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| Updated 13/4/2003 |
This page describes my current dream home computing setup. This is not a list of components for a single really fast machine, but rather a design for a bunch of devices that can function together and integrate as unobtrusively as possible into a home. I'm more interested these days in cutting down on the noise, cabling and space taken up by my computer than I am about raw speed. I think CPUs and graphics cards have reached the point where speed isn't really a major issue any longer.
I just sat down and worked this out for my own amusement, but because it incorporates a few new ideas and new bits of kit I thought it would be of general interest to the geek community out there, so I'm putting my design online.
In the diagram, the little 'W' icons are wireless connections (i.e. 802.11), and the little 'BT's are BlueTooth connections. Sorry for the dodgy diagram, I had a quick look on the net for a set of standard free network diagram icons compatible with OpenOffice but nothing showed up.
The glue holding this whole thing together is a 802.11 wireless network. The main need for the network being wireless is to remove any physical link between the computer and the networked storage device (for security, see why later). However, it is also important to me to be able to do away with any cabling between the different devices in this system.
Sitting between the wireless LAN and the Internet would be a firewall keeping everything nice and safe. This device would preferably also be a DHCP server to automatically provide IP addresses for devices on the LAN.
Of course all the standard measures would want to be taken to ensure your wireless network was secure - otherwise you're publishing all your data and sharing your Internet connection with your neighbours.
The main idea for my next computer is for it to be minimalist. This means an LCD screen, wireless mouse and keyboard for space/cabling concerns. I'd also want it to be nearly silent, so I'd go for the quietest possible fans and drives. You shouldn't really need to sacrifice too much performance to get a really quiet machine that you can leave switched on day and night without ever noticing it being there.
I have thought about moving to one of the new Mini ITX cases to get everything even smaller and out of the way, but I think you're giving away too much in the expandability and performance departments with one of these. In a few years though when you can get better performance in a smaller/cooler space and everything you'd want is built into the motherboard then they will certainly be an attractive prospect.
As well as the display going to the LCD monitor for when you are sitting at the computer, I would also want a dual output going to a digital projector for viewing DVDs or downloaded trailers, etc. If the computer and projector are in the same room then playing games on the big screen would also rock! By the same token I'd want an output from the computer to the 5.1 channel surround sound hi-fi system for video as well as listening to MP3 music.
In the diagram I've shown the printer as being a separate network device, in order to have it located physically away from the computer if desired. If this wasn't wanted, or if the intended printer was not network capable then it would have to be strung off the main computer instead.
When I read about the new wireless network storage devices from www.martian.com I realised this was a great way to get over one of my big concerns. I am increasingly worried about my PC being stolen along with all my data. I wouldn't really care about my hardware being stolen (hey, I just get brand new stuff from the insurance) but I wouldn't want some jerk having all my data to go searching through (bank details, email addresses and contact details of everyone I know, etc). Also, it would be a complete pain in the butt to have to build up all that data again - not to mention any work you'd done since your last backup (and how the heck do you back up hundreds of gigs of hard drive at home these days anyway?).
Having a networked storage device on a wireless connection allows you to place that data somewhere where it won't be immediately found, like in your roof space, buried in a wardrobe or anywhere else even more obscure you might be able to think of. This way somebody ripping off your stuff is likely to take the PC and leave all your data behind. You then buy a new PC, connect everything back up and you're on your way again.
The other advantage of this is that you don't have to have your main computer switched on to get at your data - e.g. from the laptop or from any audio/video devices I'm sure we'll see in the future.
If you didn't like the devices from Martian you could also go with a standard networked device (e.g. Linksys EFG80) plus a 802.11 device to hook it up. Alternatively you could build a device yourself based on a Mini ITX case and 802.11 card.
I personally would never have a laptop as my main computer - I just don't like their ergonomics or their limited upgrade options. But I think a mid-range laptop would be a great addition to my ultimate home computer setup. The specs wouldn't need to be too high for this, just something that is capable of happily playing FPS games at a medium resolution.
Firstly it provides a way for my girlfriend to use the Internet even if I'm in the middle of something with the main PC. Secondly, it lets you roam around while you're doing basic typing/email/browsing without tying you to a desk. It also gives you a good second PC for playing a LAN game or two when like-minded friends drop in, or to take out with you to play without the hassle of moving your main PC.
One more potential use of the laptop is if the main computer is not in the same room as your A/V system, you could use the laptop to control the playback of DVDs/MP3s coming from the main computer.
This is the only part of my dream setup that doesn't yet really exist, but I'm sure it will in the next 12 months. Basically I want a single portable device that is a PDA (preferably Palm OS) as well as being a phone, MP3 jukebox and digital camera.
I currently own a Handspring Treo which does a really nice job of the PDA/phone functions, and hopefully they will have a new model soon for the MP3 and camera functions. The only device I know of that comes close to this spec currently is the Sony Ericsson P800 which looks really nice, but unfortunately it only has the Memory Stick for storage (give it up Sony!). With new 2gb microdrives on their way you should have a reasonably priced way of storing a large amount of your MP3 collection permanently in any device with a Compact Flash card slot.
An important aspect of this device must be a Bluetooth connection to the main computer to automatically synchronise it whenever the two are within range. I find it frustrating to have to physically connect my Treo to the computer and press the button for this to happen, which results in it being synched and therefore backed up less regularly than it should be. This link also makes it easy to transfer MP3s and images back and forth between the portable device and your main storage.
This design is something I'll probably work towards over the coming years, starting with the wireless networked storage. I'm working overseas at the moment, so the digital projector and accoutrement will probably need to wait until I move back to Oz and get setup in a more permanent way.
Any ideas, criticisms, errors, etc feel free to email me. And here's a couple for the spam-bots: one, two.