Question about OS differences

Ok, so I'm looking at getting a laptop before I head to Washington to study and have a quick question about OS's for my future computer.

What exactly are the differences between Windows Media Center 2005 and Windows XP Professional? The only difference that I personally know right now is the price, which is why I thought I would ask someone who knows the differences before I make my final purchase decision.

Thanks in advance :-)

Media cnter is just regular windows XP with an extra piece of software that will give you a pretty interface designed for remote control navigation:

http://www.audioholics.com/news/uploads/MCE2005screen.jpg

the only thing I'm trying to remember is if media center is on top of Xp pro or home. I'm fairly sure is on top of pro.

Cool. I'd much rather have it on top of pro than home :smile:. Thank you :biggrin:.

XP Media Centre has the same networking limitations as XP Home. It is the prettier interface, but the networking limitations are you can't join a domain and your sharing is limited. What do you want to use it for? If you need it at college or work on a Domain you'll be stuffed.

My advice: get XP Pro. If you're attached to the pretty bits, we can suggest some plugins and utilities to dress it up like Media Centre Edition.

Well, I'm going to be studying/working in Washington D.C. this fall (from August 23-December 13) and will need it basically as my main computer the entire time, as well as something to use often when I come home.

Right now I'm looking at probably getting it on an Alienware notebook (the Area 51-m5500 for anyone curious) and was wanting to know differences so that I could make a good choice when I configure my options.

Just go with xp pro and save yourself the time and headache of dealing with the trouble associated with it just because it looks pretty.

I'm with Dave - get XP Pro, and install the hack to make it like Media Centre edition if you want. PM me if you can't find the hack, I have it somewhere.