont fix it, was well and truley ignored lol


Mart

john banks

I wonder if being an all in one it will suit the split personality of Windows 8? I'm intending to use it as a tablet, laptop and desktop replacement.

Is there a way with iTunes to display non-iTunes content from a PC on the AppleTV - ie not needing AirParrot? I already AirPlay from iTunes on PC (either directly or using iOS remote app) or iPad running a library from the server to a Raspberry Pi running XBMC, but the audio quality from the Raspberry Pi is only good through HDMI so I have to have the TV on. Since my amp doesn't have HDMI inputs, I take an optical out from the TV to the amp, but thinking of an Apple TV so I could do a second optical out to the amp. I was thinking of an Airport Express, but then I couldn't do the equivalent of AirPlay mirroring like I could with AirParrot.

hpoolsteve

iTrader: (4)

I use vuze to download all movies and tv box sets. I then drag it to iTunes and convert. So that way I just stream through Apple TV. I also use the optical on that. Would would you want on the TV that you couldn't play through iTunes. If I understand you right then you don't have to have purchased it through iTunes. Just drag it in there like you would music.

john banks

I'd like to be able to display what I see on my laptop or tablet on the TV without wires from 20 feet away. Not just to consume media, but to put anything I see on the screen on there. Why pass everything through the conduit of iTunes if I can just plug in an SD card or USB drive with photos or music and just open them just by clicking them? Maybe I want a webpage on the screen, or Youtube etc. It just seems more flexible and less Apple to use the Airplay mirroring without being Apple

hpoolsteve

iTrader: (4)

Ok mate I understand now. It would appear that air parrot is your best bet.

john banks

It seems it doesn't work with Windows 8.

With the old PC hardware I have I could probably make a nice HTPC and remote desktop to it. The motherboard I have has optical out, so I could play audio with the TV off, and use a DVI-D to HDMI cable to the TV.

john banks

Arrived today and apart from Windows 8 fragmentation between Metro and desktop it is rather good. Very much like you would expect an iPad with an 18" screen and Windows 8 to be I guess.