Noob Question xp media on dell laptop?

Dextur

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I have a really decent Dell XPS laptop I barely use and I was wondering if there's any reason I can't use it as my media station PC?

I have an external TV tuner box I purchased with it from Dell

Can Windows MC be installled over xp? Is it even available to purchase like that or do you have to buy a new media pC to get xp media center?
 
Its OEM only, which means that you can't just buy a Retail version but it must be sold with "qualifying hardware". Some dealers interpret this to mean just the MCE remote, so do a search.

MCE won't install as an Upgrade to XP without serious hacking around.

If you want to watch/record TV, make sure you use a TV tuner that is MCE compatible, many aren't. And your Video card will need to be a reasonable spec too on the MCE list. I guess its an ATI, see the ATI website for a list.

You could try the Vista Beta, which has MCE built in.
 
Thanks Andy , appreciate the help.

Will vista be possible from an xp upgrade do you know?

Do you know any good sites for media pc info / reviews etc ?
 

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