Once you go cablecard, you can't get away from it. Every channel available anywhere you want to put an extender. Add whatever else you want since Vista will take it, but if your media habits mean that the critical feature of a HTPC is a DVR, then you need cablecard.
That means pre-built and Vista
And the cheapest is Dell, especially with multiple tuners. HP is close in price, but the 1 tuner limit sucks.
The Chromebooks are here, starting with Samsung's Series 5, a cute little number that promises instant-on access, 3G connectivity, and long enough battery life to web surf with the best of 'em.
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Dell XPS 420 is the cheapest media center computer you can get right now that has cablecard slots.
Once you go cablecard, you can't get away from it. Every channel available anywhere you want to put an extender. Add whatever else you want since Vista will take it, but if your media habits mean that the critical feature of a HTPC is a DVR, then you need cablecard.
That means pre-built and Vista
And the cheapest is Dell, especially with multiple tuners. HP is close in price, but the 1 tuner limit sucks.