Music servers (Way OT)

[BuzzLY]

Ok, after moving into our new place, I'm ready to set up a music server. I have the box, which is a very old Pentium with minimal memory (32mb). I'm thinking of installing *nix on it. I can buy more memory, and a larger hard drive.

Anyway, what I want is a way to wirelessly play music on my stereo (which right now is one of those DVD/reciever things with 5.1 Surround Sound -- nothing too fancy yet). I have a wireless router, and a wireless laptop with MP3s (that I'd rather put on the above box).

Anyone have suggestions? I want to do this fairly inexpensively. Have any of you set something like this up? I'd like to get it done before our next big party, which is happening on October 1st (and to which anyone in the area is invited 🙂 ).

I have begun looking into solutions, including the Creative Labs Sound Blaster Wireless Music device. If any of you have experience with this thing, I'd appreciate feedback.

Thanks!

[piersk]

get a slimp3

I've heard quite good things about this.

Or, use their free web-based streaming server (slimserver). A friend did this (he didn't buy the slimp3, but just used an old computer)

What you do is store all your mp3s on a "server". Then run slimserver on that same machine. Connect this or another machine to stereo speakers. Run winamp or other media player of your choice and use it to connect to the slimserver. You can then control what is being streamed to this media player by connecting to slimserver using the web front.

All free.

[piersk]

get a slimp3

I've heard quite good things about this.

Or, use their free web-based streaming server (slimserver). A friend did this (he didn't buy the slimp3, but just used an old computer)

What you do is store all your mp3s on a "server". Then run slimserver on that same machine. Connect this or another machine to stereo speakers. Run winamp or other media player of your choice and use it to connect to the slimserver. You can then control what is being streamed to this media player by connecting to slimserver using the web front.

All free.

[goldbug]

I've got an Airport Express, and it's the bee's knees. 🙂

Does a great job streaming directly from iTunes on the desktop, and doubles as a mobile wireless access point when I'm on the go.

[BuzzLY]

Ok, I just checked out the Squeezebox 2... looks awesome! Plus, you can use your browser-enabled PSP to control the unit -- how cool is that? Not bad for $199, IMO. Now, if I could find some decent reviews of this thing, we might be in business!

[AstroTeg]

Don't know if you have a cell phone that is Bluetooth friendly, but there's Java apps out there that mimic Winamp on the phone. Has pretty good control over Winamp (playlist selection, play/pause/etc, file browsign).

Just found the name: Bemused

There's a related projects page which may have additional support for other gadgets if you don't have a Series 60 flavored phone.