3 Versions of the XBox 2

Some have speculated that the next xbox might not have a hard drive; however, having the hard drive will be an option depending on which version of the xbox you get.

http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=19615

A SLIDE from a non disclosure agreement (NDA) presentation seen by the INQ points towards Microsoft launching three versions of the Xbox 2, one of which is a fully functioning PC.

What I don't understand is why make a PC version? It just promotes more illegal use of the xbox.

it think its alme excuse for them to compete with sony and nintendo.... not that they will be releasing other version as well... not yet at least... but really what the point... and as for a pc version doersnt that contradict thier no hdd version?.... -_-

Terrible, terrible idea...hopefully the Inquirer is wrong, or the decision is changed.

The Xbox PC idea is just plain stupid. First of all, most of those who'll want an Xbox 2 will get it within the first year of its release. Second, it'll probably be so expensive, everyone will just go with a PC and xbox 2 regular over this solution.

I'd buy the Xbox HD though and save from buying all those annoying memory cards. What sucks is this guarantees that MS will not be adding any new functionaly to gaming with a HD. I remember when the Xbox was first released, MS didn't stop saying how the hard drive would revolutionize console gaming. That was a load of crap, all it was used for is storing game files.

XBOX PC makes perfect sense for Microsoft.

If they make the XBOX into a PC, then Microsoft becomes more like Apple. Apple makes their money off the hardware. Apple controls the OS and the Hardware so they can make a much more stable system. If Microsoft can do this as well, they will be able to attain a more stable system as well.

Another factor would be software. Would this XBOX PC be a true PC, or would it only run XBOXPC apps? If it only runs XBOXPC apps(which would seem to be the most likely situation), then MS could easily strip out some of the features and recompile their consumer apps to run on the XBOXPC, then sell them much cheaper than the usual Windows versions. For any other apps, companies would have to be licensed to make apps for the XBOXPC as they are for the XBOX.

On top of the above you have XBOX Live. This is already partially tied into MSN Messenger, I would guess that it would be also tied into other apps.

This situation may cause problems for Dell, HP, etc. However, if the XBOX2 runs of of the IBM G5, Microsoft can play all innocent and say they are non competing platforms, etc, etc.