Another Windows 7 RC Post

I can almost fully endorse Windows 7 Media Center. The beta DivX mkv splitter shows some real promise, and if it can one day support high bitrate h.264 video and subtitles, then I'd give it full 100% approval. If a person really wants a stable, turn key HTPC that supports every media type well, it seems like you still have to stick to Vista, but Windows 7 has UI and feature improvements that are most welcome.

- Movie Library for Extenders
- Shared Recordings
- TV Pack features are stable
- native h.264 and .m2ts support

For me personally, I think I'm willing to live with a few minor mkv issues in exchange for those improvements. If I was building a box for someone else though, I'd push them towards 3rd party codecs and plugins to get most of those features out of Vista. As third party develops work on tools like a Media Foundation mkv splitter though, then Windows 7 Media Center will be complete.

Shopping for a laptop in 5 easy steps.

#1- Do you have any special needs? If yes, ignore this post. Let your needs do the shopping for you.

#2- What's wrong with a $1300 MacBook?

#3- Could you get away with only having Office, AIM, iTunes, and Firefox on your computer? If so consider a netbook. Asus Eee PC 1000HE Install a 2GB ram chip if you can.

#4- Desire really good battery life? HP Pavilion dv5-1235dx +6 hours max, C-net tested it to be well over 4 hrs in straight video playback. Normally people should cut in half whatever the manufactorer/retailer says (even Apple's claims), but this guy does 2/3rds what's claimed under stress, which is good.

#5- Toshiba Satellite A305-S6916. Power of a MacBook at 2/3 the price. Also available well under MSRP.