<p>I just bought a new laptop with windows xp media center edition and was wondering if xp pro was required to connect to the network. thanx.</p>
<p>no.. it's not required. why would it be?</p>
<p>Just curious - what kind of laptop did you get? Do you mind sharing some specs, including screen size? DS is leaning toward desktop, but I think laptop is the way to go.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Well there some networking functions aren't available/are disabled in other versions of windows, so I just wanted to make sure. As for the laptop, I got a dell e1505 with 15.4" wsxga+. It has a 1.83 ghz core duo processor, ati x1400 graphics card, 1 gb ram, 80 gb 7200 rpm hard drive, built in wireless, dvd burner, etc. With a laptop like this you really don't need a desktop. Dell always has $750 off $2000 coupon codes online and their computers are pretty good in terms of quality/reliability. Couldn't resist. If you need more detailed specs I'll be glad to list them. You might want to check out the forums at notebookreview.com for advice/tips/etc.</p>