HP Media Center m1180n Photosmart PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 550 (Hyper-Threading), 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Dbl Layer DVD+-RWCD-RW Drive)

Features of HP Media Center m1180n

• 4 RAM Slots (2 available)

• Intel Pentium 4 processor 550 with HT Technology (3.4 GHz)

• 1MB L2 Cache

• 800 MHz FSB

• 1GB PC3200 DDR SDRAM (expandable to 4GB)

The Basics Similar in most respects to HP's powerhouse Media Center m1090n Photosmart PC but sporting marginally downgraded components and therefore a more affordable price tag, the HP Media Center m1180n Photosmart PC is ideally suited to those who want the very best but can't quite justify absolute state-of-the-art. Featuring such lavish perks as a massive 250 GB hard drive, a potent Altec Lansing amplified speaker system, an impressive new version of Intel's Pentium 4 processor and superb multimedia accoutrements, the sophisticated Media Center m1180n is ready to handle anything the foreseeable future may bring. Whether you use it in a business environment, graphic design studio, gaming den or a home entertainment setup, you'll find HP's latest Media Center PC delivers everything you need. Processor At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. For the Media Center m1180n, HP has turned to Intel and its new Pentium 4 550 CPU. This is an upgraded version (nicknamed 'Prescott') of the venerable Pentium 4 chip, featuring one full MB of Level 2 cache and a more generous data 'pipeline' than prior models. Operating at a screaming 3.4 GHz and of course sporting Intel's Hyper-Threading technology (Hyper-Threading allows a single CPU system to behave at times as a dual CPU system, thus adding substantially more speed to some high-end applications), this is a high-end CPU that will blaze through virtually anything. It does, however, follow the tried and true 32-bit CPU architecture of previous Pentiums rather than the substantially faster 64-bit architecture just being introduced in a small number of today's priciest, most advanced CPUs. That shouldn't be a serious detraction for most people, though, as the vast majority of today's applications are not built to take advantage of 64-bit processing. Memory Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The Media Center m1180n features one full GB of fast PC3200 DDR SDRAM main memory, a huge allotment that'll handle even the most challenging multitasking situations. Moreover, the system will accept later RAM upgrades to a stunning total of 4 GB. Video CPU’s are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). The Media Center m1180n features an ATI Radeon X300 SE PCI-E with 128 dedicated MB of video memory. This card is capable of accurately displaying virtually any 2D application and delivering smooth frame rates and immersive, lifelike visuals to the 3D graphics found in many of today's computer games and 3D animation packages. Ultra-serious gamers who want to play the latest and most demanding 3D titles at highest possible resolution may wish to upgrade to a 256 MB or 512 MB video card, but all others should be fine as is. Display A display screen is not included, thus allowing you to continue using your current monitor or select from today’s many alternatives. Sound The Media Center m1180n produces sound via an Intel High Definition Audio chipset with support for seven distinct audio channels and one subwoofer. If eight separate speakers seem a bit much, you can certainly make do with the enclosed Altec Lansing 2121 speaker system -- a two-satellite, one-subwoofer array that's far more powerful and much more accurate than the typical entry-level multimedia speakers accompanying many of today's computer. Hard Drive At 250 GB, the internal hard drive is one of the most spacious in any desktop PC, offering enough room for a massive allotment of files and applications and ample music, video/photo and multimedia libraries too. Further storage possibilities are offered in the form of a convenient docking slot located on the front of the computer tower that accepts portable hard drives such as the HP Personal Media Drive. Optical Drive An optical drive is essential in today’s computing environment. A 'CD-ROM' drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A 'CD-RW' drive adds CD 'burning', so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can enjoy all of the above plus watch the same big budget DVD movies you watch on your home entertainment system. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can also 'write' home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). This system features two optical drives -- a DVD-ROM drive for playing music and data CDs and DVD movies, and a state-of-the-art Double Layer DVD+R/RW drive through which you can burn music and data CDs, play DVD movies, and record home videos to long-lasting DVD media. The 'Double Layer' designation refers to the unit's ability to handle double layer DVDs, each of which offers nearly double the capacity of traditional DVDs (8.5 GB vs. 4.4 GB). Moreover, the unit's two drives allow you to make extremely quick copies of any CD or DVD. Connectivity and Expansion With no less than six high-speed USB 2.0 ports -- two of which are conveniently located on the front of the unit -- you’ll have plenty of room for plug and play gadgets such as digital cameras and printers. HP has also included two IEEE 1394 'FireWire' ports (commonly used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders) and a versatile 9-in-1 card reader for reading memory cards from devices such as digital cameras, PDAs and more. Communication options include an integrated 10/100Base-T networking interface for fast Internet and network communication and a V.92 data/fax modem for low-speed dial-up connections. Operating System and Software The Media Center m1180n features an extremely comprehensive software package headed by Microsoft’s beefy Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 operating system. HP will also pre-install Microsoft's Works 7.0 productivity suite, two finance packages (Microsoft's Money Standard 2004 and Quicken 2004 New User Edition), and a bevy of photo, music and imaging utilities. Last but certainly not least is HP's own Personal Video Recorder for recording and archiving up to 200 hours of video from sources such as cable and satellite TV. Control To help free your workspace of cumbersome cables, HP will provide a convenient extended range (16 ft) wireless keyboard and wireless mouse. To help you relax when you're watching movies, playing games or listening to music, the system also features a handy wireless infrared remote control.

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HP Media Center m1180n Customer Review(s):

Summary: Good feature set, but questionable build quality
Rating: 3 (out of 5)
Comment: The HP Media Center m1180n would have been a good choice as a one-stop multimedia and gaming PC if not for a couple nagging issues:

1. The quality of this PC is not very good. We are not talking the plain-vanilla, bordering-on-ugly styling here. The DVD drive is noisy, the case feels flimsy, and the entire machine just doesn't feel right in terms of lacking a solid feel to it.

2. The DVD burner, while dual-layer capable with the plus format, does not work with the more common DVD-R/RW (minus) format. This is because HP is one of the original developers of the plus format and absolutely refuses to support the minus format which was developed by Japanese electronics companies.

3. Disappointing technical support. One of my first HP machines was a lemon, and I discovered the hard way that getting support from HP was a very tiresome and frustrating experience. (Only my previous experience with Apple tech calls was worse.) I think any potential HP buyer should be aware of this, esp. given what I observed in point#1 above.

As you can see I have mixed feelings about this machine. I suggest you take a look at Sony's VAIO VGC media center series, which is cheaper feature-for-feature, plus the Vaio comes with more software and in a very cool, high-tech case that will surely impress your friends.
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Summary: Watch TV on your computer, Not really?
Rating: 3 (out of 5)
Comment: Everything is AOK with this HP Media Center m1180n -- EXCEPT you CANNOT watch TV unless you hook up your Cablebox (with a cable splitter)/or DSL to the computer -- This was VERY Misleading. My computer is located no where near the television set. I had assumed the TV Tuner was built in. The FM radio is fine, because it included an antenna.

TV (watching, pausing & recording) is a part of Media, and I am missing that part.
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HP Media Center m1180n Photosmart PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 550 (Hyper-Threading), 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Dbl Layer DVD+-RWCD-RW Drive) | Site Map