Intel's Prescott makes multimedia play

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Hmmm...

While standard desktops will sport these technologies, the E PC--a computer that resembles a set-top box--will highlight these changes. The E PC is a full-fledged Prescott/Windows XP machine that sits on a TV and serves up music, recorded TV programs, photos and other media files, Intel President Paul Otellini said at CES. Rather than a keyboard, it is operated with a remote.

Well, I just bought a set-top box at Wally World that will spit out DVD/VHS/VCD video (and record to VHS) and MP3/WMA audio, plus PhotoCD stills. It has digital audio in/out for my home theatre amp, plus is HDTV capable on DVD/VCD playback. It cost $89.95. It's not a PC.

If these new "living room" PCs cost, say, $79.95, I can see where folks might snap 'em up. Otherwise, why shell out the extra $500-$700 bucks for one? So we can show PowerPoint presentations to the gang during Thursday night poker games? "Gentlemen...I'd like to give a presentation on our recent vacation visiting prime sap-gathering areas in Maine." Nope, I don't think that's worth the extra bucks. Surf the Internet? Well, I've got two relatives who bought those little Internet appliances to do email. They cost about $100 (not including Internet access). Those two relatives have no desire for a PC. They already have the DVD players, home theatre setup, big-screen TV...all that rot. Not really much reason to have a PC in the living room unless you're really a gadget freak. Most folks aren't.

Posted by: Yen_z   Posted on: 01/27/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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