My Favorite Media Center

I've tested more than a few media-center PCs in recent months, including my beloved Gateway 610 (I even bought one), and my new favorite by a longshot is the WinBook PowerSpec MCE 410.



As you can see, it looks like a sexy stereo component, which automatically gives it an advantage over media-center PCs that look like, well, PCs. Even better, it's priced at just $999 (after a $200 mail-in rebate). Admittedly, it's not the most powerful system of its kind--it has only one TV tuner and it doesn't support HD--but it's still up to the task of replacing your VCR, DVD player, stereo components, and so on.

Better yet, pair it with WinBook's 30-inch LCD, which does support HDTV and also sells for $999 after rebate. It's a fairly entry-level LCD, but fine for most users and definitely a bargain. I am seriously tempted to put these two components in my family room, as they'd eliminate a ton of cable clutter and take a lot less space than my current hodge-podge of home-theater hardware.

Plus, and I can't believe I'm saying this, I really like Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005.