Well, I have no doubt that Microsoft will do what they can to ensure that there are some XBox exclusive games. Still there have been plans for PC and Mac versions of Halo even after Bungie was purchased by Microsoft. You'll notice that the PC and Mac versions are at least 6 months away. This time delayed exclusiveness may be all M$ needs to ensure that PC owners still want an XBox.
Additionally, one of the appeals that M$ has been making to game developers is that ports to XBox will be easy because of the use of Direct X and a scaled down Windows OS. This would imply that they understand some developers will intend to have ports for both the desktop and the XBox.
I don't think that the XBox as is will be able to displace the PC. Perhaps version 3?
You can use Mac specific or any Windows targeted Voodoo2 or Voodoo3 3dfx chipset card in a new mac. Rumors suggest Apple is courting many of the other 3D bigwigs to get Mac support in the near future.
I agree that Apple definitely overcharges for the extra's in a system. I think this matches a large percentage of their users who would rather get it all from one source in one package ready to roll, even if it costs a little more.
Personally I just ordered my G3 bare-bones as possible and then added 3rds party pieces to get it up to snuff...
With IBM's recent release of a reference motherboard design based on the G3 processor several companies have stated they will be releasing systems. Though they may not run the MacOS, they will definitely run Linux. I would imagine that this might introduce some level of hardware costumization in the PPC marketplace.
I also heard a rumor that Apple will be adding the option of having Yellow Dog Linux installed on their build to order web site soon.
I guess the one that that confuses me though, is what options would like to see that aren't available at Apple's build to order Store? When I ordered my new G3, I just made sure to select the processor I wanted with a few built in's such as a zip and DVD-ROM. I then proceeded to order the rest of the components I needed from other sources to save money. Besides RAM, SCSI and Video options it seems that most everything else is included on the motherboard anyway. Currently there is really only one option for high-end video on a desktop mac that will work in the "high speed" PCI slot, so I didn't feel the need to shop around there. I would't be surprised to see Apple offer more options on their own site when more AGP cards get Mac driver support.
Anyway, I diverge...I guess what I want to know is, if the majority of components are part of the system, and the system is reasonably priced for your pocket book, what advantage does a more granular build-to-order option get you?
One of the cool things about that scenario is that it is also rumored that the new G4 desktops will not require the Airport Base Station to serve as a connnection betrween at least 10 airport enabled devices, and possibly more. I wonder if the new iMac's will also be able to server some number of machines sans hub? That would make a small home network even easier for most, since they may not have to buy any additional accesories...just an iMac and an iBook to get started.
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Well, I have no doubt that Microsoft will do what they can to ensure that there are some XBox exclusive games. Still there have been plans for PC and Mac versions of Halo even after Bungie was purchased by Microsoft. You'll notice that the PC and Mac versions are at least 6 months away. This time delayed exclusiveness may be all M$ needs to ensure that PC owners still want an XBox.
Additionally, one of the appeals that M$ has been making to game developers is that ports to XBox will be easy because of the use of Direct X and a scaled down Windows OS. This would imply that they understand some developers will intend to have ports for both the desktop and the XBox.
I don't think that the XBox as is will be able to displace the PC. Perhaps version 3?
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You can use Mac specific or any Windows targeted Voodoo2 or Voodoo3 3dfx chipset card in a new mac. Rumors suggest Apple is courting many of the other 3D bigwigs to get Mac support in the near future.
I agree that Apple definitely overcharges for the extra's in a system. I think this matches a large percentage of their users who would rather get it all from one source in one package ready to roll, even if it costs a little more.
Personally I just ordered my G3 bare-bones as possible and then added 3rds party pieces to get it up to snuff...
With IBM's recent release of a reference motherboard design based on the G3 processor several companies have stated they will be releasing systems. Though they may not run the MacOS, they will definitely run Linux. I would imagine that this might introduce some level of hardware costumization in the PPC marketplace.
I also heard a rumor that Apple will be adding the option of having Yellow Dog Linux installed on their build to order web site soon.
I guess the one that that confuses me though, is what options would like to see that aren't available at Apple's build to order Store? When I ordered my new G3, I just made sure to select the processor I wanted with a few built in's such as a zip and DVD-ROM. I then proceeded to order the rest of the components I needed from other sources to save money. Besides RAM, SCSI and Video options it seems that most everything else is included on the motherboard anyway. Currently there is really only one option for high-end video on a desktop mac that will work in the "high speed" PCI slot, so I didn't feel the need to shop around there. I would't be surprised to see Apple offer more options on their own site when more AGP cards get Mac driver support.
Anyway, I diverge...I guess what I want to know is, if the majority of components are part of the system, and the system is reasonably priced for your pocket book, what advantage does a more granular build-to-order option get you?
One of the cool things about that scenario is that it is also rumored that the new G4 desktops will not require the Airport Base Station to serve as a connnection betrween at least 10 airport enabled devices, and possibly more. I wonder if the new iMac's will also be able to server some number of machines sans hub? That would make a small home network even easier for most, since they may not have to buy any additional accesories...just an iMac and an iBook to get started.