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    Is it worth it.

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by lblarel, Mar 15, 2006.

  1. lblarel

    lblarel Notebook Enthusiast

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    Just purchased a dell e1705 with core duo T2400 and the Geforce 7800. It comes with Window XP MCE. Is it worth it for me to upgrade to XP Pro or would you recommend just cleaning it up when I get it? I am using it primarily for gaming so I need good performance. Thanks.
     
    lblarel, Mar 15, 2006
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  2. Tim

    Tim Notebook Virtuoso

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    I would say you don't really need Windows XP pro. It is a good program but it is mainly for businesses because of the added security. MCE is great for watching movies, organizing music, and playing games. I wish my laptop would have come with MCE. Therefore I think MCE will be great for your needs. Enjoy the laptop.
    Tim
     
    Tim, Mar 15, 2006
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  3. ttupa

    ttupa Tech Elitist NBR Reviewer

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    XP Pro is necessary if you are going to be using your computer on NT Domains...as Home does not allow computers to join domains.

    There are a few additional differences, but that is the glaring one.

    I have heard that MCE is somewhat of a resource hog. However, I do think it looks interesting. I hear that if you have a very large library of music it is tedious to search through with the software.

    Basically MCE is built on XP Home (don't let others say different...no matter what the computer tells you). It will not let you join domains. If you don't need to do this, and are looking for media center software...maybe it's for you.

    Make sure your system has the resources. Also, this program is best used with a tv tuner. If you are just buying it for movies/music...I would suggest getting Pro/Home and finding a different (maybe free) music/movie management software.
     
    ttupa, Mar 16, 2006
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  4. ttupa

    ttupa Tech Elitist NBR Reviewer

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    After re-reading your original post...

    Sorry...I think you should be fine with MCE. Play around with it! It might be fun!

    If you need pro for work, or some place where you need the added security/domain acces, then you might have to upgrade. By then, however, Vista may be out.

    Another option for all of us... :)

    Sorry for the confusion. Good luck, and have fun with your new computer!!
     
    ttupa, Mar 16, 2006
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  5. equinoxel

    equinoxel Notebook Enthusiast

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    Imho, the best of the two worlds would be xp pro + cyberlink powercinema. I've found that MCE is slower than xp pro, even for playing games. It might be my 64bit AMD, but that's what my experience was on the matter. note that most of the MCE stuff is written using .NET
    Also, I find MCE more suitable for a home entertainment machine than for a laptop.
    My advice on the matter would be: check out your battery life with MCE and with XP pro and pick whichever lasts longer in your day-to-day usage.
     
    equinoxel, Mar 21, 2006
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