Streaming MP3 box

[RussSchultz]

Ok, I've got the slight itch to put together a streaming MP3 client.

My thoughts are:
-microATX motherboard (like the VIA V9000 or the like)
-no harddrive, floppy, etc.
-boot linux over the network
-not sure about the input method

How fast can you get a motherboard to go from zero to ready?
How easy is it to write simple device drivers for linux?

 

[Saem]

You might have some luck with one of those CD based linux installs. They could have much of this stuff already done for you so you won't need to do a network boot -- I imagine it'll be slower than a CD boot.

Personally, I think a really tiny (read: cheap) hdd is the way to go, you could install a very stripped down Linux that's all about media. A lot of folks out there are using Linux to make these "media stations". Your work might already be done for you, check out sourceforge, they host a few linux projects.

 

[Saem]

If by zero you mean suspend, well I've heard some quote figures in the <10 seconds range.