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FEATURES
DECEMBER
Microsoft’s new
Media Center OS
is powerful and
sophisticated. But
can it topple Tivo?
We take a look at five
Media Center PCs.54
Media Centers
45
The Great Geek Gift Guide
Thanks to Elf Laborers’ International
Union Local 41 for opening up their
workshop and showing us the coolest
gifts and gadgets for geeks rich and
poor alike!Contents
DECEMBER 2004 MAXIMUMPC 7
Every hardware category offers a number
of excellent products. But only one gets
our vote for Gear of the Year. Put on your
party hats and check out the best of 2004.30
Gear of the Year