Ready for the Streamers?
How much power does a laptop use just to stream music/video ?
My streamer - a playon!hd mini2 only uses 8.2W even when streaming 1080p BD rips.
A streamer is also easier to control when lying on the sofa with its remote control - or being controlled by your phone/tablet.
Maybe a moot question but how long is a laptop likely to last when permanently switched on and used as a server? For a start the two laptops in this house (both HP) virtually cook if you don't keep their lids up. And that's with them sat on a flat wooden surface. They seem to be designed to dissipate a certain amount of heat through the keyboard, on the assumption that when laptops are switched on, their lids will be open most the time.
I've also had experience of laptops where the bearings in the cooling-fan have worn out very quickly if the machine is left on, possibly because their miniaturised construction (compared to tower-unit fans) has a negative effect on their longevity. Mind you I suppose the same could be said of cooling-fans in dedicated NAS drives; they're often built down to a size as well, obviously.
Best thing is try it and see. If it doesn't work, then buy a dedicated streamer/NAS.
I would absolutely love to be able to sit down and listen to a whole variety of expensive and exotice equipment, to see if I'm missing out, or by how much. Unfortunately, I don't think the local dealers would tolerate extended testing without me opening my wallet. Of course, if I discovered something that I really liked (and was affordable) I'd maybe dust off the cobwebs.
Ditto!
I'd get the 60D. Best balance between ergonomics and price (since the sensor is the same between 600D, 60D and 7D).
Though the OM-D is rather yummy...
Thanks John. Tempting to start up a thread elsewhere on this subject, but would it help or only entertain? 
This thread was a bit of a slow burner - I didn't think anyone was interested to start off.
However, thanks for the posts folks. In addition to the usual entertaining sparring, I see that there are some very useful tips and pointers; the sort of comments that actually clarify the vague notions that are circulating in the little grey cells. I was particularly struck by the points about practicality where laptops are concerned: heat, fan bearings and such.
As I sit here typing away, I believe that my mind is made up (for now). It pretty much follows this course: I do have streaming capability right now in a less than elegant way. I do believe that the opening skirmishes in the streamer war are far from over and there is more to come in the field. Sad is it might seem, I spend more time with camera than hi-fi, even though both give great pleasure. So, it's onto the 60D vs 7D debate for me. As for the streaming, I will keep my powder dry for now and see what, er, develops in that arena.
I'd get the 60D. Best balance between ergonomics and price (since the sensor is the same between 600D, 60D and 7D).
Though the OM-D is rather yummy...
Thanks John. Tempting to start up a thread elsewhere on this subject, but would it help or only entertain?
I much prefer a camera fight over any other, so go crazy...
I much prefer a camera fight over any other, so go crazy...
Okaaaaay >)
Maybe a moot question but how long is a laptop likely to last when permanently switched on and used as a server? For a start the two laptops in this house (both HP) virtually cook if you don't keep their lids up. And that's with them sat on a flat wooden surface. They seem to be designed to dissipate a certain amount of heat through the keyboard, on the assumption that when laptops are switched on, their lids will be open most the time.
I've also had experience of laptops where the bearings in the cooling-fan have worn out very quickly if the machine is left on, possibly because their miniaturised construction (compared to tower-unit fans) has a negative effect on their longevity. Mind you I suppose the same could be said of cooling-fans in dedicated NAS drives; they're often built down to a size as well, obviously.
Best thing is try it and see. If it doesn't work, then buy a dedicated streamer/NAS.
You could use a cooling base that has a low speed fan inbuilt, raises the PC above the table for better ventilation, and is powered off the USB port. My sons used them with their samsung laptops when gaming as they got very hot indeed, and they made a big difference.
Perhpas I should be going the whole hog and trying the Naim Uniti?
Perhpas I should be going the whole hog and trying the Naim Uniti?
Yup.....it's a good start.
Perhpas I should be going the whole hog and trying the Naim Uniti?
Yup.....it's a good start.
Ah, but at 50 watts is it 'man' enough to drive the ProAc Studio 140 Mk2 speakers? That 50 watts is half my Primare I30 capability, so would I end up with the whole new search for speakers again?
Perhpas I should be going the whole hog and trying the Naim Uniti?
Yup.....it's a good start.
Ah, but at 50 watts is it 'man' enough to drive the ProAc Studio 140 Mk2 speakers? That 50 watts is half my Primare I30 capability, so would I end up with the whole new search for speakers again?
I know.....but it would be the start of a journey that would end up with a Linn. 
You are a very bad person...do you know that? 
You are a very bad person...do you know that?
So I've been told....more than once.
...though personally I can't see why! 
I'd make a small wager though, that the Sneaky would not make much of a noticeable difference over the HRT DAC already in place.
It will, ya know!
Oh Dear, you've been Max'd....
In my defence, I am from Ireland!
"Everything has been said before, but since nobody listens we have to keep going back and beginning all over again." André Gide