I use XBMC on a headless laptop that I scored free from a customer. Its got no screen but does have HDMI out and an HD-capable graphic chipset, so gets the job done fine.
To control it, I use "unified remote' on my Android phone - which operates XBMC through wifi.
The remote is freaking brilliant. Full keyboard and mouse mode plus navigation buttons. It will also run VLC and about 50 other media center apps. No IR signal so it doesnt care about direction. As long as its in network range, it controls the HTPC.
XBMC rocks.
In the lounge I have a 'proper' htpc with XBMC and iMON remote. I used to run MediaPortal on that but got sick of issues with it. These days it runs XBMC. The kids are happy, so Im happy (if you get what I mean)
The server end is a little HP Proliant that I picked up for about $200 with 2x2tb mirrored hard drives and an external 2tb for backup. It runs WHS and has been rock solid since I set it up.
It runs
SickBeard, which automatically downloads TV shows, sorts them, and keeps an eye out for new episodes as they come available.
Both the Android phones (mine, wife's) automatically back up their photos and videos, &etc to the Server when in range of wifi. Love this coz nothing to 'forget' - which I would be good at
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