the working room

Computer Project: Build a Media Player
Wednesday, July 23, 2008

The old computer died again. What a waste of money it was to get the power unit replaced! I don't even think I got 6 months out of that thing. If I had the energy I'd go back and tell these people they owe me a new power unit, because this one didn't last.

I almost spent more money with them, but I'm going to do different. I'm simply never going back. I remember I had to constantly call to get the guy to do the work within the time he promised. I can't stand that type of "service."

New Jersey has some of the laziest, most expensive, low motivation, "professional" people around. They charge a lot to deliver sloppy work, whether it's for landscaping, fence work, home construction, or medical work - you name it. I was terrified when I was buying my house. The lawyers in this state - don't get me started on that topic.

I admit it: I'm never satisfied. (snicker)

However, everyone does charge too much for a lousy job.

Do It Yourself or Get a Relative or Friend

I can't do everything myself, but damn, I will check with relatives and friends, before I ever go to any stranger around this place to do something for me again. Folks 'round here have no pride in their work.

Since the PC is dead, I will take the hard drives out, and either put them into a hard drive enclosure(s), or new computer case.

The thought of building a new machine excites me. I would consider a Linux system, like Ubuntu or Red Hat. I don't need a new machine, I'd prefer more disk space on my network. I'm down to two desktops, and a laptop with a malfunctioning screen. I'd remove that hard drive as well.

Media Player

What I'd really like to do is build myself a standalone hard drive MP3 player. The funny thing is I am having a hell of a time finding any information about this project. I see information from around 2001, but not relevantly recent.

Most projects start with a full fledged PC (Linux or Windows OS), or use a microprocessor with access to a flash card (SD/ MMC), but that is not what I'm looking to do.

I want a microprocessor with audio programmed to play music off the hard drives. The programming part doesn't scare me: I'm rusty, but I know C.

I basically want to build my own iPod: never thought it would be so hard.

I'm going to get it done. One thing I love to do is build stuff that interests me.

Labels: computer, customer service, Linux, media player, mp3, Red Hat, Ubuntu, windows xp professional