Sorry to say, I wondered the same thing myself. I ordered a Dell MCE Pc on the 1st of October, it was delayed until at least the 28th of this month. So I ordered one minus the memory that supposedly was holding this one up, only to be told that it was delayed "due to some software" and their was not any ETA. So I cancelled today, figuring three weeks just to find out there was not an estimate of when I could get a PC was too much for me - tonight I ordered a HP MCE Computer, let's hope it makes it.
I order a Dell 8300 Dimension on the 16th, and I was told it would ship on the 23rd, and the item is now on hold until the 30th. I called Dell and asked them what the hold up was, and they kept skipping the question. They just said, It will be shipped shortly. The funniest part about the situation is, on my order status page, It shows it is being boxed. I think they may have run out of Dell Boxes. They can use Gateway or HP Boxes, just as long as the PC inside is a Dell!
Let me know if you get your PC soon!
Thanks, Lance
P.S. I called up Dell Order People and told them since they didn't keep the delivery date they promised, they should upgrade my shipping to 2 day for free, and they did! Give it a try yourself!
To answer your question about the hard drive in the 4600, yes you can add a second hard drive. I researched that prior to ordering my 4600 (which I cancelled) - I couldn't stand the frustration any longer of not knowing if/when I would get the PC. So I was going to do the HP Media Center PC and ordered one from compusa.com - only to find out it would take up to a month - AARRGGGGGGGGGHHHHH!
So - after researching the media edition PCs and being less convinced that I "had to have it" - I went for the refurbished Dell - the advantage being I would get a better video card and then I could order the TV tuner card and get a better TV tuner also - which I did. Dell is having fantastic deals on the refurbs this week, I saved nearly $700 over "new" with same configuration.
Now I am eligible for the Dell Media Experience upgrade and I will have my own media center PC -
I got:
Dell Dimension 8300 3.0 GHz with HT & 800 FBS - 768 MB Dual Channel 400 mhz ram - 120 gb Hard Drive - DVDR/RW-CDRW - 16x DVD - XP Pro - 128 mb Radeon 9800 Pro Video, Soundblaster - Wireless keyboard & mouse and Hauppauge PVR 350 with FM radio --- all for less that the 8300 Media Center PC that I had ordered -
and best of all, it is on it's way!
Robin
GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND LET US KNOW WHEN YOU GET YOUR NEW PC!
I have the same thing going on right now ... I wonder if it's sitting on the "boxed" step because it's really still in testing. Maybe they found an issue with MCE, or the testing spiral is much longer due to the complexity of the new functionality of MCE. (That was a mouthful! )
At any rate ... I'm looking forward to getting that PC.
Does anyone know if there is space inside the Dimension 4600 to add another hard drive? Also - if I can't add another hard drive, shouldn't I be able to remove the one they send me and install the system from the Dell restore disk? Hmm ...
I purchased a dell 8300 on oct 7th. After 2 delays i decided it was time to cut ties with dell and just my media center pc from another OEM. Went to best buy and bought a new HP. 2.8 ghz, 160 gb, dvd+rw/cd-rw, ati radeon 128, 512 mb ddr...printer and 17 in lcd monitor, all for $18999.00
No delays obviously, and took out my new hp out of the box, set it up, one hour later, i'm watching and enjoying my new media center pc.
My advice to you individuals, go out and buy one, don't wait for dell's MMC Pc. I don't know how much you guys are spending on your pc's, but if it's anywhere near mine, you should just out and purchase one at your local retail stores. You might find a deal that is better than what deal is giving. and one of dell's downfall with the MMC is the weak 64 mb all in wonder ATI card. My tv picture quality is clear and so far no problems...hope i helped...
I finally got sick of the delays, and I am going to buy an HP which is faster, bigger hdd, and more ram for $1499 w/ DVD Burner! It is the M370n! I would seriously conider looking at that model. My local American TV store includes a free monitor, and free printer with mail-in rebates also! Not a bad deal. Kinda of glad now that my Dell got put on hold!
The HP is a very tempting machine - if you are serious about it, go to compusa.com - they have the n380 model which is 3.0Ghz, 160 gb hard drive, 512 mb ram - dvd burner and dvd player - 200 W speakers, lots and lots & I think it was $1499 (no monitor) but I thought that was a great price. Let me know how you like the HP, I was sooo tempted, but then Dell marked the refurbs down this last week and I think I got a great price on what I purchase but I did so like the HP -
Just in case anyone was following this thread - my computer is on it's way. FedEx'ed overnight and should arrive tomorrow. If you are still waiting, I suggest that you call Dell and ask them to expedite your shipping. The best way to get that done is to be firm, yet not an jerk.
Good luck - and as you get your systems, give us all a report!
So how is your Dell System? I returned my first HP PC (m370n) due to some problems within the software, and I was told that the M370n came with a Wireless Keyboard & Mouse. It didn't come with that, so I returned it for the M380n which comes with a Wireless Mouse & Keyboard along with a GeForce FX 5200 card instead of the ATI card.
Glad to see that you got your shipping upgraded for free!
Keep us updated. I am very curious. Have any problems with Media Center software yet beside the propietary naming convention when burning recorded Tv programs. I highly recommend buying Sonic Primetime. Makes a great DVD which can be viewed on any DVD player or PC if you want to burn your TV shows to DVD. The Software is only $79 on Sonic's website which you can download and install instantly. No Shipping & Handling Charges. What a change!
how is u're Hp going for you, any problems with software or anything else? Are things running smoothly... I was just wondering because i bought the m370n which you had and returned. Have you tried any of the online spotlight movies yet...
I have tried the movielink spotlight and the movie downloaded fast and is watchable for a 24 hour period. Have experimented with musicmatch and wondering whether or not to go with the premium service they are offering. Have not tried the new napster. Currently i am experimenting with Hp's image software and windows movie maker. Just finished making the "picture movie" with audio background. I haven't tried burning it to a dvd yet. My next experiment is to burn my recorded shows onto a dvd using sonic's primetime. I'll keep you updated.
If it's not too much to ask, can you plese verify what you have experimented with too, actually that goes to all the users on here with MMC. thanks for your time
My PC posted the same message 3 times, so I am trying to think of something different to say in this message. What is the experience people have had with the Dell? Also, What is the deal with Caller ID included in the Windows Media Center? I don't think mine has that.
Lance R.
Message Edited by packerman8 on 11-03-2003 07:01 PM
Dude, I should of probably bought a dell but My HP M380N has a been an awesome PC so far. It flies, It was very cheap for what it includes. My M380N though does have a defective DVD-Writer which is suppose to be replaced tomorrow by Fed Ex Overnight.
I have not used any special software so far except the Sonic Primetime which I really love. It makes creating DVDs so easy. I can now view my DVDs on any TV or PC now. It does seem somewhat slow for making DVDs though but I can't complain too bad.
One problem so far with the HP Media Center PC. When I start the Norton Anti-virus subscription I get a Windows Media Host Center Module has crashed everytime I start the PC. The only fix I found for it was, by creating a new administrator Profile.
Lance R.
Message Edited by packerman8 on 11-03-2003 07:00 PM
rempson
51 Posts
0
October 22nd, 2003 00:00
Sorry to say, I wondered the same thing myself. I ordered a Dell MCE Pc on the 1st of October, it was delayed until at least the 28th of this month. So I ordered one minus the memory that supposedly was holding this one up, only to be told that it was delayed "due to some software" and their was not any ETA. So I cancelled today, figuring three weeks just to find out there was not an estimate of when I could get a PC was too much for me - tonight I ordered a HP MCE Computer, let's hope it makes it.
Good Luck To You!
packerman8
27 Posts
0
October 24th, 2003 20:00
I order a Dell 8300 Dimension on the 16th, and I was told it would ship on the 23rd, and the item is now on hold until the 30th. I called Dell and asked them what the hold up was, and they kept skipping the question. They just said, It will be shipped shortly. The funniest part about the situation is, on my order status page, It shows it is being boxed. I think they may have run out of Dell Boxes. They can use Gateway or HP Boxes, just as long as the PC inside is a Dell!
Let me know if you get your PC soon!
Thanks,
Lance
P.S. I called up Dell Order People and told them since they didn't keep the delivery date they promised, they should upgrade my shipping to 2 day for free, and they did! Give it a try yourself!
rempson
51 Posts
0
October 24th, 2003 21:00
To answer your question about the hard drive in the 4600, yes you can add a second hard drive. I researched that prior to ordering my 4600 (which I cancelled) - I couldn't stand the frustration any longer of not knowing if/when I would get the PC. So I was going to do the HP Media Center PC and ordered one from compusa.com - only to find out it would take up to a month - AARRGGGGGGGGGHHHHH!
So - after researching the media edition PCs and being less convinced that I "had to have it" - I went for the refurbished Dell - the advantage being I would get a better video card and then I could order the TV tuner card and get a better TV tuner also - which I did. Dell is having fantastic deals on the refurbs this week, I saved nearly $700 over "new" with same configuration.
Now I am eligible for the Dell Media Experience upgrade and I will have my own media center PC -
I got:
Dell Dimension 8300 3.0 GHz with HT & 800 FBS - 768 MB Dual Channel 400 mhz ram - 120 gb Hard Drive - DVDR/RW-CDRW - 16x DVD - XP Pro - 128 mb Radeon 9800 Pro Video, Soundblaster - Wireless keyboard & mouse and Hauppauge PVR 350 with FM radio --- all for less that the 8300 Media Center PC that I had ordered -
and best of all, it is on it's way!
Robin
GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND LET US KNOW WHEN YOU GET YOUR NEW PC!
GLecko
13 Posts
0
October 24th, 2003 21:00
I have the same thing going on right now ... I wonder if it's sitting on the "boxed" step because it's really still in testing. Maybe they found an issue with MCE, or the testing spiral is much longer due to the complexity of the new functionality of MCE. (That was a mouthful!
)
At any rate ... I'm looking forward to getting that PC.
Does anyone know if there is space inside the Dimension 4600 to add another hard drive? Also - if I can't add another hard drive, shouldn't I be able to remove the one they send me and install the system from the Dell restore disk? Hmm ...
Greg
JayG22
5 Posts
0
October 26th, 2003 05:00
I purchased a dell 8300 on oct 7th. After 2 delays i decided it was time to cut ties with dell and just my media center pc from another OEM. Went to best buy and bought a new HP. 2.8 ghz, 160 gb, dvd+rw/cd-rw, ati radeon 128, 512 mb ddr...printer and 17 in lcd monitor, all for $18999.00
No delays obviously, and took out my new hp out of the box, set it up, one hour later, i'm watching and enjoying my new media center pc.
My advice to you individuals, go out and buy one, don't wait for dell's MMC Pc. I don't know how much you guys are spending on your pc's, but if it's anywhere near mine, you should just out and purchase one at your local retail stores. You might find a deal that is better than what deal is giving. and one of dell's downfall with the MMC is the weak 64 mb all in wonder ATI card. My tv picture quality is clear and so far no problems...hope i helped...
Jay
packerman8
27 Posts
0
October 27th, 2003 00:00
Lance R.
Dell Stock Holder Even
rempson
51 Posts
0
October 27th, 2003 08:00
The HP is a very tempting machine - if you are serious about it, go to compusa.com - they have the n380 model which is 3.0Ghz, 160 gb hard drive, 512 mb ram - dvd burner and dvd player - 200 W speakers, lots and lots & I think it was $1499 (no monitor) but I thought that was a great price. Let me know how you like the HP, I was sooo tempted, but then Dell marked the refurbs down this last week and I think I got a great price on what I purchase but I did so like the HP -
GOOD LUCK!!
Robin
GLecko
13 Posts
0
October 30th, 2003 23:00
Just in case anyone was following this thread - my computer is on it's way. FedEx'ed overnight and should arrive tomorrow. If you are still waiting, I suggest that you call Dell and ask them to expedite your shipping. The best way to get that done is to be firm, yet not an jerk.
Good luck - and as you get your systems, give us all a report!
packerman8
27 Posts
0
October 31st, 2003 13:00
So how is your Dell System? I returned my first HP PC (m370n) due to some problems within the software, and I was told that the M370n came with a Wireless Keyboard & Mouse. It didn't come with that, so I returned it for the M380n which comes with a Wireless Mouse & Keyboard along with a GeForce FX 5200 card instead of the ATI card.
Glad to see that you got your shipping upgraded for free!
Lance R.
wilperez
2 Posts
0
October 31st, 2003 18:00
packerman8
27 Posts
0
November 2nd, 2003 03:00
Keep us updated. I am very curious. Have any problems with Media Center software yet beside the propietary naming convention when burning recorded Tv programs. I highly recommend buying Sonic Primetime. Makes a great DVD which can be viewed on any DVD player or PC if you want to burn your TV shows to DVD. The Software is only $79 on Sonic's website which you can download and install instantly. No Shipping & Handling Charges. What a change!
Lance R.
JayG22
5 Posts
0
November 3rd, 2003 19:00
Packerman8
how is u're Hp going for you, any problems with software or anything else? Are things running smoothly... I was just wondering because i bought the m370n which you had and returned. Have you tried any of the online spotlight movies yet...
I have tried the movielink spotlight and the movie downloaded fast and is watchable for a 24 hour period. Have experimented with musicmatch and wondering whether or not to go with the premium service they are offering. Have not tried the new napster. Currently i am experimenting with Hp's image software and windows movie maker. Just finished making the "picture movie" with audio background. I haven't tried burning it to a dvd yet. My next experiment is to burn my recorded shows onto a dvd using sonic's primetime. I'll keep you updated.
If it's not too much to ask, can you plese verify what you have experimented with too, actually that goes to all the users on here with MMC. thanks for your time
Jay
packerman8
27 Posts
0
November 3rd, 2003 22:00
My PC posted the same message 3 times, so I am trying to think of something different to say in this message. What is the experience people have had with the Dell? Also, What is the deal with Caller ID included in the Windows Media Center? I don't think mine has that.
Lance R.
Message Edited by packerman8 on 11-03-2003 07:01 PM
packerman8
27 Posts
0
November 3rd, 2003 22:00
Dude, I should of probably bought a dell but My HP M380N has a been an awesome PC so far. It flies, It was very cheap for what it includes. My M380N though does have a defective DVD-Writer which is suppose to be replaced tomorrow by Fed Ex Overnight.
I have not used any special software so far except the Sonic Primetime which I really love. It makes creating DVDs so easy. I can now view my DVDs on any TV or PC now. It does seem somewhat slow for making DVDs though but I can't complain too bad.
Any other questions, Just ask!
packerman8
27 Posts
0
November 3rd, 2003 22:00
One problem so far with the HP Media Center PC. When I start the Norton Anti-virus subscription I get a Windows Media Host Center Module has crashed everytime I start the PC. The only fix I found for it was, by creating a new administrator Profile.
Lance R.
Message Edited by packerman8 on 11-03-2003 07:00 PM