I don't think I've changed my mind about Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005.  As a geek, though, I can appreciate the new features and functionality.  And, after I play around with the new version, I might change my mind.  Who knows...  I better "Drink the Koolaid" quickly, though - I'm presenting at two of the OEM and System Builder roadshows that AMD & Intel are hosting.

There's been a lot of buzz with the release of the new version.  This time, too, there seems to be a lot more industry support of the initiative, which is always good news.  Instead of reinventing the wheel and doing my own review, I thought I would point to some others that have done some great work looking it over for us:

• http://www.htpcnews.com/main.php?id=mce2k5_1 - Joshua Shipmann has done an 18 page (very thorough!) review of MCE 2005.  With every screenshot imaginable and tons of great insight.  [Thanks to Bink.nu for the link.]

• http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/windowsxp_mce2005.asp - Paul Thurrott has also done his own review of MCE 2005.  He says, "Well, I'm blown away too. You can call this release a minor revision, a point release, or whatever. I can't hear you. From where I stand, this is a lifestyle revolution. And from here on out, life will never be the same."  [Thanks again to Bink.nu for the link.]

• http://www.majornelson.com/blog/2004/10/media-center-2005-launch-event.html - Major Nelson points to the complete video from the Media Center 2005 Launch event.

• http://www.furrygoat.com/PermaLink.aspx?guid=ccc57a9d-352f-4627-87a4-1a99dd6a1c48 - Steve Makofsky points to a couple of cool add-ins to MCE 2005 - mceWeather (shows your weather forecast among other things) and mceContacts (you can have all of your contacts, addresses, and telephone numbers available at a click of the remote).

• MCE 2005 Readiness Center (if you're a registered OEM System Builder) - https://oem.microsoft.com/script/contentpage.aspx?pageid=551794

• Jeff Fansler has "Fallen In Love" with MCE 2005.

• Microsoft has released the "Windows XP Media Center Edition Test Kit v2.0" which includes a collection of utilities to give OEMs and device driver developers the capability to evaluate their readiness for Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005. [Click Here to Visit the Microsoft download site.]

• thegreenbutton is an enthusiast-supported online community for Windows XP Media Center Edition.  There is a ton of resources here for the MCE enthusiast, including a download center which lists third party utilities and add-ons for MCE.  Ever want to play solitaire on your home TV?  I bet that looks cool on a 50" plasma.  ;-)

• Some additional 3rd party add-ons and points of interest - PPC Remote over IP (www.rudeo.com/mce), Home Control (www.homeauto.com), Email (www.classmce.com/go/ContentServlet.aspx, MAME Frontend (www.classmce.com/go/ContentServlet.aspx and TVTonic (www.tvtonic.com/mce).