Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The perfect Windows OS - Avoid Vista!, 8 Mar 2007
After using Windows 2000 for a long period of time (which I have to say, is the best Windows OS prior to this) I decided it was time for an upgrade, since increasing new software requires XP. So, I opted for a good new HP package with Window's Xp Media Centre included, and after much talk about Vista from the people at PC World (who I can honestly say, make no representation of the cheesy adverts..)I didn't choose to upgrade, simply because after the demonstration, it looked as if it was trying too hard to be perfect, but the simple matter is that theirs features on it you simply don't need, or slow performance.
But enough of Vista, back to 'proper' Windows. I didn't think this would have too many changes from Windows 2000, as XP and 2k are built on the the exact same architecture, but quite simply put, this operating system has put my faith back into computer, without the need for exspensive Mac's.
Windows Xp Media Centre operates on 2 levels - although it is Windows XP, the Media Centre can almost act as a seperate OS, as options allow you to boot up the computer via this, which would be handy for users having their PC when connected to a TV. But simply put, Media Centre is essentially just a program - it can be minimized, closed, etc etc, but the layout makes it look like it is in affect, the OS. Media Centre allows you to simply and easily listen to music, watch slideshows of photos, watch DVDs, and other options that enhances the way you look at media. Its bold, looks fantastic, and is a joy to use. I should point out though that to get the full benefits of this part of the package, you really want to have your PC set up near a TV, so that DVD's can be watched, your photos can be seen on TV (with background music!) and you can even record live TV. This really does change the way I look at media because its so user friendly, and simple.
The actual Windows XP part of this package has actually improved since the previous stand-alone versions of XP (home, proffessional etc) in many ways. Firstly, this version has already had the influence of the current Vista 'aero' look, as the taskbar, title bars, and other XP tabs fade away a lovely clean modern look, going from blue to pale/sky blue, making it look indeed aero like, whereas the previous XP versions I felt looked too bright, as they had just bold blue bars over the windows. But this Media Influenced XP looks alot more modern, and user friendly than ever before. Features have remained similar to previous Xp's, but naturally with some Media influece.. Party Mode, Karoke Mode, Having a little dancer bop around on your desktop, a brand new version of Media Player, Label Makers, but what I like best, more options in My Documents/My Computer when you right click a drive or file, that enables you to compile and burn a CD simply through dragging files to a blank through Windows Explorer! Their are so many new feature - many fantastic fun options to enhance your expierience, not to mention having a laugh watching the dancer move to the beats, so cleverly in your music.
Aside from the Media influence, its still just as productive. I can set up my Wi-Fi connection no problems for my Nintendo Wii (Simply plug in the dongle, choose to share your broadband connection with the Wireless Connection, bob's your uncle!) and everything is just so easy. I've used XP's in the past, but I didn't realise just how modern it looked compared to 2000. And remember, this is essentially the Windows XP 'Proffessional' edition with the Media Centre software, so you still have all those important options and programs you get with Windows Proffessional.
So, who's this package for? Simple answer - anyone! I don't see the need in getting the first versions of XP if you can buy this fantastic package. The fact is, even if you don't want to use Media Centre, the version of XP is so much more modern looking, you won't want to stop using it! And thats a first, after almost giving up on PC's with the gob-smackingly awful Windows ME (Me=More Errors). And just when I though Win 2000 was the most stable OS yet, I just didn't realise how enjoyable computing could be. No more boring grey task bars, or blue screens, go and spice up your spare time with this fantastic music, video, DVD, Media Centre!
Just a few "techy" notes for those geared in to how PC's operate... as with previous versions of XP, this is heavy on the 'System Idle Process' once your PC is inactive for long periods. Be prepared for alot of CPU use if you leave your PC on all day. Also, their are a handful of XP product downloads that oddly don't operate under this... but these where minor system updates that kept looping themselves because they wouldn't install. Anyway, enough of all that!
(With regards to specs, I'm running on 512mb RAM with Norton SS 2007, and I'm wishing I got more memory! Media Centre uses about an extra 25/50mb or RAM than previous versions of XP....)
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14 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Poor quality disk, 4 Feb 2007
I don't know where Amazon sourced this package but it must be from a batch of rejected items sent back to Microsoft. The disks provided produced numerous copy errors and corrupt installation attempts. After 2 days of checking my hardware I finally established that the disks were faulty and in fact disk one had a visible damaged error near the edge.
Mine may have been an exception but I wouldn't recommend risking a purchase given the availability of the other packages on sale especially with prices falling with the arrival of Vista.
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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
XP MCE 2005 Review, 4 Nov 2008
Well I got it with my last PC and it was brilliant. Great for those who want the multimedia benefits of Vista but with out the stupid system requirements to run it smoothly.
The theme used for MCE is brilliant. A much sleeker looking theme that's easy on the eye. Normal XP users can download it. Just type in Royale Theme on google ;)
The media centre part of it is really cool aswell. It's similar to the one's found in Vista. Slick, quick and stable.
MCE is also built upon XP Professional not Home. So it's got all the advanced networking features.
Basically, if you're not a gamer and don't need DX10 graphics, 64bit CPU and more than 3gb ram then this is perfect.
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