Well thats simple isnt it. Basically, I want to be able to watch TV/recorded movies on my notebook or better yet phone. I would also like a better home experience with TV/movies.

Now I have cable (Optimum online but thinking of changing to Verizon FIOS)

TMobile phone - windows mobile - unlimited VPN data, but EDGE not 3G
Verizon phone - Windows mobile - unlimited PDA data but throttled at 5G/month
Verizon - Broadband USB modem with unlimited data

Wife and I both have relatively recent MacBooks

I am thinking of getting a Slingbox, in fact Im pretty sure I am unless someone explains why it is a bad idea I will. At the very least that will let us watch TV on the notebooks as I understand it. Is that a good idea?

Any differences between Optimum and FIOS for this?

What about recording movies and shows and outputting them. Looking for something not too expensive. Can I sling to a notebook and record on that? Tivo or another solution?

What about the phones? Are there better plans for doing this on Verizon? Should I be on a VCAST phone? Suggestions on plans/phones? Should I lose the TMobile for a 3G iPhone (thinking about doing that anyway).


I realize its a lot, but I am bewildered at the options. I can (and have) read about the componets, but it is the integration of the different systems that has me a bit stymied. Any comments will be appreciated.