Best HTPC setup

my problem is i'd love to be an early adopter but don't really have the funds for that.

Right now, I think it would be fun to buy a PS3 and install MythTV on it, and then compare that with a Media Center/Xbox combo.....

I also think I might do away with a HTPC case altogether and put the computer on a shelf with and just make a cover to hide the components from site (plenty of airflow behind the shelves.... I have delusions of making my own case out of wood eventually (that won't happen for a couple of years).