You can get a card to do the same thing if you decide you want to do that tv and radio recording thing later. My daughter has one in her Dell that her father gave her two christmases ago. I think she might have used it a half-dozen times since then. In other words, it's a low priority for us so if this is what makes the Media Center software a big deal, I'd pass on it. In fact, I DID pass on it--when I was looking at HPs last year. I bought the a820n instead. I wish I'd found one with more expansion room (I have to do my expanding from the outside with things attached via cable). They don't seem to make too many tall cases any more, at least they didn't have any there to look at at the time. Dell puts in a bit extra space.

For free and cheap software, you'll find tons of programs at Tucows.com.

SRS