After researching the various models/companies selling branded pc’s in the Indian market shortlisted HCL Beanstalk....Then the dealer revealed the best kept secret in the pc market..An HCL Media Center PC at an unbeliveable and unadvertised price...These usually went at +60K..But after removing some frills (unwanted for a regular user) a model was available for 43K’s !!
The configuration::
P4 with 2.4 GHz (More than most people need)
17’ monitor
256MB RAM
DVD ROM (got it replaced by a CD-RW as I already have a dvd player)
40GB Harddisk
GE Force FX 5200 AGP card with TV out
Happauge TV Tuner card
Window XP Media Center Edition
ATP3 Altec Lansing Speakers (Cool tall speakers!!)
It came loaded with Norton antivirus and the dealer was kind enough to load all other required softwares (pirated) and threw in a headphone cum mic.
The cabinet is cool black with silver lining.
The HCL monitor delivers great picture clarity and the graphics card runs all the media intensive applications and 3D graphic intensive games with great aplomb.
Media Center means that this can be used as a TV and one is able to record programs (after connecting the cable cord) at pre defined timings.FM stations can be tuned to play crystal clear music on the fabulous Altec Lansing speakers.
Also one can pause and play live TV !!
Comes with a chunky remote.(for the couch aloos!)
You can play your favourite TV show in a small window while working furiously on your office power point presentation at the same time or using the pc for some other work.
All in all a complete media center for your home at affordable price and would be great as a second TV as well....And yes it comes with 1 year onsite warranty and the service is not bad at all .