Lenovo N5902 for HTPC

S

ShamusVW

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Hi everyone.
I've just bought myself another PC to setup as an HTPC, done according to Assassin's instructions, which are very thorough by-the-way, even if it does cost $20 for membership, worth it.
He mentions the Lenovo N5902 remote for managing WMC. However, Have2Have don't stock it, and Amazon have it as the N5901A for some reason, and Lenovo themselves don't seem to have offices in South Africa. Their contact number has a message from Telkom saying the number no longer exists, and that there are no new numbers.

Has anyone ever ordered direct from Lenovo to South Africa?
The list price is $80, but they are offering a 50% discount, but I'm assuming you have to buy it direct from them for this, although I'm not sure about this.
Has anyone got this remote?

And then one more question unrelated to the above.
How do you queue up episodes from a series say on WMC, without having to create the playlist first in Windows Media Player? I'm thinking something like holding shift or control key, and then selecting the episodes and saying 'play'?

Thanks.
 
I'm wanting the qwerty keyboard for renaming of movies, etc. since I've also bought the Hauppauge HD PVR for recording from my DSTV and other.
The reason for this external unit is that it accepts the RCA inputs with USB output.
And I actually seem to think the Lenovo is a nice looking remote.

Although I'm not familiar with XBMC, I'm sure it compares well with WMC, each with its advantages. However, WMC is the setup that is used in the guides, and at this stage I'm not in a position to say which package is better, since this is my first attempt at setting up an HTPC.
I've never got into all the media formats, codecs, etc. so instead of going through a self-researched learning curve, I've opted for the easier route of signing into membership. The guides are very well written, and I've already learnt a lot. It was more just a thing of wanting it now, not first trying to learn about it first.
And this guy knows a lot more than me, so for me it was worth it, but to each his own thoughts about him.
Here is a link http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1302559 to avsforums on one of his guides.
 
Ok, point taken. And I'll read up a bit about it too.
But are you able to help me with the other questions? E.g. how to create a movie/series playlist in wmc
 
XBMC starts in around 30 seconds if you use openELEC - it's a scaled down OS based on Linux (and when I say scaled down, I mean way down - total size is around 40mb) - XBMC comes pre-installed too.
I know NOTHING about linux, but with openelec you just download it and put it on a USB Flash disk, and install.

With WMC I take it you are going to put a fully fledged OS on it like Windows 7?


With XBMC you also don't need to know anything about formats or codecs, it's really simple.


trust me, just get yourself a copy of xbmc 10.1 dharma here and try it for yourself.
you can take a look at what the UI Skins look like here


With XBMC you really don't need to worry about "renaming" movies and junk like that, it takes care of downloading the movie or tv show's Cover, Fanart and Info, all by itself.
(It rarely happens, but when you DO need to rename something, it has a built-in keyboard so you can use a remote, instead of having an actual keyboard)
 
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Yes, I already have Windows 7 Home Premium installed.
My knowledge of Linux or any other OS is limited (I actually mean VERY limited), so I don't want to have to battle to get it connected onto my current home network, or battle with different file systems, trying to get the different OS's talking to each other, etc.
All my other computers are running either Win 7 or XP. Besides, I already have Win 7 installed, so might as well use it.
Regarding the remote, I'm still waiting on a supplier to get back to me on the Lenovo N5902, but it might be that the 50% discount only comes if ordering direct from Lenovo. Ultimately I might go with a cheaper remote (the WMC one from MS?) or keep looking, maybe even the Harmony. But I'll wait on the supplier first. It would mean though that I need to use some kind of on-screen keyboard, not ideal, but do-able.
 
Sigh... Its easier than you think, TRUST ME

1) installing openelec is easier than windows 7, you write the files to usb, insert and press enter on quick install. Done.
I know NOTHING about linux

2) im using 2 ntfs drives in my htpc box, openelec reads them fine.

3) getting them connected is easier than pie - i swear you ONLY plug in a lan cable and it will work. No setup.

4) getting the OS'es to talk is automatic. Its easier than a windows to windows network! Trust me, linux has an easier setup to talk to windows than windows has with windows.... Its all automatic, shares are done for you, everything.


You can install openelec straight to a 100mb USB if you wanted (to test), and it will boot from it.



I promise you there is nothing to fear, its so easy a total noob can do it.... You should have more confidence man, its not like the pc will explode....


If you are still scared, well...have fun with microsofts media centre thingy and windows 7 hehe
 
I have these comments from Assassin regarding differences between XBMC/WMC...
1. HD Audio Bitstreaming capabilities easily within WMC+MB (XBMC can't do this)
2. Better network and multiple drive setup (XBMC is very clunky)
3. Live TV Support (XBMC doesn't offer this at all)

At this point I'll stick with the setup I have, it just doesn't make sense to me to unload Win7 (which I've paid for anyway), load openelec, and try that setup. Just because others are not keen for it (WMC). There will always be people for and against Windows/Linux versions of programs. And for everyone against, there will be people argueing for.

I have absolutely no issues with WMC (and Windows 7 in general), I actually like it a lot. Regarding being scared about setting it up, no that's not it. All I want to do is try enjoy the new HTPC experience first. And then again, there is also MediaPortal! And probably many others. And plus getting the Hauppauge HD PVR which integrates directly into WMC. Not sure if it does into XBMC, or MediaPortal.

W.R.T my original question:
Has anyone ever ordered direct from Lenovo to South Africa?
The list price is $80, but they are offering a 50% discount, but I'm assuming you have to buy it direct from them for this, although I'm not sure about this.
Has anyone got this remote?
Click to expand...
 
Oh really? I don't know what a proper media center is?

I have tried them all. I know quite a bit actually.

WMC with Mediabrowser is simply better. It takes a little longer (5-10 minutes at most) to set it up but once it is setup it can do much more.

And a recent upgrade to Mediabrowser (version 2.5 which was made available yesterday) makes it just as fast and smooth as XBMC.

"This guy" definitely knows what he is talking about. Maybe you should do some research into what I do and have done before making such a ridiculous statement.
 
Exactly! :D
Oh, by the way, got a quote back (for the N5902), before VAT, R1 900.
So definitely not going this route. Funny how if order direct it is $40 = R320 (plus shipping etc).
 
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assassinhtpc said:
Oh really? I don't know what a proper media center is?

I have tried them all. I know quite a bit actually.

WMC with Mediabrowser is simply better. It takes a little longer (5-10 minutes at most) to set it up but once it is setup it can do much more.

And a recent upgrade to Mediabrowser (version 2.5 which was made available yesterday) makes it just as fast and smooth as XBMC.

"This guy" definitely knows what he is talking about. Maybe you should do some research into what I do and have done before making such a ridiculous statement.
Click to expand...

Windows 7 is a full OS with bloated services and long startup times. Its like 10Gb for crying out loud. Then you want this guy to use a keyboard with it? Thats not a htpc mate, thats a PC.

A lightweight 40mb OS optimized to ONLY run a media centre that boots in 30 seconds flat, running XBMC, while using an actual remote, is a proper media centre.

Windows? Blegh... My idea of a media centre is to get away from the PC (boot times, drivers, windows and keyboards)
 
Keeper said:
Windows 7 is a full OS with bloated services and long startup times. Its like 10Gb for crying out loud. Then you want this guy to use a keyboard with it? Thats not a htpc mate, thats a PC.

A lightweight 40mb OS optimized to ONLY run a media centre that boots in 30 seconds flat, running XBMC, while using an actual remote, is a proper media centre.

Windows? Blegh... My idea of a media centre is to get away from the PC (boot times, drivers, windows and keyboards)
Click to expand...

30 seconds? Is that what you are basing your love of XBMC on?

I can boot in half that time.

[video=youtube;jaZcdRiP4lo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaZcdRiP4lo&feature=player_embedded[/video]

If you don't want to have a full OS then that's your prerogative. However that takes the "PC" out of "HTPC". So what you really have is just a player.

No thanks. I build the best completely custom HTPCs on the planet. You can keep your 40mb OS.

BTW mate --- you don't need a keyboard once everything is setup. A remote control does everything you need.
 
assassinhtpc said:
you don't need a keyboard once everything is setup. A remote control does everything you need.
Click to expand...

So why give advice about buying a R1900 remote keyboard, when you can use a R49 keyboard to "set it all up"?

assassinhtpc said:
30 seconds? Is that what you are basing your love of XBMC on?

I can boot in half that time.
Click to expand...

No, im just saying it beats the heck out of waiting for windows to boot.
I dont know what boot times openelec will have with an ssd, lol, but I dont really need to yet again throw away money just to get it to boot fast.

assassinhtpc said:
No thanks. I build the best completely custom HTPCs on the planet.
Click to expand...

Sure you do, with R3000 blown on buying just the keyboard and ssd, how can it NOT kick ass ;)
 
@keeper : You are getting it wrong regarding advising me to get the R1900 remote. There are a few suggestions of which remotes are nice to the not-bad, ranging from this Lenovo remote to others, example the WMC remote from MS for about $16. The R1900 is what I was quoted from a SOUTH AFRICAN company to get it to me who apparently deal with Lenovo from Durban. This is a total ripoff/reaming by this company only (and possibly whoever is representing Lenovo in Durban). If you read carefully, it can be ordered online for $40, however Lenovo don't export this remote to South Africa, hence I was looking at other options, sourcing it from this specific company being one of the options. And regarding the keyboard, I am using one to set it up, get my folders named, etc. But once that is done, I will then move to the remote to control it. I want a qwerty keyboard (because I do) on the remote if possible, if not, then so be it. But it will just be for simple renaming of saved programs, etc.

Anyway, I think we might all be getiing our feathers in a ruffle for nothing. The thing is that you like your system, allow everyone else to have there preferences too, without belittling of the systems. I had initially asked questions simply enough, and the whole topic took a big detour.
Regards,
Shaun
 
Get a boxee remote.

Sorry if people got offended, I was just trying to help you out and give other options... Its a forum and debates are natural.

This is how we all learn stuff, by hearing all sides.

OpenELEC FTW! :)
 
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