Originally Posted by Kewl X5

Actually, I like to have both but that is because I also travel. Desktop stays in office for prolonged use, etc. editing papers, using excel, etc......

Got laptop for travel, but use it alot in family room for quick checking of e-mail and quick browsing.....my wife will see something on TV and wants me to look it up on the internet, etc. Besides, you don't need to spend $3K on a laptop just for internet browsing/e-mail (we know all you going to do is moderate xoutpost.com to death :) )

However, I do live in a 2-story house and office and family room is far away from each other....since you do have the option, you could run a S-Video cable, but I would try that first to see if you the video resolution is acceptable.....I have used S-Video cable from my laptop to my friend's 50" Sony Plasma screen and still not as clear as a dedicated LCD monitor or current laptop screen.


The Bluetooth mouse/keyboard is doable.

Originally Posted by SuperGreg

Correct me if I'm wrong, but this seems like a pretty "simple sloution". One s-cable + a BT KB/Mouse. Buying a Blackberry would require an expensive initial outlay for the unit + a monthly expense in addition to my current cell bill. Replacing existing cell phone is not an option because my current Moto E815 snaps into my X5 ;)

Originally Posted by SuperGreg

Correct me if I'm wrong, but this seems like a pretty "simple sloution". One s-cable + a BT KB/Mouse. Buying a Blackberry would require an expensive initial outlay for the unit + a monthly expense in addition to my current cell bill. Replacing existing cell phone is not an option because my current Moto E815 snaps into my X5 ;)

Originally Posted by SANguru

lol at snaps into X5... you're so yesteryear greggie.. your solution still does really leave you mobile and will detriment picture quality. I say spend the cash, get a cheap laptop, problem solved.. besides running a Svideo cable 20 feet is pretty damn cheesy and could make u trip and fall on your face..

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

:iagree: get a laptop. You can also use it in your backyard/deck and check email. :thumbup:

Originally Posted by SANguru

lol at snaps into X5... you're so yesteryear greggie.. your solution still does really leave you mobile and will detriment picture quality. I say spend the cash, get a cheap laptop, problem solved.. besides running a Svideo cable 20 feet is pretty damn cheesy and could make u trip and fall on your face..

Originally Posted by ncx

My 2 cents... get a cheapo laptop and use XP's remote desktop to access the desktop PC. Other benefits... you can take it when you travel, you can take it in your nice back yard, and it allows you to output your PC images (and Wicked WW!) on your nice LCD screen via S-vid, composite, DVI, VGA, etc.

I use this exact solution (and have for years) and it works beautifully... including the LCD/plasma integration. It's nice to be able to hit the PIP button on the TV and see if there is any new mail or check a web site, etc.

And yeah, the aquarium is another cool benefit and sounds pretty good piped through your home theater gear.

Cheap

ps. Forgot to mention I also use a RF wireless keyboard. The laptop stays in my entertainment center most of the time and I just wake it up with my keyboard when needed. Works great.