[OpTard]

So i'm getting a new laptop, strictly for the purpose of keeping connected to my TV to stream online content and watch it on TV instead of in front of a computer (and whatever else i might need to compute at TV size).

so basically my only real requirements are a processor powerful enough to stream full screen video and an HDMI port. monitor size is obviously meaningless.

but there's also another feature, while not a dealbreaker, i'd really like to get if i can. and that's a laptop with an infrared sensor (or something of the like). i have a harmony one universal remote, and that thing is the shit. if the computer is capable it WILL be compatible with it. it's a rare feature but i know it exists. quite frankly the only better than being able to use hbogo.com on my TV is being able to do that and control it with my remote.

so i bring it to you nerds for your thoughts and recommendations.

and obviously i'd like to do this for as little a cost as possible (jew).

and if it's one that's available as best buy even better cuz i got a bunch of rewardzone points to spend.

[BFG]

Dell XPS 15 with the optional TV tuner should work for most things. Keep in mind though that Windows MEdia Center on a notebook is problematic at best.

Also, what exactly do you want the remote to do? Work as a mouse? If so...you may have just as much success using an iOS or Android phone.

[OpTard]

if i could use my remote as a mouse that would be fan fucking tastic.

[Byrntrigan]

Alot of HP laptops (especially the media editions) all have ir remotes that come with them, and also server as mice.

I got mine refurbed for a cool 200 bones. if you are looking at streaming tv to it etc, there are some non-laptop choices as well running xbmc (free).

I know you jews like free

I'll write up more tomorrow.

[OpTard]

i can't for the life of me find any spec listings for any models anywhere that list remotes. not even to say that no it doesn't. it's just an ignored feature. it's really annoying. i don't know where to look to find this information

[BFG]

Go to Best Buy. Go to a demo unit. Go to the device manager, look for ehome infrared receiver. If it has that, you should be good to go.

[OpTard]

do you know of any like infrareds that can be plugged in via USB? i'd totally go that route. cuz i checked best buy and none of their laptops have it. but i'd totally add one on.

[Deleted]

You mean something pretty inexpensive like this?

-vista-mce/q/sellerid/18700237/loc/101/216067903.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.buy.com/prod/wireless-ir-usb-laptop-pc-remote-control-for-windows-7--vista-mce/q/sellerid/18700237/loc/101/216067903.html

[OpTard]

yes. except i'd prefer to buy from a site where the descriptions don't have the grammar of a nigerian scam

[OpTard]

call me crazy, but i'm a sucker for reputable brands sold by reputable dealers.

[Deleted]

Oh, I agree completely. That was just the first that came up when I googled "USB infrared remote". That being said, there should be a few on Amazon, NewEgg, or TigerDirect.

[Deleted]

And if you're too lazy to type, here's a link to some options on Amazon:

www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_nr_scat_10967581_ln?rh=n%3A10967581%2Ck%3Ausb+infrared+remote&keywords=usb+infrared+remote&ie=UTF8&qid=1303141574&scn=10967581&h=a04858c31ebeb04cb0e62e907814b33c975051d9