Get a Blu-ray/HD DVD media center PC for $749 shipped (plus tax)
(Credit:
HP)
I'm no fan of Windows Vista, but I absolutely love Windows Media Center (which comes baked into most versions of the operating system). It turns your PC into a full-fledged DVR, one that supports multiple TV tuners, requires no TiVo-like subscription fees, and pairs very nicely with HDTVs.
Hewlett-Packard has a pretty killer deal on the Pavilion Slimline s3300t, a compact but feature-packed media center with a surprise inside: a Blu-ray/HD DVD combo drive. That's right: for $749.99, less than the price of a hybrid high-def DVD player, you can get an entire media center PC.
I'll let you peruse the full specs for yourself, but suffice it to say, this is a really well-equipped system: dual-core processor, 500GB hard drive, 256MB graphics card with HDMI out. I recommend spending an extra $80 on the optional TV tuner, which supports both over-the-air HD and analog cable/satellite connections.
To get this deal, you need to follow the configuration options outlined at Deals2Buy. Don't worry if the totals seems off; everything comes out right at the end. The discount coupon that lops $300 off the price expires February 16. I have to say, I'm giving serious consideration to replacing my old media center with this powerhouse.
Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog. 
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