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HP Media Center M8020N Desktop PC (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2 GB RAM, 640 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Premium)
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Average customer review:
Product Description
HP M8020N Media Center 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.
Product Details
- Brand: Hewlett-Packard
- Model: M8020N
- Original language: English
- Dimensions: 10.75" h x 15.16" w x 7.60" l,
- CPU: Intel Core Duo 2.13 GHz
- Memory: 2000MB DDR2 SDRAM
- Hard Disk: 640GB
- Processors: 2
Features
- Powerful multimedia desktop with TV tuner (NTSC/ATSC), personal video recording functionality, and programming guide
- 2.13 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 dual-core processor, dual 320 GB hard drives (640 GB total), 2 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
- 54g Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), 10/100 Ethernet, NVIDIA GeForce 7350 LE video card (with 128 MB of video memory)
- Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (with Media Center capabilities)
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Product Description
The easy-to-use HP m8020n 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 390 hours on the dual 320 GB hard drives (for a 640 GB total). 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 2.13 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 dual-core processor, which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance. 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 2 GB of installed RAM (8 GB maximum), Nvidia GeForce 7350 LE video card (with 128 MB of 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: The Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 processor has a 2.13 GHz processor speed, amazing 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and an extra-large 4 MB L2 cache. (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.)
The Intel Core 2 Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:
- Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.
- Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
- Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
- Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.
This processor also includes Intel's Viiv technology, which enables you to quickly turn the PC on and off (after initial boot) with a touch of the included remote thanks to Intel's Quick Resume function. It also offers specially-designed software that makes network configuration easy, for connecting to portable media players, DVD players, TV sets and stereos.
- Hard Drive: The dual 320 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives (7200 RPM) provide an astounding 640 GB storage capacity--enough for storing up to 390 hours of television programming, a vast multimedia collection, or for editing digital video. These SATA hard drives also quicken the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.
- Memory: The 2 GB of built-in memory (2 x 1024 MB, PC4200, DDR2 SDRAM) is a good start right out of the box, and it offers a very fast 533 MHz speed. This desktop has a 8 GB maximum RAM capacity (8 x 1 GB), perfect for high-def video and 3-D gaming.
- 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 4x DVD-R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R DL Write Once, 16x DVD+R, 8x DVD+RW, 16x DVD-R, 6x DVD-RW, 5x 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 a wireless HP multimedia keyboard and wireless optical mouse (with up to a 16-foot range) as well as a remote control.
Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 7350 LE, which features 128 MB of dedicated graphics memory and can provide up to 400 MB of total available graphics memory as allocated by Windows Vista. Nvidia's exclusive TurboCache technology allows direct rendering from the GPU to system memory by leveraging the bi-directional PCI Express bandwidth. The TurboCache Manager dynamically allocates memory for maximum system performance while intelligent software algorithms maximize application performance. It also offers an integrated audio card that can produce high definition surround sound configurable to 8 speakers.
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This desktop has an integrated 54g wireless LAN that's fully compatible with 802.11b/g wireless networks. 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 three PCI expansion slots (occupied), one PCI x16 Express slot (available), two 5.25-inch bays (one available), one 3.5-inch bay (occupied), 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
- Headphone and microphone jacks
- Audio output: digital audio out, 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+
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.
What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Media Center m8020n 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.
Customer Reviews
Great Computer -Vista Compatibility Problems Bad
I recently bought this HP computer from Amazon with great delivery time. I am very disapointed with the Vista operating program compatibility with not being able to use programs and hardware from my old HP computer. An existing great quality HP 5370C scanner not only won't work with Vista but HP advised me that they were sorry but there would be no support in the future to use this scanner with Vista and that I should "consider upgrading to a newer HP product". My new HP Pavilion Vista computer will not accept my Broderbond "The Print Shop" a popular program that I use daily and was told by Broderbond that they did not even have a version of The Print Shop available yet for Vista users. My existing Pinnacle movie program will not operate in Vista.
I phoned HP customer service and asked them if there was any way I could get XP software in place of the Visa program in their new computer and they said "no". I felt they should at least set up a procedure for new computer purchasers to get XP with some sort of discount that they can use until equipment and software designs catch up with Vista's advanced marketing.
The Visa system itself appears to be a great program for what I can observe so far but let the buyer beware that the compatibility with programs and hardware from their old computer can be expensive and impossible to use many cases. I am dissapointed that Microsoft and HP haven't made this information more available but then they appear to be looking out for their interest and cerainly haven't properly warned the new Vista users of this probable problem.
Lack of upgradeability - Owner Beware
As desktop computers go, this is an excellent computer when ran out of the box. I've had great experience with the machine since I bought it last month from BestBuy. However, you can run into upgrade problems in several areas. I first ran into an issue in attempting to upgrade to an nVidia GeForce 8800 GTS graphics card. This is the first card to support DirectX 10 for graphics and gaming which is the native DirectX on Vista. So to experience all that Vista has to offer in that area, I needed the right card that understood the technology.
To run the card, requires at least a 400W power supply whereas the computer comes with 300W. I purchased a Antec 500W power supply from CompUSA since that is what they had available at the time I purchased the card (a PNY model from CompUSA). I switched out the power supplies setting the cables in all the proper places. That went fairly okay except the main power input on the motherboard is situated in such a way that it takes anywhere from 10 - 30 minutes to set due to the deterity required to move the connector in place. Definitely not designed for easy swap. Disconnecting the connector from the original power supply was just as difficult.
Eventually I got all of the components connected to the new power supply, but had an issue with the second hard drive since they planted it squarely on the bottom of the computer base. Motherboard layouts sure have changed quite a bit in the last several years. I had to remove the TV Tuner card to make this last connection, took about an hour after that to make the connection since the length between SATA hard drive power connectors was a hair of an exact length between the first connector to the first hard drive and the second one on the bottom. These connectors are on the same cable. There are two cables with two SATA connectors and an alternate configuration would not have worked.
Anyway, with all of the power connections to the existing components done, I proceeded to install the graphics card. The first problem is that the graphics card is twice the length and double the height of any previous graphics card that I've seen come with computers over the years. A thick card that means you have to give up a slot. The card doesn't use two slots, it only connects to one slot but it is high enough to take up the space covering a second slot so that the second open slot is unavailable to other components. The length of the card was also a problem in this computer where all the components are arrange in such a way that there is barely room. One online source stated that even if the card was successfully installed, there could be cooling issue as a result of the space consumed.
I eventually had to temporarily remove the TV tuner card that came with the computer to more easily slot in the card. When I re-inserted the TV tuner card, I noticed that it left only a 2 - 5cm space between the top of the TV tuner card and the bottom of the nVidia fan/fin cooling case. Finally I connected the PCI-E power cable to the card and was ready to test.
Anyway, none of this mattered because after 3 hours of work, the computer would not power on. After several tries, I decided to switch power cords going into the power supply from the outside. I had one coming from an uninterruptible power supply and one from a normal surge protector. No change. I double checked all the connections. By this time it was 4 in the morning and I decided to give it a rest.
When I woke up, I still had a computer that wouldn't power on. I decided that I needed to get my computer working again. I restored the computer to it's original configuration and put back the old power supply. No problems there and everything is working as before (hence this review). I then set about doing something I should have done before. I called HP. I told them my goal as to the graphics card and what I had done with the power supply. They told me that the computer's motherboard only support up to a maximum of 350W. I simply said thank you and moved to my next option. I called the Geek Squad at Best Buy since that's were I bought the computer from. I initially told them my goal and they said it shouldn't be a problem to upgrade and that they upgrade that model all the time. Then I told them what I had done previously and what the HP technician told me and they said they don't know why they told me that (regarding the power supply) but that they are probably right. I asked about returning the computer but I was past the 14 days.
My original goal was to have a computer with great graphics and most of the other good features of a computer at a bargain price. I thought about getting a great overall model and then upgrading only those aspects I needed. HP consumer model computers do not seem to be ameniable to this approach. Due to the time, money spent, and disappointment I would have been better off with a less expensive DELL model that great components as to graphics, power and processor that I could upgrade in terms of more commonly compatible and available components such as memory and hard drives. That's assuming that going from SATA to SAS hard drives would be any easier. Perhaps not but there are more options in that area as opposed to limits on power supply and expansion card headroom/cooling.
Perhaps eventually, the HP model that I am stuck with will benefit from newer graphics cards that support later technologies on lower power, but if not, it is an expensive lesson learned. One of the reasons you buy desktops over laptops is the expandability and if that is becoming less a possibility, then I would guess experiences like this could steer more consumers towards laptops higher in expense than their desktop counterparts.
Though I'd like for the graphics card I bought to work, I will be researching the ATI 2900 cards to see if they are less in physical surface area and power requirements. Regardless, I'll be returning the nVidia Card and the power supply (since I bought them yesterday) if I can.
Reasonalby nice monster
Got one of these boys about 2 months ago. Has many good possibilities, Vista is a pain, more updates than spam, doesn't recognize numerous programs and hardware. Overall Vista is pretty good. H.P. tech support needs their own tech support. If you can understand them they can't help and tell you to call back in the day and talk to a tech? There backup disc system has some type of problem, I spent 8.5 hrs doing a system backup(?)only to come up with a blank disc ( dvd dl ).They don't have a clue. Ran a check on all drives and they checked out. They don't know why I can't get into sleep mode, by keyboard shortcut or menu bar.Machine shuts down and goes into the sleep mode but boots right up again, changed settings manually but no help.I like the machine but there's a lot of bugs to work on. The 640g harddrive is 2 320's. I also have to agree on another comment about the do it all dvd dr, it is a little on the cheap end. Only thing it comes with is a quick set up guide, no backup discs for anything, I got lucky when I talked to them the other day, they're sending a set of backups(oh boy,something free...)
