Dell: Windows XP Pro vs Windows Media Center 2005. Help?

Hey..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_XP

Im reading this, if the Media Center 2005 is INDEED XP Pro with EXTRA features.. then that would be MUCH better no?

Reason I need help is, I was told when I was customizing that the XP Home or XP Media 2005 was "free" and that Media center was XP Home with extra features.

Thus I was like oh ok.. dont need that, and could see why XP Pro was 120$ extra. Went with Pro since that is kinda the way to be... plus.. dont have a 360 to stream stuff to.

Ok.. but according to the wiki, Media center IS XP pro.

So someone tell me.. what is the real deal here and should I keep the XP Pro option or should I call Dell, switch to the Media Center and save 120$ if it IS indeed Windows XP.

Cause if Media Center 2005 is indeed XP Pro.. I will call them, tell them to take out that 120$ and instead go for the 80$ upgrade to the WSXGA+ 1600 res screen. (Wouldnt you?)

So someone who knows 100% whats up let me know.. need to know if I am indeed better with the XP Pro option or if I should get the Media Center 2005. Thanks. =) (Least these come with the real reinstall cds too..)

 

MCE from what I have seen is based of Windows XP home, but does have some of the functionality of Pro, just not all of it. Pro has alot more advance networking features and the sort. Personally I wouldn't got Pro unless you absolutly need something that is offered by it.

I would go XP Home or MCE...save the money and get the better monitor.

Just my $.02

 

XP MCE is xp pro with some features removed (basically from what I'm told the features that are removed have to do with networking and most home users never use them... they can be hacked back in also). When I reinstalled MCE on my E1505 it says "Installing Windows XP Professional" not Media Center. So, there youhave it. Save your $120, get the nicer screen, and the remote (heck it's only 29 dollars, and you can use it when watching DVDs on that new laptop with MCE).

 

One of the things that have been removed from MCE is connecting to domains. Here's the little hack to get it back:

http://www.tss2000.nl/vbforum/showthread.php?t=50

So call them and ask for your 120 bucks back, it's not worth it.

 

Does mce still have remote desktop? I'm pissed I can't control my desktop just cuz I have home...

 

Looks like it to me....

From Microsoft MCE Frequently Asked Questions

Mark

 

Here is the real scoop........

this is how they stack up:
XP HOME.....MCE.......XP PRO

left to right adds more functionality. XP Home cannot login to a domain nor run automated login scripts in the network sense. MCE is actually XP Pro because it can be added to a domain, supports, login scripts etc. About the only thing XP Pro has on top of this is it supports Domain policy's and management from an IT Administrators point of view.

MCE has Media Center which neither Pro or home have. I use MCE for work and play. I am a network engineer so for me, this was the perfect balance.

 

Um... www.ultravnc.com That is more then enough to controll your desktop on home. =p

But ok.. yea other forums telling me same thing.. that Pro isnt worth paying for cause MC2005 does the SAME thing!

Question is.. could I take the reinstall cd and install it to a diff pc? Would it work? I KNOW I could do it with the XP Pro cd that I would be ordering, however I am not sure about about the MC2005 if I can take it to another PC just the same.

 

^ doubtful. I think the CDs Dell ships now only work for the computers they come with

 

unless you are going to be controling your laptop from afar with remote. There is not point in MCE. it was designed for a home theatre. having it on a reg pc gives you no more features. Just a GUI that is good if you are on your couch.

 

Basically everyone thinks I should say screw pro, go MC2005

Question is.. Do I go for better WSXGA+ lcd screen or the 7200 RPM HDD. =p

I think I know that question.. LCD screen hehe..