I did that upgrade this week on a Dimension 8400 that came with MCE 2004 because I wanted a second TV tuner. Though it did fill my last unused PCI slot.
I did a complete rebuild and everything came together nicely with no problems.
I haven't yet explored many of the changes made to Media Center. The two features that I have found useful so far is the display of scheduled recordings, and the improved ability to resolve conflicts when I have scheduled more than two recordings at the same time. The only glitch is that in one place they added a menu item at the top so I keep making the wrong selection there.
I bought mine at newegg.com. You can find other slightly cheaper vendors through pricewatch.com.
Microsoft requires that you buy hardware in the same purchase. I went for a black NEC 3520A dual layer 16X DVD burner at $65 rather than trying to find something cheap to satisfy the requirement.
The additional TV eHome tuner cost $57, but you can save a few bucks if you get the version without the FM tuner on it.
So my total cost on the upgrade plus second TV tuner plus DVD burner is roughly $250. I did download a trial full version of PowerDVD 6.0 to get the DVD decoder (which Media Center needs for viewing TV), so that cost will go up some if I decide to buy that.
I'd like to understand better. I have to become a "System Builder" to get MCE 2005?
I looked at newegg and saw MCE 2005 OEM for $131. I see "*Must be purchased with hardware*" but I don't see where/what hareware is specified. Is there more information somewhere in case I was brave enough to attempt this?
This is ridiculous that Dell is not offering an upgrade path for customers who recently purchased systems with 2004 MCE on them. I also bought an 8400 late last year and would like to take advantage of the HDTV capabilities in 2005 but Dell says sorry, no upgrade. Sony and HP are both offering an upgrade at no charge for their customers. Dell should take a hint....
bjoy
18 Posts
0
January 15th, 2005 01:00
dallison
5 Posts
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January 16th, 2005 00:00
Where and how did you get the upgrade?
Thanks for you help....
bjoy
18 Posts
0
January 16th, 2005 01:00
dfcd
2 Posts
0
February 1st, 2005 14:00
I'd like to understand better. I have to become a "System Builder" to get MCE 2005?
I looked at newegg and saw MCE 2005 OEM for $131. I see "*Must be purchased with hardware*" but I don't see where/what hareware is specified. Is there more information somewhere in case I was brave enough to attempt this?
sborgardt
1 Message
0
February 10th, 2005 21:00
simpswr
2 Intern
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3.2K Posts
0
February 11th, 2005 01:00
kenneths
7 Posts
0
February 11th, 2005 22:00
Hmmnnh! So far we have:
Offers upgrade - Newegg, other online discount shops
Supports upgrade - Microsoft
Offers and supports upgrade - Sony, HP
Doesn't offer or support upgrade - Dell, Gateway
Undecided - Burger King, Google, eBay
Any more points on the curve?
newbies99
4 Posts
0
September 26th, 2005 02:00