T60's for the Kids - Large Images Warning

[seanmor69]

Hi all this is my first post. I set up 3 T60's for the kids' play room using the Advanced Mini-Docks. The middle one has Intel graphics and strangely runs WMC7 HD streaming without stuttering unlike the Radeon X1300 models.

-Sean

http://photobucket.com/thinkpad-docking






Kid's Thinkpads
T60 1951-4PU using as HTPC with WMC7 and networked HDTV Tuner (SiliconDust Cable Card)
T60 2008-46U
T60 2007-GDU

Parents' Thinkpads
T60p 2007-CT0
T61 6457-6PU
T61 7663-13U

My Thinkpads
T500 2242-CTO
T500 2243-7WU
T400 Unknown - Best guess 7425-XXX?
T400 2768-P1U

Back End
Windows Home Server 2011 running on Core I3 Whitebox - Running DNS, DHCP, Client backups, File server
Silicon Dust Cable Card Network HDTV Tuner

[cxd9615gb]

Nice job!

Lots of ThinkPads too.

Do those UltraDock have DVI out at all?

I'd use my X61s with my 24" PC monitor but unfortunately I can't get DVI out without the expensive USB to DVI part which I don't really wish to purchase.

[seanmor69]

Hi Thanks!. Yes they all have DVI.. 2504 model vs 2505 which only has analog/VGA. The TV however is a hand-me-down and doesn't have DVI or HDMI input so WMC7 balks at playing protected HD content. All you have to do is minimize then maximize the Media Center window and it works.

[cxd9615gb]

You should look into XBMC perhaps. Great for media playback.

[seanmor69]

I have tried XBMC and just don't like the interface/menus etc. The system looks pretty but is confusing and WMC seems simpler and more intuitive to me.