posted 05-29- 05:57 PM               

Just thought it looked cool.

Now if only I could fit a computer into that size of case.

posted 05-29- 07:01 PM               

I wanna know when the "console" is going to replace the computer...

With the Microsoft X-Box, the transition will have begun. After my 13 years of PC desktops, I'm kinda tired of computers.

Plus I miss the "home computer" era, where you could buy something fun for less than $300.

posted 05-30- 12:40 AM               

Less computer?

Ya lost me man.

posted 05-30- 08:50 AM               

Its not a computer.

posted 05-30- 12:46 PM            

I was just going to comment about how the PC and Console markets are rapidly converging and will probably cease to exist as seperate markets in the not too distant future. Evidenced by the availabiltiy of keyboard and mouse and soon even a printer for the PS2 and the common hardare between PC and the upcoming X-Box (GF3). I think this is a good thing.

posted 05-30- 01:20 PM            

Specialized game hardware can be less expensive. It requires less hardware, much less redundancy and can be coded more efficiently due to complete standardization.

Specialized game hardware allows the "loss leader" approach to selling games and consoles. Makers can recoup discounts on the hardware by selling more software. This model won't work at all for a general PC since no one will accept a PC that will only run Microsoft licensed software (e.g. no demos are shareware or freeware or home development).

These things will keep dedicated consoles cheaper than actual computers, plus a computer requires an expensive and dedicated display.

The ideal place for a console and a computer are also very different. People like to play video games on thier TV in the living room, no one wants to use a computer there.

There have been "hybrid" products before, besides the Colecovision there was the Atari 5200 (console version of the popular Atari 800 computer) and the Amiga (computer conversion of an abandoned console).

posted 05-30- 02:34 PM            

I think that perhaps there will always be some dedicated gaming consoles but that what you will see more and more of (especially as PC processor power continues to grow) is the ROM encoded OS's used by consoles becoming avaialbel as a mode for a PC to operate in. Example, X-Box is using pretty much all PC born hardware with some minor twaeks - the OS for the hardware is on a ROM. Same said ROM could be ,quite easily, incorporated into a PC's archiotecture allowing you to switch over from a standard HD borne OS for your standard apps and ROM games sytem OS for your crash free gaming experience. As for the monitor issue, I think you will see more gaming platforms move to support monitors and HDTV as well as regular TV's becasue as the visually fidelity abilities of the console increase the limiting facto will be TV resolution (already is actually). Besides, the line between monitors and TV's is rapidly blurring (LCD flat panels used for TV are virtualy identical to those used for PC's (a single chip and interface difference in most cases). The logical progression of the TV and the monitor is a single universal device capable of displaying virtually an input you feed to it.

posted 05-31- 09:21 PM               

Although Microsoft makes most of its money in the business world, any sale lost is basically lost pure profit.

The reason Microsoft is selling X-Box at below cost is to fight off Sony, to, in effect, protect Microsoft's market from errosion.

As any long time observer should know, the Japaneese have been trying to take over the US computer market (home and otherwise) since the early 80s. The PlayStation is just the latest tactic.

The problem the Japaneese have had is their inability to outpace US software development. Software is where the money is (hence Microsoft's size and strength).

posted 05-31- 11:08 PM               

Love games, dating games just general WACKINESS.

LOL, that said alot of the kick ass console games come from Japan, Metal gear solid, final fantasy, heck all kinds of them.

Sony also takes a loss on its consoles, specially right now since it built the factories that pump out the parts for the PS2.

They have more cash invested in this venture then most of us could comprehend.

Not that the other companies don't also.