[chris]

Apple doesn't currently offer a laptop or desktop with the functionality of my old Media Center PC, let alone that of my current one. Sure, I could buy a $2,500 Mac and spend another $1,500 or more on hardware and software to create a media center system but it makes more sense to spend half of that for one bundled system.

What does your old Media Center PC do that a Mac doesn't? Please elaborate because by the sounds of it, I've been living in the dark ages.

[scottitude]

In addition the standard drives, software, and functionality of a "regular" dual core PC it includes:

• TV & FM tuners
  DVR
  Personal Media Drive (160GB cartridge-style)
  9 slot memory card reader
  Dual Layer / LightScribe DVD burner
  remote control & sensor
  keyboard with media controls (play, pause, record, etc)
  Klipsch THX Certified speakers

The remote control is primarily for navigating media but it also interfaces with the "regular" PC functions.

[chris]

Hmmmm.... Scott, please know that I'm not trying to argue Mac vs. PC here, but I guess I don't see the point to your argument other than as an attempt to slag Macs and Mac users... As well, I'm a guy who prefers to get the right tool for the job, and my answers listed below reflect that.

• TV & FM tuners: 42" HD Plasma & Stereo receiver connected to cable
  DVR: HD PVR
  Personal Media Drive (160GB cartridge-style): Why?
  9 slot memory card reader: Again, why?
  Dual Layer / LightScribe DVD burner: Dual layers are on the new Macs. No lightscribe yet. (Do people actually use lighscribe?)
  remote control & sensor: All new Macs have this.
  keyboard with media controls (play, pause, record, etc): It's a cheap upgrade if you want these keys, but I'm quick enough that I can use the space bar, arrow keys and Apple key to do all of this.
  Klipsch THX Certified speakers: ...If they plug in to your PC, they'll plug in to my Mac.

The remote control is primarily for navigating media but it also interfaces with the "regular" PC functions: Again I ask, why? Why do I want to use my remote for any "regular" computer functions? For what functions could this be useful?

And can you please point me in the direction where I can get one of these all in one machines for the same cost as my iMac? This is something new to me, and I'm interested in learning more.

[scottitude]

Not trying to slag anyone, Chris. To me, it's like buying a car with the intention of "souping it up" (or "modding" it as they kids today call it) when you could buy a different car that comes stock with all the gear you'd have to add to the mod-car.

All of these features were stock, out of the box, requiring no modifications, add-ons, or extra purchases. The cartridge drive is like a large thumb-drive (and I agree, somewhat of a gimmick) which, along with the built in card reader, is far more convenient than attaching drives and cameras with USB cables. I have two cameras at home and two 'work' cameras, all with different memory cards and the card reader is super convenient for quick uploads.

My current PC and the one I bought in 2002 have most of the same features. "The new Macs" have them now, but that's basically my point; when I was in the market for a home media interface, Apple had nothing to compare.

I know in your case with your profession, and for many others, Mac is the right choice. I wanted a cost-effective, simple, seamless interface between my PC and my home entertainment system.

Windows Media Center PCs are available from pretty much every major PC manufacturer. Different brands & models have different configurations for varying prices. The options are out there.

[chris]

Got it! Thanks Scott.

[Billy]

Sorry to dig up this old thread but this seemed like as good a spot as any to post. I have been an Apple/Ipod critic for quite some time now simply because I hate that Apple dictates how you handle your digital music with Itunes. I also don't like the whole uber trendyness associated with Ipods as well as the very limiting video codec support for the Ipod video. I own a Zen Vision M 60gig player and I love it.

That being said, yesterday Apple unveiled their new line of Ipods and I think they are bang on the money and deserve the market share they have with these new products. The new Ipod Touch flash player is one sexy MP3 player with some pretty great features. I dislike the Itunes aspect of it but I think I could live with that. The new Nano video is going to be a massive seller and it looks like a terrific player. What I really like is the new Ipod Classics with 80 & 160 gig hard drives...fantastic! With most of the big name players moving away from hard drive players and embracing flash (Creative & Cowon) it's nice to see Apple catering to those who like capacity. I still think the video codec support is terrible...(come Apple, the majority of people are playing divx files) but I think there are enough options out there for Ipod videos.

These new players may sway me over to the darkside.

[chris]

The majority of non-Apple users play DIVX. Apple's core business is still computers, and their iPods play formats that they created, and/or that their computers play. This is not to say I don't agree with you, cuz I do.

I just got a free iPod from TD Bank for switching my wifes accounts to them... which makes it really had to justify buying one of these.

[Billy]

The majority of non-Apple users play DIVX. Apple's core business is still computers, and their iPods play formats that they created, and/or that their computers play. This is not to say I don't agree with you, cuz I do.

I just got a free iPod from TD Bank for switching my wifes accounts to them... which makes it really had to justify buying one of these.

I know why they don't support divx files...control, control, control...I just don't like that at all. That is my biggest problem with the Ipod is that I hate someone dictating to me that I must use a certain software and only that software to control my media content.

Do Mac's not play divx? Bit of a shame if they don't considering the majority of video downloads I see on all the popular torrent sites are using that format.

[chris]

Macs can play DIVX files, no problem there.

[Tthip]

I just got my first IPod today. (audio only)
I put it off for a long time, mostly because I love my satellite radio - and the IPod will now occupy most of my time.

My whole point here is:
Any advice before I start transferring my music?
It may be a dumb question.
I have pretty much never touched one and I thought I would bring it to the experts here.
Thanx.

[chris]

Read the instructions and make sure that you are fully updated on the iPod and iTunes software.

[Tthip]

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.woot.com/">http://www.woot.com/</a><!-- m -->

This is a cool site, different deal everyday.
And today they have a 30gb Zune for $129.
Not a bad deal.