I wonder why most people use DELL disktop to do home-automation control.It cost more money and space. Why no one consider use thin client (small computer) it is cheaper, small, and green.Espically for energy-saving control project.One of my client already coorporated with energy provider to using thin client as a energy-saving controller for new home builder.

Dell desktops for me have never been that great. If I was to ever use a thin desktop, it would have to be the HP slimline desktop, which I used to own and its great and reliable.

Have you seen the Dell Hybrid computers? They are tiny like a MAC mini, can run Vista Ultimate, 4 GB Ram and a large HDD, gigabit ethernet, HDMI, Optical Audio outs. they are small, cute and silent, they rock! I sprinkle them all over homes using them for AV and entertainment sources. If you need to setup a domain, Vista ultimate can be added to a domain. They are well under $1k and come in many colors if thats your bag. I attach 3 year warranties on them and point them to a centrally located NAS Drive for central repository of music, videos, photos, etc.

ITAVA
IT&AV;design Associates