Laptops are all the rage, but desktop computers still have their place. Of these, Apple’s recently updated Mac mini is worth a look. This miniature Macintosh doesn’t seem like much. But I have lately become Mac mini-crazed because I’ve found all kinds of interesting uses for the machine. For basic computing, the Mac mini is a compelling option because it is so inexpensive (as little as $599), and takes up little space.

Discrete Math Epp Pdf Files. Just add a keyboard, mouse and monitor, as I did. This is the perfect computer for your grandpa.

For nerdier types, the Mac mini can serve as a media-center computer when hooked up to an HDTV and tricked out with a television tuner for TiVo-ish functionality (along with the option to Web-stream TV shows via sites like Hulu). The mini’s Mac OS X operating system needn’t be a dealbreaker for those who like Windows XP or Windows Vista.

Either of the operating systems can be purchased separately and inexpensively and installed on the mini with ease. Geeks can do this for their grandmas or for themselves if they want to use a mini as a Windows-based media center.

What's Included. Digital USB TV Tuner for Xbox One; USB extension cable, portable antenna; Activation code for Hauppauge WinTV v8 application for Windows; Owner's manual. May 23, 2014 Open Broadcaster Software Free. Question / Help [Help] Decent Alternative to Hauppauge HD PVR2. Hauppauge offers quite a. But Hauppauge has its own software as an alternative to Media Center, and that does pull in Clear QAM fine. Video-streaming sites like Hulu work just as nicely in Windows as they do on the Mac. Access to the iTunes Store is flawless, too. If you have an iPhone, turning it into an all-purpose remote. This guide is a comprehensive resource of cable TV alternatives you can use to watch TV without paying for a cable or satellite subscription. I cover nearly every. However, through VUDU, iTunes and Amazon (even if you're not a Prime Instant Video subscriber) you can buy episodes of entire seasons of shows a la carte.

I worked through all of the above options and couldn’t be happier. Here is how these four approaches break down: Mainstream Mac. If I were getting a basic computer for a relative tech novice, I’d definitely consider any of several low-priced Windows PCs. But there are problems with this approach. Low-cost desktop PCs are often bulky, and Windows operating systems are more vulnerable to viruses. This is mostly a nonissue on the Mac side. Also, a Mac offers great value since it is packaged with powerful photo-, video- and audio-editing software that often costs extra for PCs.

Besides, I think Grandma and Grandpa will find Mac OS X a delight to use once they have spent a bit of time with it.