MediaDirect is actually an installation of Windows XP Embedded. It allows you to listen to music, watch DVDs, and other things without booting up the full Windows XP/Vista installation. When I tried it, it took the same amount of time to boot that as my Ubuntu installation. If you installed Linux yourself, DO NOT hit the MediaDirect button to start your machine or you will risk hosing your boot sector. Once booted, however, you will find that the button is yet another key, and you can go to System -> Preferences -> Keyboard Shortcuts to configure what it does. I have it set to launch Rhythmbox.

More information: http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/odg/media_direct_jump?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd

Message Edited by dasunst3r on 12-23-2007 09:36 AM

This is the first time I read anything about "embedded windows" on a linux based system purchased from Dell. On my wifes 1420n which has the downloaded Dell default 7.1 (replaced factory 7.04) pressing the media direct button will bring up a Dell splash screen and start grub which boots normally. Once her system is up and running the button will start Rythmbox in Ubuntu and Amarok in Kde. Prior to reading about the "embedded windows" I was led to believe that the media direct function is for windows based systems. I will have to read up on that.

Message Edited by PaJoe on 12-28-2007 05:10 AM