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

Average customer rating:

Good feature set, but questionable build quality

Watch TV on your computer, Not really?

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

Manufacturer: Hewlett Packard Office
ProductGroup: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers

Desktops | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
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Accessories:

APC Notebook Surge Arrest Protector (PNOTE1)

Sennheiser MX500 Lightweight In-Ear Headphones (Blue)

Memorex 700MB/80-Minute 52x CD-R Media (100-Pack Spindle)

Sony MDR-NC11 Fontopia Noise Canceling Headphones with In-line Volume Control

Apple 15 GB iPod M8946LL/Aß(3rd Generation)

Product Features:

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

1MB L2 Cache

800 MHz FSB

1GB PC3200 DDR SDRAM (expandable to 4GB)

4 RAM Slots (2 available)

ASIN: B0006BKGAW

Product Description

This full-featured Media Center PC is ready to deliver your digital photography and entertainment experiences right from your desk or sofa, with easy access from anywhere in the room. Includes an HP personal media drive bay and camera dock holder.

Amazon Product Description

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.

Customer Reviews:

Good feature set, but questionable build quality.......2005-01-11

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.

Watch TV on your computer, Not really?.......2004-12-28

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.

Product Description

14.1" XGA LCD. Model: DP-N02H457. Description: Sold as LCD , inverter, flex cable and plastics. Compatible with the Dell Latitude C600 C610 and the Dell Inspiron 4000 4100.

Product Description

The PENTAX 67II combines medium-format 6x7 capabilities and excellence with an impressive range of additional features to enhance performance and improve handling. It features a TTL direct metering sensor to offer advanced TTL auto flash operation for speedy, accurate flash photography. An effective image area of 55mm by 70mm for sharper resolution, superior image quality, and less grain. A user-friendly dial control to simplify metered-manual and bulb operation. And the highly acclaimed extra-bright PENTAX natural-bright matte focusing screen. The PENTAX 67II offers exceptional operational convenience, supreme maneuverability, and legendary performance. The camera of choice for discerning professionals and advanced amateurs.

Product Description

Users seeking innovative 2.4GHz cordless telephones won't be disappointed by the new Panasonic KX-TG2205W. The KX-TG2205W includes a 10-number speed dial memory. All of the new cordless telephones offer the long-range communications of 2.4GHz Digital operation. They offer, long-range security to help reduce the chance of eavesdropping, and enhanced voice clarity. Panasonic's 39-Channel Auto Scanning System, which searches for the next clear channel before the user even places a call, further ensures that calls are clear. This model also includes a handset locator, programmable tone/pulse, hold, mute, ringer control (off/low/high) with six selectable patterns, low battery indicator, any key answer, headset jack, handset volume (low/med/high). It is a wall mountable.

Amazon.com Product Description

The Panasonic KX-TG2205W 2.4 GHz GigaRange digital cordless phone offers the power of digital transmission combined with 39-channel operation, and streamlined functionality. The handset houses speakerphone capabilities, volume control, last five number redial, an out-of-range indicator, and also offers a headset jack and belt clip for hands-free operation. The base offers a convenient navigation button to help access additional phone features.

What's in the Box
Base station, handset, NiCD battery, AC adapter/charger, belt clip, telephone line cord, instructions, warranty information

Product Description

RAINBOW - 1/3" W FOCUS AUTO IRIS DC TYPE W 4-PIN CS MOUNT FOCAL LENGTH: 6.5-39MM MAX RELATIVE APERTURE: 1:1.4 IRIS: F1.4-APROX 360 W/ ND ALL GLASS OPTICS 4 Y

Average customer rating:
Panasonic 21IN/20.0V 25MM 1600X1280 71Hz S110I Flat Tco MPrii Esc

Manufacturer: Panasonic
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

All Monitors | Monitors & Projectors | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
20-Inch & Over | CRT | Monitors & Projectors | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Accessories:

Jensen JF25 Stereo Headphones

Belkin HDDB15M/F PC Monitor Extension Cable (6 FT)

Belkin F2N025-10 VGA HDDB15M/F Monitor Extension Cable (10 FT)

Koss R-10 Home Headphones

Belkin F2N028-06 VGA Monitor Replacement Cable

ASIN: B00004Z9YE

Product Description

A PC monitor is the line of communication between the user and the computer. That makes choosing a monitor one of the most important decisions to be made when planning a computing environment. Panasonic, a major supplier of PC monitors in a wide range of sizes and capabilities, has prepared this monitor for you. It features crisp, bright, high-contrast images, low screen glare and multiple user controls. This model meets the most critical demands and possesses a real quality from Panasonic.Panasonic offers this 21" multi-scan color display (VIS 20.0"). The S110i has 1,600 x 1,280 maximum resolution NI, 0.25mm dot-pitch. This model features the enhanced on-screen adjustment menu.

Average customer rating:
ONKYO SKSHT530B Home Theater Speaker Kit

Manufacturer: ONKYO
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Home Theater Speaker Systems | Speakers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Speaker Systems | Home Theater Systems | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Onkyo | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics | Home Audio
Product Features:

Max Power - 110 Watts (Front, Surround and Center Speakers)

Nominal Impedance - 8 ohm

7.1 Channels comprise of 7 surround speakers and 1 powered subwoofer - 2) 2-Way Bass Reflex Front Speakers (5 Cone x 2, 1 Balanced Dome Tweeter) / (2) 2-Way Bass Reflex Front Surround Speakers (5 Cone, 1 Balanced Dome Tweeter) / (1) 2-Way Bass Reflex Center Speaker (4 OMF Cone x 2, 1 Balanced Dome Tweeter) / (2) 2-Way Bass Reflex Rear Surround Speakers (3.13 Cone, 0.75 Balanced Dome Tweeter) / (1) Powered (230 Watt) Subwoofer with 10 Bass driver

High-Density Cabinets

Magnetically Shielded

ASIN: B0009QYAYW

Product Description

7.1 channels, that's 8 speakers providing room-filling sound for your home-theater environment. Onkyo has developed this system as a simple way to assemble speakers that can be attached to any 7.1 channel home-theater receiver. Acoustically matched, these speakers span a wide frequency-response range from deep lows to bright highs with natural tone qualities that optimize your A/V experience. Shelf Mounting Color-Coded Terminal Posts Frequency Response - 55Hz-50kHz (Front Speakers), 60Hz-20kHz (Surround and Center) Frequency Response - 25Hz-150Hz (Subwoofer) Subwoofer Weight - 30 pounds Dimensions - 10.81 x 20.38 x 16.19 inches

Product Description

. RTA(Ready to assemble). Incorporated cable management. Highly polished 10 mm thick glass shelves. Steel mesh accents. 300 lbs. top shelf capacity. 50 lbs. lower shelf capacity

Average customer rating:
Officeconnect 10/100 Lan Cardbus With Connector

Manufacturer: 3Com
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Desktop Adapters | Wired Networks | Networking & Online Communication | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics | PCI Network Cards | USB Network Adapters
Accessories:

10/20GB TRAVAN TR5 USB TAPESTOR 85MB/M with MEDIA SW

ASIN: B00006BA4G

Product Description

Lower costs and increase productivity by connecting your notebook PC to your office LAN with the 3Com OfficeConnect 10/100 LAN PC Card. This PC Card delivers reliable, high-quality 3Com networking features in an easy-to-use solution designed specifically to meet the needs of small businesses. You easily access your office network to share Internet access, files, e-mail, printers, scanners, applications, and more. This PC Card is easy to install. In just a few minutes you're ready to access your 10 Mbps Ethernet or 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet network. The PC Card automatically configures for either network speed, so you can upgrade your network anytime without buying a new PC Card. The 3Com OfficeConnect 10/100 LAN PC Card is a core part of the OfficeConnect family of products, providing small businesses with the power to share information, connect remote locations, and access the Internet. Delivering the advantages of networking to small businesses, the market-leading OfficeConnect system helps small businesses streamline operations, effectively manage costly resources, and increase communication within and between offices.

Product Description

Samsung is well aware of the fact that a company's future lies in the hands of the customer, thus customer satisfaction is considered in all matters. Samsung Electronics' business philosophy stresses providing the products that customer need, judging them from the customers' point of view, and satisfying customers with advanced technology and services.Samsung provides all its products with a wide range of reliable power accessories to ensure smooth and uninterrupted performance thus enhancing customer's satisfaction.

Customer Reviews:

MonsterPower Delivers.......2004-08-10

I ordered a Samsung replacement battery SB-L320. It was delivered in two days or so, very promptly. My questions before the sale were immediately and accurately answered. The battery, as far as I can tell, works very well, and I cannot think of one area where this experience does not merit excellent.

Alex

Average customer rating:

Nice compact system.

SONY = Stops Operating Next Year

review for Sony CMT-NEZ3 Micro component system

Very Pleased

CD changer died after a few months

Sony CMT-NEZ3 Micro System

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
All Sony | Sony | Custom Brands | Custom Stores | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics
Executive Desktop Systems | Audio & Video | Sony | Custom Brands | Custom Stores | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics
Shelf Stereo Systems | Compact Stereos | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Combo Receivers | Receivers & Amplifiers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
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Accessories:

Monster PowerProtect AC 200 2 AC Outlets (MP AC 200)

Ray Charles, Genius Loves Company (Monster Music High Definition Surround Sound CD SUPERDISC)

David Benoit, 40th Year Anniversary Charlie Brown Christmas (Monster Music High Definition Surround Sound CD SUPERDISC)

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Monster Cable MP AV600 Power Protector

Product Features:

Great sound for dorm rooms, offices or other small spaces

Top-loading CD tray supports CD, CD-R/RW, and MP3 CD

Synchronized CD/cassette dubbing

20 Watts of total power

AM/FM radio with digital tuning

ASIN: B0007XHLXY

Product Description

The Sony CMT-NEZ3 Micro System delivers full, rich sound from a system that fits on your bookshelf. Load up your favorite albums or your own MP3 mixes in the top-loading CD tray and enjoy deep bass and vibrant high-end sound. Record to a cassette tape easily with the CD Synchro Record. Get 20 watts of great sound in your office, kitchen, dorm room or any small space you'd like to fill with big sound.

Amazon.com Product Description

Looking for a powerful system that can fit on a bookshelf or atop a dresser? The Sony CMT-NEZ3 micro system fits the bill, offering full, rich sound in a svelte package. The top-loading CD tray is great for playing traditional audio CDs, CD-R/RWs and even CDs with MP3 music files. Use the cassette deck to play those old tapes you love, or use the CD synchro record function to make your own mix tapes. Of course, there's also an AM/FM radio. The unit boasts 20 Watts of total sound, great for your office, kitchen, dorm room or any small space you'd like to fill with deep bass and crisp, dynamic highs.

Customer Reviews:

Nice compact system........2006-02-24

I bought this for my "technology challenged" parents and they were able to use it easily. The controls are very logical. Sound is not bad either, but it is not high powered, and there are no separate bass and treble controls. For the money it is a good deal because you can play cassettes, CDs, and an AM/FM radio.

SONY = Stops Operating Next Year.......2006-02-20

This unit looks nice and plays nice, until it doesn't anymore.

This piece of crap worked for only 3 months and was turned on about 10x only, as it stood in my bedroom where I only seldom listen to music. It went dead all of a sudden, and Sony doesn't honor the limited warranty !!

Apparently, what I have (a short circuit, that prevents me from turning the unit on) is a common defect and it's even MENTIONED in the owner's manual (ie if you get standy flashing, you're in trouble!).

I had several bad experiences with Sony, this will be my last. My advice is stay with Panasonics, they're way way way better.

review for Sony CMT-NEZ3 Micro component system.......2006-02-19

The unit was satisfying as advirtised in all ways.

I thought the the max volume limitation at peak was not as close to what the unit could produce, (maybe at least 20% more without distortion) as the volume control will not go farther than allowed by the unit.

The clock in the dark is useless, as it is not bright enough to see from any distance.

Lastly, their is NO audio out port to allow any singals from the 3 audio sourses that play well through excelent speakers of shelf size to be transmited to another source, be it a computer or another sound sytem.
The headphone output could be used for computer input use, but this signal is amplified. Strange how this missing audio out port is on some lesser systems, and not this one. (there is an audio in port, but isn'nt that sort of useless, if this unit has 3 good audio sources?)

The unit's size is fine for an office, liv room or den and is not a sound sytem to have a giant party with, only background music.
A treble control would have also been useful, in additon to the bass boost of at least 10 %, but I suppose bass background is more pleasant than treble boosted signals.

Overall, the unit does the job in my studio, and for the price was far above others in qualtiy, size and performance.
I assume an equalizer would have driven the price up, as well as a higher max volume level.(I would have paid an extra $20.)
You get what you paid for, and in this system is fully advirtised corrrectly.

Very Pleased .......2006-02-01

I had been searching for a mini MP3 system for some time. This one arrived in just a couple of days, was easy to set up, and I have been playing it constantly ever since and love it. I was a little sceptical about ordering a refurbished model, but am pleased to say, it worked out very well. Would highly recommend this model for someone who wants a simple mini system. The sound qualtity is great.

CD changer died after a few months.......2006-01-24

The system looked great, and was a great price, but after a few months the CD changer died. And wouldn't open with my CDS in it. And of course you threw out the box--so how are you going to ship this not so micro thing back? And how much is that going to cost-it's heavy. And so you have a $99 radio.

Product Description

MONSTER CABLE SMC-1, SIDE-MOUNT BATTERY CONNECTION

Customer Reviews:

Side Mount Battery Connection.......2002-08-19

If you have a vehicle with side battery terminals, then you NEED this product.

I recommend getting two; one for the positive and one for the negative. It makes it easier to connect (and disconnect) amplifiers and other 12 volt gear.

I used a pair on every General Motors vehicle I have previously owned.

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics