Dell 745 USFF as Link Computer?

[Thornhill]

Has anyone used the Dell 745 as a Link computer? It looks like it would be an even better option than the Dell GX620 USFF that some people have used. It's very small and powerful. I've seen some on ebay that are reasonably priced. Any recommendations?

[psionic]

Originally Posted by Thornhill

Has anyone used the Dell 745 as a Link computer? It looks like it would be an even better option than the Dell GX620 USFF that some people have used. It's very small and powerful. I've seen some on ebay that are reasonably priced. Any recommendations?

It works great here. Mine has the laptop-style DVD drive. I am using BeyondMedia as a "shell" (it boots up into BM). I'm able to play SD and HD .mpg's, and they look smooth as glass. DVD's played through TheaterTek look great as well.

The machine is fairly quiet... it does have a little bit of a groan to it, but my wife tolerates it without any kind of griping :-).

At the moment, I have it plugged into a Dell UltraSharp 20" widescreen monitor via DVI. I plan on upgrading the monitor to a bigger LCD or plasma at some point.

[gobucks]

I second that opinion. Great little machine. Handles 720 and 1080 playback (via Link) to my Sony HDTV smoothly. I also echo Psionic's recommendatrion regarding Dell outlet. That's where I picked up my unit(Pentium D 2.8 mhz, 1 GB RAM, 160GB HDD) for $449, shipped.

[psionic]

Originally Posted by gobucks

I also echo Psionic's recommendatrion regarding Dell outlet. That's where I picked up my unit(Pentium D 2.8 mhz, 1 GB RAM, 160GB HDD) for $449, shipped.

I think that's what I got mine for as well. It beats $1000 for a new one. All of the optiplex desktops that I saw in the outlet store all had default 3 years of warranty (next business day) and were certified refurbished.

[tscales]

I use its older brother, the GX620 USFF. Under $300 on ebay if you're patient. Handles HD flawlessly. I have four of them.