Speakers and TV Tuner

[kap]

My senior citizen aunt's PC desktop. She wants a good quality speakers because she often listen to music while using computer. She also wants to be able to watch TV on it and to hook it up to her TV as well. I know I KNOW she should have bought a Mac that already has those built in. I tried :banghead:

TiA

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HP Pavilion Slimline s5280t PC
• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Intel® Core™ 2 Quad processor Q8300 [2.5GHz, 4MB L2, 1333MHz FSB]
• 8GB DDR3-1066MHz SDRAM [4 DIMMs]
• FREE UPGRADE! 640GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive from 500GB
• Integrated graphics - Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X4500 [VGA]
• LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
• Integrated 10/100/1000 (Gigabit) Ethernet, No wireless LAN
• 6-in-1 memory card reader, 2 USB, headphone port
• No TV Tuner

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[Grateful11]

Well you missed out on the Altec VS2621's for $20 @ Staples last week. I just checked they're back
to $53. I really like my JBL Creatures but lately they've started ticking and popping occasionally.

[M A V I C]

Does she have a stereo with RCA inputs? Just use that. Or find a good system that does, probably used. I've never been a fan of computer only speakers.

It looks like that system has a spare PCIe slot. So this would probably work http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6815116028 or you could spurge and get one that's a dual tuner http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6815116033

You'll want to double check that she has a spare PCIe slot and that those tuners do work.

[M A V I C]

Oh, and you might need to make sure that since she didn't opt for the TV tuner hardware, that HP didn't somehow install a version of 7 Home Premium that doesn't have the TV tuner software.

[kap]

M A V I C wrote:
Oh, and you might need to make sure that since she didn't opt for the TV tuner hardware, that HP didn't somehow install a version of 7 Home Premium that doesn't have the TV tuner software.

Good point. I will give HP a call on Friday. Not that I should completely trust their tech support.

[RAMd®d]

I know I KNOW she should have bought a Mac that already has those built

Those what, kap?

No recent Mac comes with good sounding built-in speakers or a TV tuner. You've got to go external on both counts.

For really *good* (read: GREAT) sounding speakers, the AudioEngine A2s are nearly impossible to beat for the money--$199 a pair.

If those are too pricey, Creatures are a three piece (2.1) system that can be found for under $100, often far less. These have satellites with a very small footprint and a base/bass unit that can be located under the table or some place *slightly* remote. I've got a pair of these and they sound quite good.

If a three-piece system is a bit much, the Creative Inspire T10 2.0 speakers might do the trick for $40. Slightly upscale are the T12s .

[motopsyco]

Walk away.

Cheers!

[jdc]

i wish i could get a mac that had those same specs for $700.

Hauppauge makes good cards.

any 3-piece speaker set should work fine, like these for $120

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Klipsch+-+Pr...Id=9382232&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=9382232&ref=06&loc=01&id=1218095770265

[kap]

RAMd®d wrote:
I know I KNOW she should have bought a Mac that already has those built

Those what, kap?

No recent Mac comes with good sounding built-in speakers or a TV tuner. You've got to go external on both counts.

You're right. Personally, I am content with the built-in speakers that come with my MBP. But then I am never much of an audiophile. As for TV tuner, I don't watch TV often even on our 22 " HDTV. Now my aunt on the other hand ...

[quote=RAMd®d]

RAMd®d and jdc,
I will forward your recommendations to my aunt. Thanks!

[RAMd®d]

I am content with the built-in speakers that come with my MBP.

I never plug external speakers into my 'Books.

Not that I'm against it, but I don't mind their speakers at all. My brain adapts and make a mental note that "He's on a 'Book. Lower expectations!" and I'm fine with that.

For my desktops, I have external speakers on all of them. I was impressed with the quality of my 24" AlMac's speakers compared to those of my 20" G5. But then I plugged in some externals (A2s) and when I listened without them, I said "Nevermore!"