Had another weak moment on Saturday and bought a media streamer thingy. It listens to my wireless network and receives streamed audio files from my server PC. It is the Netgear MP101. I got it cheap, with some nice speakers thrown in. I've upgraded my PC speakers and number on daughter is getting the old ones.

As for the device, it does exactly what it says on the tin. Except that it doesn't work with any kind of digital protection. This means that all the CDs I've uploaded (ripped is such a prejudicial word don't you think) onto my PC work fine. But the ones I've bought through my Napster subscripiton don't play at all.

This is not a huge problem, and I half expected this to be the case. With a bit of luck they will release a firmware upgrade to resolve the issue, but in the meantime I'm happy with the collection I can listen to. I'm not sure how this is going to go down with the family. If they cotton on to the fact that they can get any of the records that we've bought over the last 20 years straight from a shiny box in the living room I think it might be well received. The sound quality is very good and the box itself works well.

The only problem is that the server software on the PC end is apalling. It takes ages to do anything and crashes every now and then. The good news is that, because the MP101 is based on an open standard, there is a much better solution available with the wonderful name of Twonkyvision. By spending 15 euros and replacing the Netgear program I get a much better solution which also now lets me stream internet radio into the living room. I can even listen to US college radio if I want.

I'll let you know how I get on with it, for now it is looking quite good.