OK, the idea is simple and common enough: relatively old and useless laptop (500mhz, 256mb ram) + external HD + sound system = not having to lug my main laptop to the lounge to listen to music. No money for ipod, I know... Anyways considering the simplicity of this task I haven't been able to unearth any literature online.

So I need some ideas on:

-distro (damn small? fluxbuntu? Keep in mind absolutely nothing is necessary besides USB functionality and a music player)
-music managing program (needs to handle 50+ gig music collection with ease but not totally barebones, as in, I want a nice GUI. Not much else needed though!)

The jukebox computer has no internet so please keep suggestions and installation processes as simple as possible. Thanks!