The multiple SKU thing is actually a pretty good idea--in concept, anyhow. For example, I'm not interested in HD movies, so I have no need for an HD-DVD or Bluray drive. My brother doesn't have a HDTV, so he has no need for component cables--the composite cables bundled with the core are sufficient for him. Multiple SKUs allow the hardware manufacturer to sell high quality systems with a low entry point.
MS's only mistake is that the core SKU doesn't retain the basic gaming functionality the premium/elite SKUs have. You can't play games anymore without a means of saving your game. Welcome to 10 years ago! Even if the core systems came with a built in 512 MB hard drive, that'd be enough. But the way it is now, they aren't giving gamers 'choice,' they're just taking advantage of buyers who aren't savvy to the differences in the SKUs.
As far as DVD9 vs Bluray goes, game developers will always use as much storage space as they can get their grubby lil mitts on. Doesn't mean they need that much space. Look at Res Evil 4. It only uses 2 gamecube disks, which is roughly 3 gigs. Not that RE4 is on the same level as next gen games, but if Capcom could fit RE4 on the cube, then devs can fit great stuff on DVD 9 for the next 5-7 years.
The Galaxy Tab 10.1, much like its Limited Edition sibling that we reviewed last month, is ever-so-slightly thinner than the iPad 2, a slate that most sane individuals (and competitors, for that matter) would confess is the market leader today.
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The multiple SKU thing is actually a pretty good idea--in concept, anyhow. For example, I'm not interested in HD movies, so I have no need for an HD-DVD or Bluray drive. My brother doesn't have a HDTV, so he has no need for component cables--the composite cables bundled with the core are sufficient for him. Multiple SKUs allow the hardware manufacturer to sell high quality systems with a low entry point.
MS's only mistake is that the core SKU doesn't retain the basic gaming functionality the premium/elite SKUs have. You can't play games anymore without a means of saving your game. Welcome to 10 years ago! Even if the core systems came with a built in 512 MB hard drive, that'd be enough. But the way it is now, they aren't giving gamers 'choice,' they're just taking advantage of buyers who aren't savvy to the differences in the SKUs.
As far as DVD9 vs Bluray goes, game developers will always use as much storage space as they can get their grubby lil mitts on. Doesn't mean they need that much space. Look at Res Evil 4. It only uses 2 gamecube disks, which is roughly 3 gigs. Not that RE4 is on the same level as next gen games, but if Capcom could fit RE4 on the cube, then devs can fit great stuff on DVD 9 for the next 5-7 years.