Hiper Media Center HMC-1S53A

Advantages: High Specs, Low Price, Great Graphics, Dual Core CPU, Two 120gb Hard Drives
Disadvantages: None i Can think of

...compatible sound Altec Lansing® speakers Keyboard: Full size desktop keyboard (with separate numeric keypad layout) Pointing Device: Touch Pad with On/Off button and dedicated vertical Scroll Up/Down pad, volume control, mute buttons, 2 Quick Launch Buttons PC Card Slots: One ExpressCard/54 slot (also supports ExpressCard/34) External Ports: 5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader for Secure Digital cards, MultiMedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, or xD Picture cards 1 VGA port 1 HDMI port; 4 USB 2.0 ports 1 IEEE-1394 1 RJ 11 modem connector 1 RJ 45 Ethernet connector S-video TV out Remote control infrared port (Remote Control optional) 2 Headphones-out one w/ SPDIF Digital Audio, 1 Microphone-in port Cable docking connector Dimensions: 28.50 cm (L) x 39.60 cm (W) x 4.18 cm (max) H Weight: 3... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: All-round entertainment system that keeps up with the best.
Disadvantages: Graphocs card could do with upgrading.

...OK, Had this machine for a month now and must say i am very impressed. Its not only nice to look at but has endless features and capabilities that will not dissapoint. First of all its HP so you know you're going to get the good quality and performance. Especially with a pentium 4 3.2Ghz. So, the good bits:- Performance: Excellent performance will keep up with the high end machines anyday. Media: Has a massive 250GB Hard Drive aswell as a very stylish removable hard drive (160GB). It is going to take me a very long time before i run out of space!! OS: Comes with Media Center 2005 which i have to say suprised me. Its the first time ive tried this OS and would rate it 10/10 any day. I love the fact that i can watch my TV on my pc and navigate with the remote control. DVD-RW... Up to speed DVD rewrite with a massive bonus... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Works well out of box; captures video as MPEG-2 flawlessly
Disadvantages: Stopped working after a Microsoft update - Adaptec will not offer free fix.

...Product served me well for transferring several piles of VHS tapes to my Media Center 2005 machine. Then - Microsoft came out with some software update and product only works for a limited time. Pause it while recording and the PC freezes. restart the PC and it no longer detects the device. Remove device - uninstall drivers and uninstalling WinDVR 3 all temporary fixes - problem reoccurs. Doing the C++ registry hack worked very limited, now does not. Adaptec - with this known problem - can not even be contacted outside of their "pay" support. Adaptec has not updated their searchable database with the "fix" - they apparently demand their customers to pay them before they assist. A sad state of affairs within a once-great company. Shame on you, Adaptec!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful