Any interest in a Media Center PC build class?

[Jeff Johnson]

Would there be any interest in a class for a PC build and configuration of a Linux based Hulu/Boxee media PC? I know most all in this group know how to do this stuff, but I'm thinking more about general public.

I've priced it out and a low power solution in an HTPC case that can sit attractively next to a stereo and has the capability to stream Netflix, Hulu and HD youtube would run about $250 in parts (subject to change).

I figure the class would run around $300 netting $50 per non-member participant for the club.

Its a little expensive for a class, but they will get a usable PC out of the deal.

If interested, it will take me awhile to be ready as I would need to get one of the proposed system's parts to do a test build and software install to make sure there aren't any incompatibilities that I'm not aware of.

Monitor, keyboard and mouse wouldn't be included, so we would need to pool resources to get some in for the build.

Thoughts?

[Jason Dodd]

I don't have a need but I'm always interested in increased exposure to
free OSs.

[Christopher Cprek]

That's probably too much for a workshop when you include a computer.
I'd hate to misjudge attendance and be completely off. Could you
nullify the cost by having attendees bring their own computer? Or are
there too many hardware variables to contend with?

/Chris
Micro Colonel LVL1

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[Jeff Johnson]

Possibly, but I'm not sure if there would be much value in the class since most of the media install could be done by reading a wiki. Plus, as you suggest there could be hardware incompatibilities not to mention some of the hardware may not be adequate to decode video if they bring old hardware. The hardware list I priced out would play even blu-ray, is low power and includes a case that you could put in your stereo cabinet.

I would think there would be at least 10 people in Louisville that would sign up given that media PCs (not the streamers) run around $400-$600.

If you prefer, we can table the idea until the hackerspace has more visibility in the community, or wait to see if that is even a direction the club is interested in. I realize that it is geared more to electronics than consumer products.

[Todd Chandler]

Is there a volume discount on the supplies? If not couldn't you just
advertise the class and close registration in time to order before the
class. That way you could order exactly what you need. My opinion is
who cares how popular it is. The more classes the better. Some will be
popular and some won't and we won't know till we have one. If you
don't get anyone then you don't have to give the class. If you get
just a few then you get to give more hands on training. That's part of
the benefit of having the space. As long as we cover the costs of
supplies we don't have to worry about the classroom anymore.

JT

On Jul 29, 8:47 pm, Jeff Johnson <astutesoluti...@earthlink.net>
wrote:

> >For more info about LVL1 visitwww.lvl1.org- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[Jeff Johnson]

All of my price estimates were from newegg.com which doesn't have volume discounts, but they do have periodic deals such as free shipping on a particular harddrive, or $10 off a motherboard "this week". You are correct, we would need to get the class registered and paid for before ordering equipment. This means some of the items may not have free shipping or the like, but prices could drop as well, especially in the tech market. I would probably purchase 1-2 extra sets of material to have as a spare if for some reason there was a bad product, but newegg takes returns very easily, so I'm not too concerned about that.

It would take me awhile to prepare given my current work schedule, but I could see an autumn class possible. Any equipment I purchase to prepare I can pay for and either keep, or use it as one of the class "sets" when the time comes.

Also, Galen and I have six or seven 24 inch LCDs in his basement we can bring as well as bunches of keyboards/mice to help in the build.

[Jason Dodd]

"I'm not sure if there would be much value in the class since most of
the media install could be done by reading a wiki."

I wouldn't be so sure. Even in this era near one click installs, there
are bound to be those who haven't delved into the linux world for lack
of a human to help one through the process.

[RedWagon]

I'm interested, my media center really needs to be redone...
I'm curious to see the specs on the system you built; $300 is pretty
cheap for a whole new computer. Is it Atom/Ion?

On Jul 29, 11:10 am, Jeff Johnson <astutesoluti...@earthlink.net>
wrote:

[Jeff Johnson]

Point taken. If a LVL1 member were to bring their own hardware, they could go through the OS install and configuration for free if there are available chairs/monitors. While everyone else is installing hardware, a person could be formatting their HD, or we could make a seperate boot partition just for Linux.

-----Original Message-----
>From: Jason Dodd <jas...@gmail.com>
>Sent: Jul 30, 2010 9:31 AM
>To: lv...@googlegroups.com
>Subject: Re: {LVL1} Any interest in a Media Center PC build class?
>

[Machineartgirl]

I am interested...and have never played with linux..
and I agree with Jason about some people (like me) wanting to be led
through even an installation
there may also be some merit to an "intro to linux workshop" such as
this
there are probably more people than you think who would sign up who
may not admit that the mere thought of a NON-windows based system
scares them away

I'm game,

MAG



On Jul 30, 11:20 am, Jeff Johnson <astutesoluti...@earthlink.net>
wrote: