MSI - MSI MEGA 180 nForce2 SFF Review

WhiningDog.net has reviewed the MSI MEGA 180 small form factor (nForce2 IGP & MCP-T):

MSI Computer entered the small form factor PC market last year with the MEGA PC product line. MSI differentiated the MEGA PC from the competition by integrating home audio functionality into a small form factor PC. The MEGA acronym itself stands for MSI Entertainment Gaming Appliance – an unusual name considering that the product line is not targeted to the gaming audience but rather to home theater PC market. The MSI MEGA 180 improves upon the original product offering with a new chassis design, upgraded system specifications and new user interface software. The MEGA 180 is indeed a unique product – it is both a powerful computer and a home audio component, but does this integration succeed? Come on in and join us as we evaluate the MSI MEGA 180.

…The MSI MEGA 180 is a unique mix of audio and computing functionality. The system can operate as a standalone home stereo unit capable of playing back CDs, MP3’s and radio stations. It can also operate as a full featured powerful Windows desktop computer featuring a high end AMD Athlon XP processor. MSI includes the flawed MSI Media Center application which is a poor attempt to replicate the Microsoft Windows Media Center Edition interface. Our verdict with the software? Stay away from it. If you choose to stay away from the Media Center application then the LCD display becomes useless. The LCD display will only function under Windows when the Media Center application is running unfortunately.

Ultimately the MEGA 180 falls a tad bit short of a full fledged home theater PC. The MSI MEGA 180 is a great standalone computer and a decent home stereo unit but attempts at combining these two functions results in a somewhat clunky user experience. If you’re looking for a home stereo system first and a PC second, then do yourself a favor and get a real stereo system. The MSI MEGA 180 is an improvement over the original MEGA system but MSI still has work cut out for itself. If you can accept the flawed remote control and bundled software, then the MEGA 180 has all the makings for a good small form factor PC. However, good looks aside, this system ultimately needs further improvements to make it worthy of consideration by the home media enthusiast.

Review of the MSI MEGA 180 @ WhiningDog