Is Window Media Center Worth It?

Hello everyone. I placed an order for a dv2000t today with the following configuration:

- HP Pavilion dv2000t CTO NB
- Genuine Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
- Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor T7200 (2.00 GHz)
- 14.1" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x800)
- 128MB NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) Go 7200
- HP IMPRINT Finish + Microphone + Webcam
- 512MB DDR2 SDRAM (2x256MB)
- 80 GB 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive
- LightScribe Super Multi 8X DVD+/-RW w/Double Layer
- Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network w/Bluetooth
- 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- Microsoft(R) Works/Money
- HP Mobile Remote Control
- HP Photosmart C3180 AiO

The cost came out to be $1,406 after CA tax, but before $130 mail in rebates. I wanted to get a 40 GB hard drive and upgrade it myself, but media center required 80 gig.

What is everyone opinion on Windows Media Center? I've never used an Media Center PC before, but thought that I'd give it a try.

Second question, should I get an HP TV tuner card or should I buy one from another company or a usb one? I'm relatively new with tv tuner stuff and would like to get some recommendations.

 

Have a read on this thread for diff between all 3 XP's

As for the TV tuner, I too did some research about usb vs fancy PCMCIA types. And I agree with what one guy said on amazon - it doesn't matter if you buy a cheap £30 usb one or a £70 PCMCIA one. It all depends on your reception

Having bought a Freecom usb dvb-t (we get free digital tv in the UK), I agree. I don't know what standards you use in Canada(?) so I can only speak from my experience with digital

Also check whether tuners support MCE. Most support Pro, I presume with Home as well - though I'm not sure, but some make a point of saying they don't work with MCE

 

Hi DV2000,
I like Win xp MC. I have Pro 2 on my desktop and it wirks great but my HP laptop has Media Center on it and I like the extra media features.

As for tv tuners I used the USB tuners on my desktop with less than stellar performance. It gives a decent picture but recording to a dvd produces not so good results. I installed an ATI All In Wonder 9600 and am happy with that. So to answer your question the HP tuner costs more, but does a better job. How much you want to spend and what you want to do with your laptop are ultimately going to be what determine which is a better value for you.

 

If i were you I would go with the HP tuner that fits your needs. Many, many times, aftermarket usb/pcmia tuners won't work with media center.
That said, I have MCE and i absolutely love it. I'm at college right now and I have the cable in our room going into the laptop, then S-video out to the tv and headphone out to the stereo. I just set up the tv as a second display, drag media center over yonder, and bam I can record, pause, watch live tv (do you know how many people on my floor keep asking me "why don't I have the tv guide thing on my tv?), not to mention browse music and dvds from the not-so-comfort of my college-issue bed. It was definitely worth the money for me...

 

I got the MCE free upgrade when I bought my laptop. I am in college, and with my Xbox 360 plugged in to the network, I can stream media to it and watch it on my TV. So for that sort of use, then yeah, it's worth it. That, and I like the glassy look in MCE, hehe.

That being said, XP Pro also rocks much.

 

I appreciate everyone inputs. From what you guys are saying, Media Center seems like a good buy. I think I'll go ahead and order the hp tv tuner card then. Thank you, again.