Could anyone advise me PLEASE!!

rizla01

.Hi.

I have just purchased this device (See Here)

http://www.pinnaclesys.com/PublicSite/uk/Products/Consumer+Products/Digital+Media+Adapters/Digital+Media+Player/ShowCenter+1000g.htm

Anyway, I need some help now. I cant use it because I don’t have a wireless adapter installed in my system AND I only have an AMD 850 but it says that 1Gig is min requirement.

Now do I bother getting the card and if so what exactly do I need and how much?
Secondly will AMD 850 manage and where would I lose out?
(Motherboard is approx 4 years old)
Thirdly is it about time to get rid of and go get a Dell or something.

My system does everything else that I need at the mo and I have no other need to upgrade tho 19"Ctx CRT getting a bit tired.

Any Advice well appreciated.

rogerramjet

You don't say what operating system your running on your computer...it shouldn't matter as if you buy a wireless USB (dongle) adapter for around £15.00 (or less) it will come with the drivers and software to make it work on your computer. I'd assume that the minimum spec would be for possible streaming on video files which could mean it becomes slow due to processor speed. the only way to find out if it works is to get a wireless adapter...which you could make use of even if your computer isn't up to working with the item you've purchased.....another thing to try would be a tad more memory which can speed things up without needing to upgrade the processor.

rizla01

Hi Roger.

Running XP PRO. My Memory is about 380 Meg

I beleive that a lot of 'puters come with the wi-fi dongle thingie that I need, nowadays.

Therefore is it worth my forking out for one if I shall have no need of it when I eventually upgrade.

This depends on the cost of the thing really so could you tell me what exactly to look for and if you have any idea, the approx price?

Thanks

rogerramjet

Most desktop systems don't have a wireless card built in, its only usually laptops...unless your going for quite an high spec desktop.
you can get them from most computer stores, for example PC World (https://www.pcworld.co.uk) has the BELKIN - 54MBPS WIRELESS G USB NETWORKING ADAPTER for £14.99 if ordered online, delivery would be £3.99 but if you do the collect at store option you save £5.00 on what's its for sale at instore.

Amazon also has one for £14.99 at http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0006374PK/ref=br_ce_ts_5//026-0888299-4908445

and I think they do free postage if orders are £14.99

rizla01

Excellent Roger.

Thanks for that.

I also learned that PC world are giving 10% off any wireless item in their instore leaflet so I think I'll go see.

Your advice is much appreciated.

P.S. I also took great pleasure in tipping your 'thanks' number over to 200!

hendersonb

rizla01 - I also have a show center 1000g, you have the option of using a wired connection to connect the show center to your computer.

If not a 54Mb USB Adapter will work fine on your system.

Also any specs for the show center can really be ignored, you only need a faster machine when files are being converted as on your machine this could take quite a while. For normal usage though your machine would be quite suficient.

rizla01

Brilliant Hendersonb and thanks for your advice.

It has put my mind at ease knowing that you use the showcentre too.

Is it as good as you hoped. any problems with it?

Riz

hendersonb

It's not bad - does what it says on the box. If your using the pinnacle software download the latest version from there website - this includes updated firmware for it.

The remote can be a bit of a pain at times - need to point directly at the unit

The remote can also feel a bit sluggish but apart from that I like the unit - especially for the Internet Radio stations.

I don't use the pinnacle software for mine however. I use swisscenter https://www.swisscenter.co.uk

However if you decide to use an alternative piece of software still install the latest pinnacle software first to make sure you get the latest firmware on the unit itself.

rizla01

Damn. I HATE remotes like that.

do you need to hold the remote very closely to the unit or does it operate from 6- 8 feet or so, away?


Sorry if this sounds a bit piccy but I would like to know.

hendersonb

you can use it from 6-8 ft away from the unit but you need line of sight between the two - not like my sky remote than i can aim anywhere and it will still change the programme or volume etc

rizla01

Ok. I'll suffer that.

One dvd player that I recieved once, I had to hold the remote about 3 feet from the player for it to work.

soon sent that back!