Using a Macbook pro as HTPC?

[chreesto]

I'm planning on getting a mini for an HTPC in the near future. Before I make the investment in yet another MAC system I wanted to do a "proof of concept"
dry run to test out the functionality of the Eye TV hybrid, Plex, netflix, hulu etc. I just purchased the Eye TV, apple bluetooth keyboard, magic mouse, and a minidisplayport to HDMI converter. I plan on pairing all of this to my Macbook Pro (unibody, 2.4 C2D) My questions are these - how close will the performance with this setup be to a Mac Mini? Will I run into issues with overheating? How long can I run this setup (assuming my wife doesn't demand her computer back) without damaging the MBP? Can I run the MBP with the lid closed? Has anyone else tried this? I'm tired of waiting for an ATV that does what I want it to so have taken the HTPC Plunge. I'll still use my ATV on my second TV but I'm moving on.
Thanks for the help.

 

[codymac]

This is very close to what I did prior to springing for a dedicated mini. I didn't use an EyeTV, but ran Plex on my 2.4 Unibody MacBook via DVI to the TV with audio out into my receiver. I didn't have any problems but it wasn't long (maybe a month of intermittent use and proof of concept?) before I was in the Apple store picking up a mini.

The funny part was the Apple employee who sold me the mini. After a couple of cursory unrelated questions, he just smiled and asked "So, you have everything you need to hook this up to your TV?"

 

[chreesto]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm sure I'll be springing for a mini soon as well. Hopefully I can wait until the next version comes out (doubtful) I'll probably buy one a week before.