HTPC new build choices?

Gatster

Getting round to setting up my new HTPC and have a choice of a couple of builds, as below. I'll re-use my SSD in either build with an external HD or buy this QNAP NAS and throw a drive into it. Both using W7MC (Win 7 Ultimate 64-bit) and viewing on a 50" Samsung Plasma:

Build 1
8Gb 1333Mhz RAM
Asus E45M1 MB
M-ATX Case
With this I can use my existing TBS-6981 DVB-S2 Card

Build 2
IBM T400 Laptop - 4gb RAM/2.4Ghz Core 2 Duo
Thinkpad Port Replicator/Advanced (2504)
TBS Q-BOX (x2???)

Just looking for opionions. Obviously build 1 would probably be better but the laptop plays large HD files with no issues, (with 2Gb RAM and 250Gb HD) so I presume it would be Ok for live TV, it can take 8Gb RAM if that would help. I know I'd have to buy two external tuners though?

It will be left on all the time, but sleeping during the day and ultimately I'd like the quiestest and cheapest solution

HLF

The most uptodate info I could find on a build was http://www.custompcguide.com/high-end_htpc.html

I was thinking of going with a
Intel Core i5-2500K Box, LGA1155
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3, Sockel 1155, ATX, DDR3

The Core i5-2500K is 95w but has Intel HD Graphics 3000, so along with the Z68 MB you wont need a GC for HDTV. You could go for the i3-2100T at 35w.

I did put together one a long time ago and went with a Shuttle case but I found it very small if you wanted to add anything, so if I was to build again I would go for a full size MB.

Carter P Fly

Id go with option 1 becausebecause I have my HTPC in view. A laptop with tuners hanging out of it has to be stowed away and, while can work perfectly fine, is messy and unsightly in the living room.