PowerPoint / Media Extender possible?

Question

I'm looking for something small and cheap which can display PowerPoint and video files which are on a Windows network to a TV. We are trying to put a 42" announcement/information TV in our business foyer. I'd prefer not to have to build a complete computer just for something as simple as PowerPoint and video files that will be repeating continuously. If it has a DVD player built in, that would solve the video side of it, but it's not necessary. I just need both video capability AND PowerPoint.

Any suggestions for under $500ish?

Answer 1

I haven't tried it, but you could probably use either the Powerpoint viewer or "openoffice.org portable" (see link 1). Either should fit on a flashdrive easily with the files you want to show. Then plug the flash drive into a suitable display (e.g. some projectors have usb ports) or DVD player with a USB / flashdrive port (See link 2).