Thinkpad Z61M as mediaserver

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LasseFJ · #1 Post by **LasseFJ** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 7:48 am

Hi everyone,

Considerations:
I'm thinking of using my "old" z61m laptop as a media center/server. Just bought a new TV: http://www.cdfreaks.com/hardware/produc ... CD-TV.html

The laptop doesnt consume much power, and is also quite capable.

Unfortunatly it only has VGA output, and my tv support full hd, so it will not be fully utilised. I can see from the specs on my tv, that it supports 1280 x 1024, 60Hz, which is somewhat near the 1280x800 resolution that the z61m uses. Also i've heard that most signals from cable is 720i anyways, so I think the only quality difference will be between the VGA and HDMI (DVI) signal...? or what do you think? (The computer runs 720p well... on its own screen)

Changes/upgrades: (Current specs are: Core 2 Duo 1,66ghz, Intel GMA, 2gb ram, 120gb 7200 rpm hd, 1000gb external USB harddrive 3,5")
Im considering shoving 4 gigs of ram in the machine instead of the 2gb.

And of course I'll need a TV tuner, and for that, I was thinking about this one: http://www.edbpriser.dk/Product/Details ... where+&sp= which would fit nicely into the firewire port.

What are your thoughts about this constellation?

Would it be sufficient to use as PVR, media center and server?
Power consumption?
This constellation vs. a new media center?
Good/bad

Regards
Lasse

#2 Post by **ZaZ** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 8:38 am

Due to chipset limitations, I believe the max memory for the Z61m is 3GB. Don't waste your money. Do you think a laptop drive has enough space?

LasseFJ · #3 Post by **LasseFJ** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 8:52 am

FredGarvin wrote:Due to chipset limitations, I believe the max memory for the Z61m is 3GB. Don't waste your money. Do you think a laptop drive has enough space?

No it can take more memory, I've checked, I even think it can take up to 8 gigs. I think maybe you're thinking of the limitation of 32bit windows - which can only use 3gigs, I'm running Windows 7 64bit. http://www.edgetechcorp.com/memory/upgr ... ?cid=30822 (I've also seen this on lenovo's site)

You are absolutely right - the drive is too small, but I've currently put a 1000gb external USB harddrive to it, which is plenty. Its 3.5" so it does take some additional power... I'll update the first post with this info.

#4 Post by **underclocker** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 9:16 am

That is what I use. Bonuses; 1) SD slot for copying/showing photos, 2) built-in camera on some models (can be added to others, I think), 3) big, but attractive design.

#5 Post by **ZaZ** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 9:31 am

LasseFJ wrote:I've checked

Where? It has the same chipset as the T60 and R60, both which can only do 3GB of memory, see here.

LasseFJ · #6 Post by **LasseFJ** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 9:37 am

You are right: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... -64176#mem

Then it should only perform as a mediacenter, and not also a server (i was thinking virtualization)

LasseFJ · #7 Post by **LasseFJ** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 9:39 am

underclocker wrote:That is what I use. Bonuses; 1) SD slot for copying/showing photos, 2) built-in camera on some models (can be added to others, I think), 3) big, but attractive design.

Hello

What do you use a camera for in a media center?

What software do you use, and which tv tuner do you use?

What resolution do you run on your tv, and do you use it for viewing more than 720p movies?

#8 Post by **underclocker** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 9:50 am

My media center is used for music (personal, Rhapsody, etc.), downloaded movies, DVD's, Skype (using the camera), and showing/viewing photographs and movies made with a camera. I do not use a TV tuner via the laptop at this point. For video playback, I use 1280 x 768 since my Sharp Aquos only supports 1366 X 768. Although, I must say, it looks good. I believe there is software available for a better resolution fit, but I haven't found the need yet.

qviri · #9 Post by **qviri** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 9:54 am

LasseFJ · #10 Post by **LasseFJ** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 9:55 am

underclocker wrote:My media center is used for music (personal, Rhapsody, etc.), downloaded movies, DVD's, Skype (using the camera), and showing/viewing photographs and movies made with a camera. I do not use a TV tuner via the laptop at this point. For video playback, I use 1280 x 768 since my Sharp Aquos only supports 1366 X 768. Although, I must say, it looks good. I believe there is software available for a better resolution fit, but I haven't found the need yet.

Okay - perhaps it would seem sane that a if a 720p movie can run on the laptops screen, it would also run perfectly well on a tv, with the same resolution.

Can you see any problems in using the TV tuner I've linked to? Performance wise?

sparta.rising · #11 Post by **sparta.rising** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 10:46 pm

Sell the Z61M build a more powerful mediacenter. Or buy a T61p with a cracked LCD (since you won't be using the display... heck you could remove the entire display assembly)

Thinkpad Z61M as mediaserver

What do you think of using older (2 years max) laptops as low budget+power media centers/servers?

Thinkpad Z61M as mediaserver

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