Though the squeezebox has some nice features, including the ability to control it via a web browser, I still think the PC option gives you a lot more flexibility in terms of Remote control via a PDA. There are several products like NetRemote that allow you to control Windows Media, WinAMp, etc remotely.
I have looked at this option as well as several others, and the NetRemote option to me looks to be the sleekest control - cover art in color, nice search, queueing, etc. I think you are getting something that looks likes a $2000 Crestron system for a couple of hundred bucks. Obviously you need additional software to tie the rest of your system in beyond the mp3 player, but it is pretty inexpensive (like Girder which is $40).
Keep in mind you need a PC to use the Squeezebox anyway,
On 10/31/05 14:55 ET, Ted Wetzel said...
Thanks Shoe, I don't know why but this post really
brightened up my day.
compression/equipment issues asside there are
certainly some big differences in PC sound. There
are some serious sound cards out there but for
a budget setup with good sound I'd say you will
need to go the suggested route of optical out
to an outboard DA converter.
I wonder if maybe it wouldn't be easier to use
a squeezebox? On paper it should sound decent
and I'm betting there are some creative web enabled
ways to control it.
