Also if the laptop has an hdmi out on it, consider ubuntu and XBMC or Plex. It is now an HTPC that you can use as a media center to hook up to your tv. Full dvr capabilities and you can do torrents or usenet files on it also. Sabnzb, Sickbeard and Couchpotato plus a couple of other programs and tweaks are all you need to take care of all your viewing needs. I haven't paid for cable/satellite in well over a year and haven't missed a thing except for shitty commercials. Reddit has a great forum that has almost any resource you will need and will answer any question you will have about it. Cordcutters, Take Control of Your TV, Cut the Cord (and ditch cable)