Zotac AMD ZBOX and Linux - will it work?

[cjw]

Hi All,

I'm looking at building my first Boxee. I'm intrigued by the Boxee Box, but I think I may just get more flexibility from a real computer running Boxee (I may use it as a light-weight NAS as well).

I'm currently looking the Zotac ZBOX AD01:

http://pden.zotac.com/index.php?page...emart&Itemid=1

I understand that NVIDIA drivers are more mature on linux, but also that there are issues with lower power / inexpensive setups like the ION. SO - does anyone have any experience with this system, or one similar?

Thanks in advance....

[tcchris]

I think the consensus is that nvidia performs more consistently with linux , as opposed to amd .
I have a Zotac mag which does very well , as long as HW acc is supported for the file type . Flash works up to maybe 480p . HD on hulu is somewhat unwatchable .If linux flash gets HW acc that will be solved . I am pleased with the MAG , personally .
I have not used ATI since gutsy , so I don't know about AMD drivers for linux .

[cjw]

Thanks for the reply, but I am worried about some of the issues on the ION platform. I do have MKV's that aren't H.264 and some 720p AVIs that I fear the Atom CPU just won't be able to crunch without stuttering. That's why I was interested in this ZBox with the AMD processor, as it may have more heft than the atom and be able to play these larger files.

Should I maybe just go for a homebrew standard PC with a low power CPU and add a video card?