[mcgsxr]

I have been using a small form factor Dell to be my music server, but I have to wonder if a thin client could not do it, for far less power consumption?

I see that nyc paramedic and others are running sbc's for music servers, and I know that solutions like the vortexbox exist, so the thin client seems to be able to be done.

Has anyone done this?

I see cheap used thin clients available locally, and with Linux and other s/w, I figure it can be done, but would like to poll the broader community first!

[Vincent Kars]

Google SheevaPlug a little.
A very small form factor able to run SqueezeServer

[mcgsxr]

I have researched the Sheevaplug and some of the other options a little, and they do appear useful for what I describe for sure.

I am likely to be able to secure a cheaper thin client though, and I assume by now my frugal approach to high quality audio is well known around here...

Thanks for chiming in though, they are a cool option for those looking to burn $100-$150.

[JEaton]

Sure, a thin client should work.  I've read about other people using them.

http://www.mgraves.org/2009/01/how-to-diy-music-server-using-freenas-slimnas-and-an-h-p-t5700/

It just needs to be able to function as a normal computer.  It will have to be able to run some flavor of Linux or Windows, will need some type of file storage for the operating system, Squeezebox Server application and the music library.  It doesn't need much else.  You'll probably need to attach a monitor, mouse and keyboard to it for the initial setup, but then can run it headlessly once the operating system is installed.

One thing to keep in mind is that the user interface (particularly the web interface) and library scanning will only be as fast as the server will allow.  You can run Squeezebox Server on some very minimal gear but the performance can be so poor as to not make it worth the effort.

[mcgsxr]

A very valid point about the "user experience" with lower powered PC's, I will have to think about that one.  I even find that my P4 2.8Ghz with 1G RAM can be slow sometimes, so I would think that going backward in terms of specs would exacerbate that.

But, the coolness factor of a really small form factor server, plus the reduction in power use would make me happy.

Decisions decisions!

[lcrim]

Hi Mark:
Can you be more specific about the solution you have in mind. 
SqueezeBox Server ports to many OS' but as per the reported experiences with the "tiny" server onboard the Touch, when its asked to recompile stuff, lack of resources makes it labor.  Linux is more efficient sure, and adding Ubuntu to your Dell and installing SBS would run much better than windoze and you can get support online-large user community.

Larry

[lcrim]

Mark:
I just had another thought-You moved to SqueezeBoxen and if you are going to a small form factor Linux appliance, you would need a DAC and cabling etc. to make that work.  The SqueezeBox needs to get its data in the format it understands.

Larry

[mcgsxr]

Thanks for the input lcrim.

At present, I am using a small form factor Dell, with an outboard 1TB usb drive to hold the collection.  Ethernet connection across the basement to the modded SB3, which then feeds my active Xover, and then on to the sub and main speaker amps.

Basically, I am looking for a physically smaller, more energy efficient "server" to run my music collection.

I have contacts at Wyse, and I am sure I could get a freebie thin client, which would be smaller, and quieter than my Dell - but, the usb drive would still be there, and does make some noise, but I could put that behind a shelf etc, and it is not that loud.

As usual, I am looking to do this on pocket change!

I could axe the XP Pro on the Dell, and run Linux - I have Debian and Ubuntu disks lying around, from a failed attempt to get both running on an older laptop I have for the girls - wireless was hairy.

I currently have the Dell attached to a 17 lcd, and a usb mouse and keyboard, so no issue with accessing the OS etc.

I am very happy with the sound of the modded SB3, and don't envision moving to an outboard DAC anytime soon, as that would also likely necessitate the purchase of a preamp...

[lcrim]

To clarify, for storage you are looking for a solution that takes up less space.  Vortexbox is software as well as hardware.  Its Linux based and includes Squeezebox Server. 
I use an older Dell laptop in my 2nd bath/laundry room.  The drive noise from the attached USB drives, during backups especially, which aren't that often, would drive me nutz if it were in the listening environment.   My point is that the storage is hidden away, not on display.  The SqueezsBox Touches themselves are very presentable. 
The little Voyager linux boxes, that NYC_paramedic has a thread about, are very cool but would have required a DAC and cable investment for me.  The cost of storage may be coming up for me if the old Dell laptop bites the dust but at that point I'll probably look for a small PC from Newegg or the like that will run Vortexbox software.

[mcgsxr]

Larry, yes I am looking for a physically smaller unit than my current SFF Dell - which is still roughly 14x13x4 inches.

It would be a nice benefit to use less power too.

I think I will just wait and see, though I will research if the PC would function faster using Linux vs Windows.

[lcrim]

Mark:
Came across this post on the Squeezebox forum that should interest you.
http://forums.slimdevices.com/showpost.php?p=590770&postcount=27