Desktops & Servers > Hewlett Packard Desktops & Servers > Microsoft Windows XP Media Center > 3 GHz and higher > Personal Computer > PC

Advantages: High Spec and a Few Hidden Extras
Disadvantages: Doesn't Really Look Like a Media Centre

Ok, so my title is a bit OTT, but there isn't much this PC cannot do, add an integrated toaster and it would be perfect. Even though I have had the PC for about a year I'm new to Ciao so I thought I better write a review for thing that brought me and Ciao together. ~*~Cosmetics~*~ To look at the M7081 looks like every other home PC. I'm not going to tell how it doesn't… because it does. The familiar tower structure is fairly plain ...
...of the case, the connectivity panel is well hidden by one of the two sliding doors on the front, what's behind the other will come later on. The look of the PC is more suited to bedroom rather than at the heart of the home as the name "Media Centre" suggests, the two tone chrome effect works well the blue light that emits from the power button and other crevasses. I am in no way trying to imply that this PC is ugly but you could find more attractive ... Read review

Advantages: Extremely fast, Great sound, Wireless keyboard and mouse, Remote control, TV and Computer!, Removable hard drive, Wireless capability
Disadvantages: No monitor, Uninspiring tower design, Flimsy HP flip-down CD flaps

...- on this computers' case HP have added: > HP Image Zone > HP Tunes You select your option using the keyboard, mouse, or remote control, and away you go! The options are fairly self-explanitory:- > Play DVD allows you to play any DVD that you place in the hard drive, with all your usual functionality of a DVD Player. > Online Spotlight - a feature exclusive to the media centre PC - this allows you to surf channel providers, and watch streaming ...
...can be controlled by the HP Remote Control - an extremely useful device! Some of what I've written doesn't even touch the surface of what's available to you in the Media Center software! To get the whole grasp of the Media Center software - I would recommend experiencing it at a computer store - or viewing some screenshots - a quick search on Google will find some helpful ones. That's enough about the software and OS - here's some stats about the ... Read review

Advantages: Really good Graphics, Good value for money
Disadvantages: Really Big, Really noisey

Dell XPS 700 I have had the Dell XPS 700 for about 2 years and its still in good working condition! Although i bought the newer verson 2 days ago Dell XPS 730! It is much better! <<< Looks >>> It comes in 2 colours on the front ethier Black or Red (mines Black) It is in a slanted shape and has a silver case on the front is has a Logo saying '' Dell ''! It also has XPS on the two sides! Also it has Neon lights at the very top of the front case ...
...too! It was the first Dell XPS desktop i ever got and its one of the best computers i have ever got! It came with Dell speakers and subwoofer and a 15'' monitor! The only bad thing about it is that its really big and is realy noisey!!! But apart from that it is a really good computer! It has Neon lights in it and you can download software called Dell XPS Light FX and when you play music in Windows Media Player the lights change colours! And you can ... Read review

Advantages: Good value, runs most common apps well
Disadvantages: Struggles with high intensity graphics apps and games

...nothing special here, quite typical Dell styling - neat and clean, but not particularly eye catching! Finally, high intensity programs such as professional design apps and games, this PC will simply not cope! Personally I would not recommend Dell for this as, having used a number of different models, come no where close to a custom built PC for the same price. ... Read review

Advantages: speed, sound, generous size monitor, Leopard OS
Disadvantages: Power/Sleep light missing

Duration of ownership:2 Weeks Strengths: Sleek and beautiful design, simple and elegant operating system, wireless keyboard and mouse Weaknesses: Power/Sleep light missing Overall Evaluation:I have used Macs (5th one) since mid-90s and have always appreciated their design and OS strengths. Overall, this is an great computer. Everything worked perfectly right out of the box without checking the manual. Considering what is included on this iMac, ...
...peripheral you need to add is a printer! You sure get a lot of features for the money.Price is always a concern, especially compared to PCs. With this model, they have added more "bells and whistles" and not raising the price.Apple has finally gotten its act together by redesigning the popular iMac. ... Read review