Best value Media Centre PC?

markyfun

Just wondering what the best value Media Centre PC is on the market. Thinking about getting rid of Sky and beloved Sky+ and like the look of media centre PCs.

The Sony VAIO VGX-XL201 for £549 (highlighted in this post by errolevans) seems pretty reasonable but wondering what else is on the market for a cheapish price and which models people can recommend.

I'm sure like PCs it will come down to the specifics but interested to know what people think. :cool:

markyfun

Have just found this one (http://www.afterhours.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=1606) which is only £298. However i'm not sure how it compares to the Sony model above? What key features should you look out for?

lizdav

markyfun wrote: »

Have just found this one (http://www.afterhours.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=1606) which is only £298. However i'm not sure how it compares to the Sony model above? What key features should you look out for?

I don't have time to look around for you for recommendations, but there isn't enough information here to make a judgement - don't be seduced by the apparently low price.

This doesn't have any "real" specification and may be bare-bones. I wouldn't touch it without clarifying:

What disk , processor , memory, graphics card, sound card, tuner etc.. is fitted, if any?

Does it come with XP/Vista or do I buy a separate Operating System?

If you have to add all these then that is probably £300+ more to pay - so, not a bargain after all.

The Aldi (or is it Lidl) computer deals seem to be great when they come round.

Note that the PCI cards will need to be half-height if upgrading - half-height cads are much harder to find.

andrewk_2

Not for the faint-hearted, but I built a couple of PCs using barebones systems and installed > KnoppMyth < on them. It's great being able to record something downstairs and watch it upstairs.