System Architecture Revisited

For some time Nomad has been wondering whether his system architecture is the correct one.
Why use a media player? Why not just play everything on a PC? This would be much more flexible as it would solve the problems of file compatability which have plagued the project. It would also be possible to dial up Youtube and other sites which do not use the RSS podcast interface.

There is one good reason for not using a PC however, which is the difficulty of operating a mouse while slumped in your armchair. What is needed is a remote control device that can drive a Windows GUI type interface. Step forward the Weramouse (strange name!). This is a handheld bluetooth device with a trackball that emulates a mouse. Could this be the answer?

http://www.weramouse.com/

Now the reason I started this blog was in the hope that other people would write in with the answers. So if you can help with any of the following do get in touch.

- Have you tried using a PC as a media server? If so was the audio and video quality any good?

- Have you tried driving a PC without a desktop interface (ie keyboard/mouse) and was it workable?

- Have you got a Weramouse and if so is it any good?

- Are there any other remote control devices that will work (for example the programmable types)?

The comment thread is open...........