inexpensive (<$300 new) mini portable emby server for travel

[Bingie 99]

Hi all,

I've been thinking about building a small portable emby server, to take with me on travel.  Prices keep dropping for both mini-pc's and ssd storage, and even the smaller m.2 ssd storage sticks are now under $200 for 4tb.  So, for less than $300 (new) you can take a small 4tb emby server with you.

For example, even the cheapest mini-pc's now have more than enough power to drive one tv easily, and are about $100, and some even include bays for 2.5" ssd/hdd drive or extra m.2 ssd drive, like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Windows-Desktop-Computer-Intel-Gemini/dp/B09VXG2FGP/ref=sr_1_6?crid=110P2JG9XIAC0&keywords=mini%2Bpc&qid=1686146602&refinements=p_n_feature_seventeen_browse-bin%3A23697638011&rnid=23697635011&s=pc&sprefix=mini%2Bpc%2Celectronics%2C144&sr=1-6&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0&th=1

It has room in the bottom for an extra m.2 drive, or even a 2.5" ssd/hdd drive.  I'd probably put a 4tb m.2 stick, here's one for $170:

https://www.amazon.com/LEVEN-JP600-Gen3x4-Internal-Packaging/dp/B0BN5WXP8R/ref=sr_1_15?crid=97JLS83NS16F&keywords=ssd%2B4tb&qid=1686143650&refinements=p_n_feature_three_browse-bin%3A6797522011&rnid=6797515011&s=pc&sprefix=ssd%2Caps%2C151&sr=1-15&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0&th=1

Then add a wireless remote like this one for $24:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09JSX4JLB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'd leave windows on it, install emby on the internal boot drive, to keep the transcode files off of the media drive.  Then just copy up to 4tb of media to the 2nd internal drive, install emby server and emby theater, have windows auto login and run emby theater.  No need to stream or even access the Internet.  Most hotel tv's have hdmi ports, so just connect it to one, and switch input.  If you do have Internet, then feel free to add services like live tv, or whatever else you want.

What do you think?  Has anyone done anything like this?

Cheers

[Luke 37095]

Those look more than capable.

[RanmaCanada 345]

Why not just get a laptop?  The N4020 is a horrible, HORRIBLE cpu and will struggle with the most basic of tasks.  An i3-8130u laptop was my previous server.  Here are the specs for the laptop I linked.

[Bingie 99]

Why not a desktop?  Why not a server blade?

I think you missed the point.  The whole idea is as small as possible, like a roku or shield device.  If you don't like the N4020 cpu, there are plenty of other mini pc's, with just about every cpu make and model available.  The one I linked above was just an example, but it would probably be fine driving just one directly connected tv.

 

[RanmaCanada 345]

I'm just stating the laptop is 1) a better buy, and 2) has a built in mouse and keyboard, 3) can be used to watch content literally anywhere with no TV or external power needed.