good core.

[Schmich]

I have a hard time recommending the P4 build if you need to buy more hardware to complete the system (though a Gb-NIC & case won't go old and can be used in a later system). A P4 might be faster than an Atom but the Atom-ION system you linked should do HD without too much trouble, it is silent and will draw very little power. Then if you later on decide to get a beefy core you can easily use the Atom system as an MD without it being in the way. It is a bit larger than the Acer Revo but you do have a DVD player.

Either way will work fine for a core although if you go for the Atom don't forget to buy a PCI-E NIC as well.

[rchamp]

I've been, VERY patient with this, since I'll be starting a new career path in the coming weeks. I did however come across this little gem.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=56-173-007&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=2#scrollFullInfo

It's a little pricier than the other one i was considering, but worth it to me the Main system, and then downgrade it to just an MD after I move to a larger place. Curious to see how the drivers will work with LMCE. I might just hold off till the 10.04 version comes (workably) stable enough for me to load.


BUT this thing looks like a kick ass MD nonetheless.

[Schmich]

There's also this option if you want to save a little bit of money and don't need a DVD drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856173001
As far as I know the ION2 doesn't give much improvements. The D525 is slightly faster and has DDR3 support but I don't think the latter does much. Also don't forget that Bluray and Linux is a no-go.

One thing I'm wondering is how an install works for devices like these when there's only one NIC.

[rchamp]

I've also been looking into the FitPC.

http://www.amazon.com/CompuLab-fit-PC2-Diskless-Atom-Z530/dp/B003KJ3LFY/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&m=A3J2VUK9571N8X&s=generic&qid=1308171571&sr=1-16

if anything def a perfect MD. You can even get a Vesa Mount bracket and mount it behind the TV. AND has dual gigabit NICs plus 802.11b/g/n