Depending on Richard's forthcoming performance tests, we might need a meaty PC to drive the projector. We've discussed buying one, so here are some initial thoughts on the desirable spec for such a PC.
Worth getting a dual core CPU. Even if, say, Flash cannot utilise this it should help ensure smooth video rendering if we need to run other processes on this machine.
Intel Core2Duo probably best bang for buck, with reasonable thermal dissipation
Dual head capability is Nice To HaveTM
For now, 2D performance more important than 3D but that could change in the future
Preferably Nvidia or ATI, and we should check that it's fully functional with Linux as well as Windows.
At a guess, RAM size should be 128Mb or more. 512Mb fairly cheap.
Onboard video might suffice for now, with an option to add a PCI Express card if we require specific video capabilities.
Pretty cheap, so play safe and go for 320GB or more SATA2
CD/DVD writer could be useful and will only add ~£20
Something fairly small and portable would be ideal, since this machine may well need to be carted about the place.
We don't need to go fully Small Form Factor (which would almost certainly limit upgrade options quite severely, and tends to increase price of any upgrades) but it should be no bigger than mATX (MicroATX).
Ideally something quiet but with good cooling (120mm case fan should be ok)
PSU should be good quality, 300W+
Space for an additional HD is desirable
Ability to add one or more PCI cards also desirable
At least 4 x USB2 sockets
At least 1 x Firewire socket (for e.g. Digital Video?)
Might need RS232 (e.g. for Arduino?) but could use USB→RS232 dongle (~£10)
Card reader could be handy (but could be external via USB - £5-10)
Basic audio is probably OK (unless you think otherwise)
Ethernet (10/100/1000) - standard feature of most motherboards
WiFi (probably a USB dongle, known to work well with Linux as well as Windows)
Chris recommends we run Linux – either Fedora or Ubuntu
If we must run Windows, XP is probably a safer choice than Vista…
Dual boot always an option
If we only want Linux, buying a barebones PC minus
OS is probably most cost effective option
Might want to choose 32-bit Linux distro to avoid possible problems with some Adobe software not supporting 64-bit systems
Do we need to buy a monitor? 19” LCDs are pretty cheap
