Alienware DHS 2 - A/V Component-Sized MCE 2005 PC

[James Fee]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/377/alienware_dhs_2' target='_blank'>http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/377/alienware_dhs_2</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Slim, silver, and beautiful is how one can describe Alienware's latest DHS 2 A/V component-sized entertainment PC. Running Window Media Center Edition 2005 this powerful PC features a Intel P4 processor (2.8 – 3.6GHz) or 2.53GHz Celeron, built-in 16x Dual Layer DVD±R/RW CD-R drive, front panel controls (play, pause, fast forward, skip, rewind), PCI-Express 915 chipset, up to 4GB of RAM, dual TV tuners, built-in 802.11g, and up to 250GB hard drive. And to top it all off, Alienware has licensed and installed DISCover Console Technology that allow users to drop in PC games and instantly boot them as if they were using a gaming console like an Xbox."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/alienware_dhs_2.jpg" /><br /><br />OK. this is exactly what I'm looking for in a MCE 2005 PC. The size and form are perfect to fit in my home theater system. Hopefully more and more manufacturers will start creating these component sized MCE systems in the future.

[Felix Torres]

Yes, this is *exactly* the kind of PC folks *should* have been building all-along.
And Alienware has both the reuptation and distribution channels to make this the benchmark for all others.

Only question is: how many can they actually build? :twisted:

[James Fee]

Only question is: how many can they actually build? :twisted:Probably not enough but I don't think that is really a big deal. If other more "mainstream" manufactuers can take it from here, then we'll all be better off.

What I'd like to see is a collaboation between an A/V equipment company and a computer maker (Such as Onkyo (http://www.onkyousa.com/) and HP (http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/generic_category.do?catLevel=1&amp;landing=desktops&amp;category=media_center&amp;storeName=computer_store)). Then we might see some better designs.

[Felix Torres]

Only question is: how many can they actually build? :twisted:Probably not enough but I don't think that is really a big deal. If other more "mainstream" manufactuers can take it from here, then we'll all be better off.

What I'd like to see is a collaboation between an A/V equipment company and a computer maker (Such as Onkyo (http://www.onkyousa.com/) and HP (http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/generic_category.do?catLevel=1&amp;landing=desktops&amp;category=media_center&amp;storeName=computer_store)). Then we might see some better designs.

Actually, given what each outfit brings to the game, I'm thinking ONKYO could do it alone.
The PC tech is generic and readily available in Chine.
The added value is on the media side of the equation.

What I find most interesting is, where are the japanese?
The China/Taiwan axis is pretty much set to take over the hardware side of the Media-centric PC business, yet we hear nothing from the Japanese CE companies.
Except for Sony and their off-the-scale priced systems... :?

[The Yaz]

This system does look sweet. I actually have been trying to save up for the HP model that was talked about on this site a while ago. This is the HP link:

http://www.shopping.hp.com/cgi-bin/hpdirect/shopping/scripts/product_detail/product_detail_view.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0352752800.1102002382@@@@&amp;BV_EngineID=ccejadddemlfimhcfngcfkmdflldfjl.0&amp;landing=computers&amp;category=desktops/hp_dec/z500_series&amp;subcat1=rts&amp;catLevel=4&amp;product_code=PN065AA%23ABA&amp;tab=detailed_specs#defaultAnchor

The HP's advantage in my book is that my current A/V setup is all black, and that the wireless keyboard w/ trackball looks serviceable.

Steve 8)

[Phoenix]

This product looks fantastic. Great features. Perfect for an entertainment system.

Now if they just work on the appearance a little bit more (maybe make the silver strip in the middle and the sides all black or offer a nice custom paintjob), I'd be all for it.

:D

I'd be interested to see what the wireless keyboard and remote look like.

[mcsouth]

8O WOW!!! I still love the Hush from yesterday's news, but this unit is pretty incredible for the price! I spec'd out a unit similar to the Hush that I looked at yesterday, and instead of the $3650 that Hush wants, the Alienware comes in at $1661 after a $150 mail-in rebate.

Wonder if I can talk the wife into making this a family christmas present? :D