As the interest in Windows Seven grows, more people will look to see how it can connect their media center features, not just how it will improve the windows environment. With that in mind I have been researching what would be the best way to step into an updated system (new hardware) without living on the bleeding edge just for a beta test. I decided to take a less Internet-ish approach while comparing possible PC solutions and simply walk through the local computer stores to get a feel for what’s out now and would be affordable for the average reader.
First let me say, the laptop industry is really doing well. But if you’re looking for a desktop at a place like Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA or others…take note! They don’t carry as many “boxes” as they used to! I was surprised to see one aisle of desktops and then three to four sections of various laptops. It makes sense, they are portable, versatile, adpatable to more types of lifestyle…but, not practical as a media center where it will be lodged under a large screen and remotely controlled by keyboard and handhelds.
So my quest led me to look at the Acer X3200. A fast processor
, plenty of RAM
(it meets the required specs on the Windows Seven list for the most part) and hey a Blue Ray player is built in. This will free up some space under the jumbotron TV that will serve as it’s monitor–via HDMI of course.
The pricing was reasonable, north of $600.00 but the nicest features were it’s size! It’s smaller than a traditional desktop case but not so small that they left off realistic features like media card and firewire ports (right on the front) plenty of USB and did I mention Blue Ray? When you consider people are spending $399.00 for a PSIII and in some cases using it only for the movie feature-this is a bargain! There are more specs than I have patience to list, so please check the full features on the link below.
It’s early for Christmas but…Valentine’s day is just around the corner. What better way to express your true feelings than a fully equipped media center pumping Windows 7?? (Ok so you have to install Win7 but it’s a free beta so…let it go already).
