HP Media Center m7250n Photosmart PC (Intel Pentium D Processor 820, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, DVD SuperMulti Drive with LightScribe)

by HP

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 27 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000BIZ84Y
• Item model number: ED842AA#ABA
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 22, 2005

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The easy-to-use HP m7250n Media Center PC is the complete home PC system that delivers more entertainment choices, and brings them together in one place with easy access from anywhere in the room. With the m7250n, you can watch, record, and pause live TV programming as well as schedule the PC to record upcoming episodes or entire series. And you can easily burn your home video productions to DVD for friends and family with the dual-layer, multi-format LightScribe DVD/CD burner, which enables you to store up to 8.5 GB of data on a DL disc. It also comes loaded with Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (Update Rollup 2), which provides support for Media Center Extender technology built into XBox 360 game consoles. It features a hyper-threading 2.8 GHz Pentium D dual-core processor for powering through work as multiple applications hum along simultaneously and without stress, as well as 1 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), extra-large 250 GB hard drive, ATI Radeon x300se video card, TV tuner card with FM tuner, and 5.1-channel surround sound.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: The very roomy 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video.
  
• Processor: The 2.8 GHz Intel Pentium D 820 dual-core processor is one of the strongest processors currently available (as of October 2005). An Intel dual-core processor delivers additional computing resources and help expand the PCÕs capabilities by providing higher throughput and simultaneous computing. You'll be able to perform multiple tasks such as digital rendering and gaming all while running virus scan or other background tasks seamlessly. Each core has 1MB of L2 cache onboard (for a 2 MB total), and the two cores share an 800MHz front-side bus.

  A hyperthreading processor helps a PC run several demanding applications at the same time. This technology enables the processor to execute two threads (parts of a program) in parallel, boosting performance during key high-drain procedures. This results in more efficient software performance, such as faster reaction times in gaming applications, and enhanced multitasking.
  

• Memory: The 1 GB of installed RAM (PC3200) is a good start for this multimedia-centric desktop PC, so you'll want to take advantage of the ultra-roomy 4 GB of total RAM capacity (4 x 1 GB) for such multimedia needs as video editing and immersive 3D gaming.
  
• CD/DVD Drive: Offering the latest in DVD writing technology, the m7250n's multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 4x DVD-R DL Write Once, 6x DVD+R DL Write Once, 16x DVD+R, 16x DVD-R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 2.4x DVD+R DL, 16x DVD-ROM, 5x DVD-RAM, 40x CD-R, 32x CD-RW, and 40x CD-ROM speeds.

  This LightScribe DVD+/-RW drive lets you laser-etch silkscreen quality text and images on to CDs and DVDs . Your software, PC and discs work together for a no-hassle way to burn just the labels you want. After you burn content, just flip the disc over, reinsert and burn your label--anything from a simple title to a full-disc work of art . The m7250n also comes with a second optical drive--a 16x DVD-ROM.
  

• Keyboard & Mouse: This desktop comes with an HP multimedia keyboard and optical mouse (both PS/2), USB infrared receiver, and remote control.

Screen, Graphics and Sound
Video and graphics are powered by the ATI Radeon x300se card, which delivers enhanced visual quality and performance for todayÕs and tomorrowÕs graphics-intensive digital photo, video, and gaming applications. It also supports the newest PC architecture standard--PCI Express--enabling it to send and receive data simultaneously at twice the speed of current AGP 8x solutions. It features 128 MB of video RAM and composite AV, S-Video, and VGA ports. It also features the integrated Intel High Definition audio chip (Azalia), featuring THX certification and 8 channels for full Dolby 5.1/6.1/7.2 surround sound with Dolby Pro Logic IIx.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
The m7250n has three PCI expansion slots (one available), two external 5.25 drive bays (occupied), one internal 3.5 drive bay (occupied), one HP Personal Media Drive bay (available), one PCI x16 Express slot (occupied), and the following external ports on the front:

• 2 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link; 1 front and 1 back) ports for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• Composite video, S-Video inputs
• Headphone and microphone jacks
• 9-in-1 media card reader on the front, compatible with CompactFlash (Type I and II), MicroDrive, SmartMedia, Memory Stick/Memory Stick Pro, MultiMedia Card, Secure Digital, and XD Picture Card

The following I/O ports are found on the back:

• 4 USB 2.0 ports
• 1 FireWire
• 1 parallel
• Video (VGA, composite, S-Video
• Audio (side speaker out, rear speaker out, center speaker out, line-in, line-out, microphone)
• 2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice

It includes an integrated 56K modem (V.90) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems). HP's Personal Media Drive (sold separately) allows you to add even more storage and the ability to take their digital photos on the go to share with friends and family.

Preloaded System and Software
The pre-installed Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (Update Rollup 2) is essentially Windows XP Professional Edition with a variety of tools to help you to create, organize, and enjoy digital media ranging from music to home movies to photo slide shows. The Update Rollup 2 upgrade offers support for the Windows Media Center Extender technology built into XBox 360 game consoles, which lets you access entertainment from your Media Center PC--whether itÕs live and recorded TV and movies, music, photos or Online Spotlight--on any TV in the house

It also comes preloaded with Microsoft Works (for working with word processing and spreadsheet documents), Symantec Norton Internet Security 2005 (with 60 days of LiveUpdate), PC Doctor, Encarta Encyclopedia 2005, Quicken New User Edition 2005, Microsoft Money 2005, RecordNow, WinDVD Player, Sonic DigitalMedia Plus, Sonic MyDVD Plus, Sonic DigitalMedia Archive, muvee AutoProducer, iTunes.

The included HP Image Zone Plus photo and imaging software makes it easy to organize, edit, share, print, protect, and store your photos and video clips. Organize and find your photos easily by timeline, keywords, and/or location using the unique photo-globe mapping tool. Remove red eye and fix other common problems. Share your photos quickly via e-mails that include thumbnails with links to the full-sized images--without downloading time-consuming attachments.

Dimensions and Weight
This desktop measures 15.16 x 7.6 x 15.54 inches (HxWxD).

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Media Center m7250n desktop PC, keyboard, mouse, USB infrared receiver, remote control, and power cord. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase as well as technical telephone assistance for one year. Software is also covered for 90 days from date of purchase.

Product Description

Includes: HP Media Center remote control, IR (infrared) receiver, HP multimedia keyboard, HP optical mouse, Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, Norton Internet Security 2005 AntiSpyware Edition (60 days of complimentary live updates), Works 8, & more. HP Media Center m7250n Photosmart PC - The m7250n comes with some of the latest in computing technology, and adds some interesting entertainment features that you don't normally find in a desktop PC. Like a built-in TV tuner, which lets you watch, record, and pause live TV; and Microsoft's Media Center Edition 2005 operating system. Unlike Windows XP, MCE 2005 gives you a graphical user interface that is designed to let you easily access your multimedia content via remote control! 4 RAM Slots - (2 available) 250GB 7200RPM SATA HDD DVD SuperMulti Drive with LightScribe technology - (writing speeds) 8x Dual Layer DVD+R, 4x Dual Layer DVD-R, 16x DVD+R, 16x DVD-R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 16x DVD-RAM, 40x CD-R, & 32x CD-RW DVD SuperMulti Drive with LightScribe technology - (read speeds) 16x DVD-ROM & 40x CD-ROM 16x DVD-ROM Drive ATI RADEON X300 SE PCI-E graphics card with 128MB of memory & TV Out Intel High Definition Audio with up to 7.1 surround sound capabilities Built-in TV Tuner (NTSC) with personal video recorder and FM tuner (antenna included) 56k Fax Modem Front panel 9-in-1 memory card reader - supports Smart Media, xD, MultiMedia Card (MMC), Secure Digital (SD), Compact Flash I/II, Micro Drive, Memory Stick, & Memory Stick Pro Ports - 10/100 Ethernet, 7 USB 2.0 (3 front), 2 Firewire (1 front), 1 Microphone/Headphone/Line-in (front), 1 Parallel, 1 Serial, 2 PS/2 (back), 1 Composite In, 1 S-Video In, & 1 Audio In Bays - 2 External 5.25 (1 available), 1 Internal 3.5 (0 available), 1 HP Personal Media Drive Bay (available), & Camera Dock (available) Slots - 3 PCI (1 available) & 1 PCI Express (0 available) Unit Weight -

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Almost all good - BUT the 5.1 sound system doesn't work....., November 28, 2005

By 

Amy - See all my reviews

This review is from: HP Media Center m7250n Photosmart PC (Intel Pentium D Processor 820, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, DVD SuperMulti Drive with LightScribe) (Personal Computers)

Bought this desktop from AMAZON 10 days ago and really happy that I bought a good product (for I searched all the reviews and compared it with a lot of other desktop models). However, after using it for 5 days and found it had a severe defect for a "media center"- its multi-channel surrounding sound just doesn't work.

I hooked it up with a 5.1 speakers and the rear speakers didn't work.. Spent most my holidays hours speaking with the help desk representatives for 5 days now - and tried almost all possible ways - nothing works. They kept asking me to search "multi-channel manager" in my system, also tried to buy another 5.1 speakers hooking it up and still not work - 5.1 sound systems just simply not come with this PC as they promised.

If you only plan to hook it up with 2.1 speakers - then this may be a good buy. BUT if you want to have a MEDIA CENTER with great SOUND as myself - then maybe should search for other product that provide true surround sound!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars 5.1 speakers do not work, January 16, 2006

By 

Computer person "Computer person" (L. A.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: HP Media Center m7250n Photosmart PC (Intel Pentium D Processor 820, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, DVD SuperMulti Drive with LightScribe) (Personal Computers)

I am unable to get my 5.1 speaker system to work with the m7250n media center PC. I have tried everything I know but the rear speakers do not work when I watch live TV. If I record a portion of the same TV show and then play back the recording, then the rear speakers work. I find this very strange. I have had numerouse discussions with HP support and they don't seem to know how to get the rear speakers to work with live TV. The specifications for the m7250n say that this media center PC will support up to 7.1 speaker system. I believe the manufacture has sold me a bill of goods.

I any person out there can tell me how to configure this PC for 5.1 speakers, I would appreciate it very much. I am also interested to know just how many people are having the same problem.

If any person is contemplating buying a m7250n in anticipation of having quality 5.1 sound, then they take a very long look before buying.

A concerned consumer

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Buyer Beware!, December 14, 2006

By 

Merbert "Merbert Music" (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: HP Media Center m7250n Photosmart PC (Intel Pentium D Processor 820, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, DVD SuperMulti Drive with LightScribe) (Personal Computers)

My first comment is that if you are going to purchase this or any other HP Media Center, you'd better hope it arrives in perfect operating condition or you may experience the worst customer support imaginable. Other than their ignorance, arrogance and absolute unwillingness to listen or document any conversation, there is no method of resolving issues, no matter how far they escalate the case. Secondly, if you use any type of real-time digital music workstation hardware or software, it probably will not work. Windows XP Media Center is not compatible with nearly all music production and editing hardware or software. Altough this is the only operating system that has this flaw, HP did not feel it necessary to point this out on advertising or in any informational material.