I am looking to purchase a pc to use as a media center. Question: Should I build my own cheapy system or just buy one of those bearbones, mini type computers? Does anyone have any experience with the bearbones systems?

bear bones make AWESOME HTPC's. They are kinda hard to find, and sometimes collecting them can be dangerous. But once you string them together and perform the right rituals... wow.

/sarcasm

If you're not looking for 1080p playback: buy an AppleTV (2nd gen), jailbreak it, throw XBMC on it, and you're golden.

1. No HDMI
2. Don't want to stream

I would much prefer to have everything in the box in case I am somewhere where I would need it but would be unable to stream. Also, reading some of the reviews of the mini/bearbones computers, it seems many people are having great success with them as HTPC's. What is the problem with them?

BECAUSE THEY'RE BARE BONES MACHINES... THE BONES ARE BARE, STRIPPED DOWN, ONLY THE ESSENTIALS ARE LEFT

/rant

I'm not a fan of bare bones because your configuration options get limited. This is speculation, but you can probably get the same or better PC for less money if you build it yourself. It takes more time and research, but you'll end up with a product that will be exactly configured to your usage. Just watch for good deals and you can end up with more PC than you thought you could.

icwatudidthar