Xbox Next and Xbox Next HD are planned for Autumn 2005, whereas the Xbox Next PC is pencilled in for Autumn 2006. The standard Xbox Next will not include a hard drive, which will allow Microsoft to cut costs on this basic unit. Xbox Next HD, as you might imagine, does include a hard drive and will offer increased functionality based on this. Xbox Next PC is, according to the presentation, an entry-level PC that runs Windows and all standard PC software. It also includes CD Burner, Wireless keyboard, mouse and controller and will work best connected to a high-definition TV or PC monitor. Media Center functionality - like movies, music and photos - is also included. The device will also play most available PC games.
So, we can expect Xbox Next in 2005-one with a hard drive and one without. I wonder what this is going to do to the price gap between the two units. I can't imagine that ANY gamer wouldn't purchase the hard drive version in favor of the base model. Even if the cost differential was $75 or $100. Now that we got introduced to the useful and now very necessary hard drive which allows us to RIP custom soundtracks and play them in our games, I don't think Gamers are going to want to back to the old days of 'Developers taste is what you get.'
Are you guys more inclined to purchase the Hard Drive Model or Base Model? As far as the Xbox PC goes, well, I don't think people are going to purchase another PC to play games when they already have a PC in their home.
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