Then build a low power linux server. I had a NAS at one point, but ended up wanting it to do more over time. I ended up building an AMD based server at less than 100watts full tilt and almost nothing at idle. You can get a Intel i3 running at 35watts now days.

You have something setup very wrong or something on your system screwing things up. I have tested my shared server from Florida all the way to the Netherlands and there were no slowdowns in accessing the media.

Wait a moment here... First off I dont see why you say 5+ rooms, when any more than one player is a good reason. Yes I can setup MySQL for XBMC, but do I really want to go through all that?

Ummm... You do know that streaming on a LAN to a tablet has been and easy thing for, well for as long as there have been tablets.

The big thing for me, is the easy use of WAN streaming. I have a few family members that use my server for media.

Same rendering engine on the PC because Plex is based on XBMC code.

I use to be in the same camp as you, but the truth is that for every feature XBMC offeres that Plex is missing, there is an even more important feature Plex has that XBMC is missing.

I have to say that while I have drastically cut my intake on all substances over the past 5 years, I do miss the gaming sessions.

I really wish Microsoft was taking a route similar to what Valve has planned for the Steambox. I thought for sure there were rumors about the possibility of this.

Stating that there is not back story while not knowing for sure is the same thing as me saying there could be one.

Why in hell do I keep seeing bullshit about demeaning to women, sexual assault on women, general bitching about this years superbowl ads? (no need to answer, I know thats 90% of what the internet is used for)

You cant be expected to be taken seriously when you insult your audience with the first sentence.

Well Im not letting on as to how the hardware will upgrade...

I am interested. I have some ideas on different hardware that might suit the purposes, bring down cost and be easily upgraded.

I have thought about this route, but there are some issue with longevity.

The requirements you posted are all good to go.

On a 7in display each button is about 2in long by 3/4in high. Thats not really that small and its quite easy to navigate.

YES! I am well aware of BWMs clusterfuck of a car stereo system. My e46 has the same issues.

This should all be possible, as the unit would still be a standard car radio, just with android as well.

Actually this is not at all what I am thinking.