One of the best things about this laptop is that it runs the Windows Media Center operating system. This means that the computer is a fully functioning PC that you can use to check your email, surf the Web, create documents, and install programs, but you can also use it to access multimedia functions easily. The Windows Media Center operating system works basically like Windows XP. The additional Media Center features let you easily work with photographs, audio, video, and television. If you already know how to use Windows XP, you will be able to easily use this type of computer.

This laptop is well-designed, attractive, thin (1.5”) and lightweight at 5.47 lbs.   My XPS M140 has a Pentium M 760 Processor, 1 GB memory, and an 80 GB hard drive.  It is one of Dell’s first 14.1-inch wide screen notebooks. It has a wonderful display with excellent clarity. The multimedia navigation keys on the front of the laptop are quite useful.

The computer itself is extremely easy to set up for basic use. However, information on attaching and setting up the television component was sparse. First, you attach the television tuner and your television cable. If using a cable or satellite box, you must also attach an infrared receiver to the box. Then you have to wade through the choices for choosing your television program schedule. In spite of my complaining, a Media Center computer like this is still easier to set up than a TIVO. With the proper documentation it could be even easier.

The integrated 5-in-1-memory card reader lets you transfer your pictures to the computer by simply inserting your camera card right into the computer. The Media PC software makes it easy to create slideshows. It is also easy to transfer music from CDs right to the computer.

This computer does not come with a lot of software. It has only Corel WordPerfect word processor and a 3-month trial security subscription. Yet, it can handle just about any software that you throw at it.

The real beauty of the machine, however, is in the television integration and the recordable DVD. You can use the on-screen guide to choose programs to record. Or you can record by choosing from a list that includes title, category, and keyword. You can record every instance of any show with a few simple mouse clicks. The guide is very well done, allowing you to go forward and back in 12-hour increments. All television functions can be controlled by the remote. It is easy to use, but get your glasses out! The buttons and labels on remote are quite small.

The television recording functionality is wonderful. My granddaughter, who lives in Sweden, loves Sesame Street but she can’t get that program over Swedish television. With this Media Center PC and its built-in DVD burner. I was able to record all the Sesame Street adventures, burn them to a DVD and send them to her. It is much easier than using a VCR and playing around with those bulky tapes.  

The most difficult thing about a Media Center PC is deciding where to position it in the room so you can use it to watch television and also work with it as a computer. Because this Dell is a laptop, it can also be easily disconnected and used in other areas of the home. With its built-in wireless connectivity it is especially useful if you have wireless Internet in your home.

One additional feature on this laptop is a special Dell MediaDirect technology, which is an instant-on technology that allows for easy access to the multimedia content without having to boot the entire operating system. The only minus for this Dell is that the TV Tuner is external. This is actually a trade-off for the laptop functionality. It makes no difference in usefulness, but it does add another component and more wires to the PC mix.

The standard battery lasted a respectable 4+ hours in my testing. This XPS also includes 4 USB ports, a Firewire port, S-video connector, modem, and Ethernet connection. In fact a Bluetooth connection was about the only thing not included in my review unit, but it is available for a slight additional charge.

I really enjoy using the Windows Media Center operating system and I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a Media Center PC right now. However, this OS, as well as the hardware that runs it, will continue to improve. Some major changes will be coming when the Microsoft Vista operating system appears sometime in late 2006 or early 2007. If you are in the market for a laptop before then, this is one to look at!

Dell XPS M140 Notebook Computer for Home

Manufacturer:  Dell

Price:  $1379 as reviewed