Is there anywhere in Essex where I can by a Toppy over the counter?

You could try Audio T in Brentwood.

Have a look here.

Any particular reason you want over the counter purchase?

Yes, I want to see it in flesh first.

I am a long term Tivo user (Nov 2000) and thus like the idea of the TAPs. as my tivo is already hacked to pieces!!!

If you do manage to get to see one, dont be put off by the vanilla EPG etc. If you are going to get into TAPS you can change it completely.

OK. - seen Jag EPG TAP on the websites, so I know whay can be done, thats what is attracting me

Audio T not open Sundays and Mondays so will need to wait till tuesday to see if they stock these

Actually while Jags probably has more functions than most of the EPGs it is not IMO a good interface. I use Jags for searching and gathering EPG info in background but MyStuff as the onscreen default EPG.

You may also want to see if you can find a branch of Hughes Electrical, who carry the Toppy and have stores throughout East Anglia.

www.hughesdirect.co.uk

Miller Brothers have stores in Colchester, Chingford, Harlow and Romford.

www.millerbros.co.uk

Nigel.

Got mine from Hughs in Clacton eventuallly, but this was a returned unit , as all of the ones they had in the shop were( still seemed to be unused) at £249. Had it for 5 days no problems and working great, even with me playing with the different taps.

It seems that the shops stock those returned from those orderd the Hughes internet . Ensure , even from web sites you check if these are new ( ie never been sold before).

Note had October firmware, but now updated to December