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    DV2000T: Windows XP Pro or Windows XP Media Center ???

    Discussion in 'HP' started by DV2000T, Aug 30, 2006.

  1. DV2000T

    DV2000T Notebook Consultant

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    Hello everyone,
    Now that the DV2000T is offering the Core 2 Duo, I'm getting ready to place my order. However, I can see they are now offering windows xp media center and since I don't have much experience with it I was wondering if you guys can help me decided which one I should buy: Windows XP Pro or Windows XP Media Center.
    Thanks for you help.
     
    DV2000T, Aug 30, 2006
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  2. mrjosh

    mrjosh Notebook Enthusiast

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    mrjosh, Aug 30, 2006
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  3. chiaroscurist

    chiaroscurist Notebook Consultant

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    Invest a little more and get the Windows XP Pro. Windows MC also doesn't allow you to join domains, although Microsoft says there's a way to work around it seems time consuming. Here's the proof:

    Justin Harrison MVP (Expert):
    Q: MCE can not join a domain, right? Are there any other obvious limitations that are different from Win XP?
    A: Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 does not allow for you to join a domain but a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 PC upgraded to Media Center Edition 2005 can join domains. That is the only difference from Windows XP Professional.

    Source: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/chats/transcripts/04october21.mspx

    If you really want to watch TV on your HP, then fine. But seriously... how often are you going to carry that TV card, and watch TVs on your laptop draining that $100+ battery? (If you have watching it plugged in... well theres the TV next to the laptop that's also plugged in) I was going to get MCE to save money, but Windows XP Pro is definitely worth it. MCE also takes a lot of ur HD space for its MCE features as well. I've been told by many friends, forum members to invest a little more for Pro. I highly recommend that you spend a little more and get that Win XP Pro.
     
    chiaroscurist, Aug 30, 2006
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  4. superwizard

    superwizard Notebook Enthusiast

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    Well I don't have any experience but my university reccomends XP Pro because they say it has better networking...
     
    superwizard, Aug 30, 2006
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  5. fdlazarte

    fdlazarte Notebook Consultant

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    I'd recommend Pro for security and networking reasons... I think MCE is ok if you really like recording your TV shows and watching them on your notebook... besides, you got Quickplay which is decent enough to watch DVDs and listen to music
     
    fdlazarte, Aug 30, 2006
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  6. bgeo

    bgeo Notebook Geek

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    It all depends on what you want to use this system for. If you are going to use it mainly for entertainment, then MCE would be okay. Entertainment oriented packages; personal video recorder solutions etc will work best with MCE.

    However, if you intent to use it in an environment that requires the use of advanced securities and permissions features like group policy, access permissions etc, you would need XP Pro. It’s my understanding that like XP Home edition, MCE cannot effectively enforce these.

    If you buy MCE you can also buy third party tools to achieve these. But then they are actually making it like XP Pro. So, it’s better to buy XP Pro in the first place.

    So, like other the other respondents have mentioned, if you have the resources, it’s better to go for Windows XP Pro.
     
    bgeo, Aug 31, 2006
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