Product Description

HP M8100N Pavilion Media Center TV Desktop PC. The HP Pavilion Media Center TV desktop PC is designed and built for your digital life. Take control of your digital entertainment with a PC that helps you consolidate, organize, and play your favorite TV shows, movies, music, photos and videos. A built in drive bay fits an optional HP Personal Media Drive, for up to 500GB of additional storage that you can carry with you when you go /sold separately. The HP Media Center Remote Control provides access to your digital music, photos, and videos from across the room. The front panel 15 in 1 memory card reader makes it easy to transfer photos, music, and other files to and from your digital camera and other peripheral devices. The SuperMulti DVD burner with LightScribe technology lets you create custom, silkscreen quality labels and artwork directly onto LightScribe enabled CD and DVD discs. The built in TV tuner and personal video recorder /PVR/ let you watch, pause, rewind, and record live television on your Media Center PC with no monthly fee. A free online Electronic Program Guide /EPG/ lets you review the TV schedule and choose a single episode or an entire series, so you can watch your favorite shows on your own time, at your own convenience. You can store many hours of digital video on the ultra large hard drive. The Windows Vista Home Premium operating system is the preferred edition for home desktop PCs. With extensive digital entertainment features, expanded search capabilities and the fluid, three dimensional Windows Aero user interface, it provides a truly extraordinary user experience.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1441 in Personal Computers
• Brand: Hewlett-Packard
• Model: M8100N
• Platform: Windows
• Dimensions: 10.75" h x 15.16" w x 7.60" l,
• CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 2.8 GHz
• Memory: 3000MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 500GB
• Processors: 2

Features

• Powerful multimedia desktop with TV tuner (NTSC/ATSC), personal video recording functionality, and programming guide
• 2.8 GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ dual-core processor, 500 GB SATA hard drive, 3 GB RAM (8 GB max), 16x LightScribe DVD drive
• Connectivity: 6 USB, 2 FireWire, 1 VGA, 1 S-Video, 1 composite A/V digital audio output, surround sound speaker output, 15-in-1 memory card reader
• Nvidia GeForce Go 6150 video card with up to 288 MB shared memory, 10/100 Ethernet
• Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (with Media Center capabilities)

Amazon.com Product Description
The easy-to-use HP m8000n Media Center PC is the complete home PC system that delivers more entertainment choices, and brings them together in one place with easy access from anywhere in the room. You can watch, record, and pause live TV programming as well as schedule the PC to record upcoming episodes or entire series. The built-in TV tuner (providing both standard NTSC and high-def ATSC transmission) and personal video recorder (PVR) let you watch, pause, rewind, and record live television--up to 305 hours on this 500 GB hard drive. An online Electronic Program Guide (EPG) lets you review the TV schedule and select individual episodes or entire series, so you can watch your favorite shows on your own time, at your own convenience. And you can easily burn TV shows and home video to DVD for friends and family with the dual-layer, multi-format LightScribe DVD/CD burner, which enables you to store up to 8.5 GB of data on a DL disc. LightScribe technology burns custom, silkscreen-quality labels and artwork directly onto LightScribe-enabled discs, right inside the drive.

This desktop is powered by the 2.8 GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ dual-core processor, which increases the efficiency and speed of the PC while running multiple programs and the latest multi-threaded software. A built-in drive bay fits an optional HP Personal Media Drive (PMD), for up to 500 GB of additional storage that you can carry away with you when you go (PMD not included). It also features 3 GB of installed RAM (8 GB maximum), Nvidia GeForce 6150 LE video card (with 128 MB of dedicated video memory), 15-in-1 memory card reader, up to 8 channels of surround sound output, and a remote control with up to 16 feet of range.

This PC also comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, which includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

• Processor: AMD's Athlon 64 X2 5600+ dual-core processor is built for tomorrow's 64-bit applications, which will require a processor with significant power. It outperforms the highest-performing AMD Athlon 64 4000+ single-core processor on multi-tasking benchmarks by up to 30 percent. Dual-core technology is like having two processors working together, each one taking care of different applications, so power-users actually experience greater performance when multiple applications are running. Digital media enthusiasts will appreciate the enhancements while simultaneously working in high-definition video and photo editing and audio mixing programs. It includes such AMD features as HyperTransport Technology (which increases the communication between integrated circuits) and Enhanced Virus Protection.

  This 2.8 GHz processor offers a system bus with speeds up to a blazing 2000 MHz and each core offers a 1 MB L2 cache--for a 2 MB total. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

• Hard Drive: The incredibly huge 500 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (7200 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space--enough for storing up to 305 hours of television programming, a vast multimedia collection, or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 3 GB of installed RAM (PC5300, 2 x 1 GB, 2 x 512 MB) is a good start, but you'll want to add more RAM to handle today's demanding multimedia and gaming software. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. This desktop has an enormous 8 GB maximum RAM capacity (4 x 2 GB). To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

• DVD/CD Drive: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 8x DVD-R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R DL Write Once, 16x DVD+R, 8x DVD+RW, 16x DVD-R, 6x DVD-RW, 12x DVD-RAM, 40x CD-R, 32x CD-RW write speeds and 40x CD-ROM, and 16x DVD-ROM read speeds.

  This LightScribe DVD+/-RW drive lets you laser-etch silkscreen quality text and images on to CDs and DVDs . Your software, PC and discs work together for a no-hassle way to burn just the labels you want. After you burn content, just flip the disc over, reinsert and burn your label--anything from a simple title to a full-disc work of art.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This desktop comes with an HP multimedia keyboard and scroller mouse (both PS/2) and remote control.

Video & Audio
This desktop features an integrated Nvidia GeForce 6150 SE graphics/video card with 128 MB of dedicated graphics memory. Windows Vista can also allocate up to 623 MB of total graphics memory from the system memory. It features NVidia's PureVideo technology--which provides great picture clarity, smooth video, accurate color, and precise image scaling for video content--and full support for Microsoft DirectX 9.0 for stunningly realistic cinematic effects for all DirectX-compatible applications. It also offers an integrated audio card that can produce high definition surround sound configurable to 8 speakers.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
For expansion, this desktop features a drive bay that fits an optional HP Personal Media Drive--which enables you to add 500 GB of storage for your video and music libraries. It has two PCI expansion slots (none available), one PCI x16 Express slot (available), one PCI x1 Express slot (available), two 5.25-inch bays (one available), three 3.5-inch bays (two available), and the following external ports:

• 6 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (2 in front, 4 in rear)
• 2 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals (1 in front, 1 in rear)
• Composite video, S-Video, and analog audio inputs
• VGA video out
• Headphone and microphone jacks
• Digital SPDIF audio output
• Surround sound speakers--rear, side, center
• 2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
• 15-in-1 media card reader on the front, compatible with CompactFlash (Type I and II), MicroDrive, SmartMedia, Memory Stick/Pro/Duo/Pro Duo, MultiMedia Card, Secure Digital, XD Picture Card, RSMMC, MMC Mobile, MMC+

It includes an integrated 56K modem (V.90) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Includes Microsoft Works 8, Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition 2007 Trial, Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update), Roxio Creator/MyDVD (with LightScribe technology), Muvee autoProducer (for creating professional-looking home videos and burning to DVD), HP PhotoSmart Essential, and HP Total Care Advisor.

Dimensions & Weight
This desktop measures 15.16 x 7.6 x 16.54 inches (LxWxD) and weighs approximately 32 pounds.

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Media Center m8100n desktop PC, keyboard, mouse, remote control, and power cord. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase as well as technical telephone assistance for one year. Software is also covered for 90 days from date of purchase.

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Customer Reviews

A Good Solid Machine
I've had this HP for a week or two now. Its my fourth HP desktop over the years...I like HP, not because their product is superior (frankly I dont know if there's really a lot of difference between various manufacturers' products, since they basically install other companies' hardware ((like Intel's) and software (like Microsoft) in a computer case with their logo on it), but because I've found HP technical support to be superior when I've had problems over the years. (I recently bought a Toshiba laptop, and speaking with their "tech" reps was an amazingly frustrating experience -- I never thought I'd see the day when I'd know more than somebody getting paid to give me advice).


As for this model, i'm pleased with its performance, though I do not recommend anyone buy a new computer so they can have Vista - trust me, its no great improvement over XP. But this HP has a lot of power, and most importantly, I got it with 3 GB RAM, which is not all that much in a "media" pc.

The Windows Media Center is a simple but useful tool for bringing together TV, internet capabilities etc in one place. And there is a new disk burning capability built in that will do the job for most layman like me. (Dont rush into one of the video editing software packages now available--they are really big headaches for most users who have no interest in becoming computer technicians in their spare time).

This one also has a good number of USB2 and firewire ports, and lots of inputs/outputs for speakers, media centers, DVDs etc.

Like all computers these days, it comes loaded with software applications you probably dont want, and which are just there in the hopes you'll buy the "full" product. You'll want to uninstall a lot of this stuff, but wait a few weeks, so you dont accidentally uninstall a piece of software you wish you had kept a while...

AND burn your backup emergency reinstallation DVDs right away...they dont come included with the computer these days.

As usual with Amazon, delivery was amazingly fast -- it came one business day after I ordered it on-line -- and there are a few rebates that lower the price by about 15%.

Not perfect, but pretty darn good
Like a recent reviewer, I have also been comparing prices against a similarly configured Dell Machine (9200 with a quad-core). But to correct a few possible mis-perceptions:

(1) While it is not possible to configure the Dell 9200 to the same specs as the HP m8120n, trying to do so would run about $1400-$1600. $700 is not a realistic price-point, as the base Dell system would not include: (a) the 3rd GB of RAM, (b) the dual TV tuner card, (c) the dual firewire inputs, (d) the wireless mouse/keyboard, or the PS2 ports (whooopee), (e) Windows Vista Home *Premium*, (f) gigabit ethernet, (g) the media-card reader, nor (h) the built-in WIFI (handy for those using the m8120n as a media center near the TV). The media expansion slot is another possible perk ($100 will buy you a portable 300GB HP drive, that has a USB port for universal hook-up).

(2) By most accounts, HP build and customer support are a notch above Dell's. I personally have a 700m laptop that attests to the endless phone calls that occur with a defective Dell.

(3) The m8120n does *not* have a 300GHz power supply, it has a 350 watt power supply. Nowhere have I read that installing a new power supply voids the warranty (it may be true), but just visit CC's website and you will see several users have upgraded it without incident.

(4) The overall "low" Windows rating of 3.4 is very misleading. Two subscores (Windows Aero and gaming graphics) are due to the entry-level video card, while the other three scores on the stock system are 5.9, 5.5 and 5.8 (for processor, RAM, and hard drive, respectively). That is out of a possible 5.9 points, remember. As Windows explains it, the 3.4 "average" score is in fact given due to the lowest subscore. Several owners have also reported upgrading their video card to an nVidia 7- or 8-series without requiring a new power supply.

(5) Speaking of video cards, the stock card (nVidia 7350LE) occupies the one PCI-express slot. If you hate it, pull it out and put in a new PCI-E card. There is also an occupied PCI slot with the modem in it, which I would pull out in a second if I wanted to put in a different PCI card (there is also a PCI-E 1-bit slot).

My overall feeling is that I absolutely love the m8120n. I had been watching the Dell 9200 price weekly since April, and two weeks after I bought the HP the Dell price came tumbling down...it broke my cheap little heart, but I've since remembered all the troubles and pain caused by my Dell laptop. I think I swore a few times that I'd never buy another Dell (how easily we forget). But paired with a 22" Hanns.G monitor and Canon MF4150 all-in-one printer, the HP is a beautiful system, and everything works seamlessly.

I might add that my son plays Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings (the video games) on our machine, and the video card does a superb job. I wouldn't expect it to keep up with a high framerate game, but for our purposes it fits the bill perfectly.

Another thought: I originally scoffed at the built-in TV tuner card, but after the monitor arrived, I started Windows Media Center, and just for fun set it to record all the episodes of SpongeBob and Simpsons for my kids that it could find...a week later, and they have dozens of episodes (with 200 GB still left on the second hard drive) to watch. I call it "Daddie makes dinner (or mows the lawn) time". With a portable media player coming in a few weeks (ARCHOS 605), I've started compressing the recorded episodes to 100MB each with a DivX converter...at that rate, the player will easily hold all of our DVDs plus day's worth of cartoons.

By the way, let me share a naughty secret: Windows Media Center records in (what looks like) a proprietary .DVR-MS format. But drop that file into the included MyDVD Basic program that comes loaded on the m8120n, and guess what it does first? It asks if it can transcode (i.e., convert) the Media Center file into a different format...really, what it seems to be doing is stripping the DRM (digial rights management, i.e., copy protection), leaving you with a generic mpeg video file. Nice. (Update: I've been reading up on DRM, and realize my recordings thus far are not protected content...will update again later if MyDVD can indeed convert protected files.)

HP and Microsoft put the WOW factor into this Media Desktop
On the M8120n Microsoft and HP have teamed up to put the WOW factor back into personal computing. The Vista home premium works to perfection and the HP support software and personal help line make using and supporting this computer a pleasure. Most of my questions are handled through a search function in Vista that takes me to answers. The HP telephone support line seems to be always available even at 11 PM PDT with fewer than 5 minutes to get a live person who is knowledgeable.

My objective for this desktop was to run investment and home office applications and it does that without breathing hard. I thought the four processors in the machine would be overkill, and I guess it is because it never labors under the most demanding workloads with multiple applications running at the same time. At the same time I have been backing up, running Schwab Street Smart Pro, running a DOS program in the background, OneNote, word, using Quicken (a total of 95 processes) and showing CPU utilization in the 27% range and memory use of 1.56 GB out of the 3 GB available. The high speed memory is 3 GB, the maximum that the 32 bit Vista can handle; you have to go to 64 bit Vista to address more memory.

The media capabilities were an afterthought for me. But what do you do after the markets close...opt for entertainment. And this machine has plenty of it. I hooked the 7.1 sound card to my Yamaha AV processor though the SPID digital cable out to the CD in on the Yamaha. That combination produces Dolby Digital or DTS surround sound through the speakers already cabled to the Yamaha. I set up a simple $10 antenna to receive 28 digital TV stations in Orange County, many of them broadcasting in HD. I haven's hooked up the cable antenna yet, but that is additionally available. TV show recording is a snap, one button to record a single show or a series; it is easier to use than my Time Warner cable recorder. The DVI cable from computer to the HP w2207 monitor provides the single cable HD content. With the HP remote control all multimedia selections are one click away. I discovered that while listening to disk stored music, a simple click for slide show randomly displays pictures from my picture gallery.

A few hassles were encountered but solved quickly though HP live support. The wireless keyboard didn't work out of the box and the support person told me about the reset button that got them to sync up. The combination CD/DVD LightScribe player seems to address all available CD and DVD formats, however the support person told me about incompatibilities with some media manufactures, he mentioned Memorex, but my Memorex DVD-ROM reads and writes OK. Overall, this machine will not disappoint and provides the WOW above your expectations.