The Inquirer is reporting that Microsoft has plans to launch three versions of the Xbox 2. A timeline for the release of these systems was revealed during a presentation given to analysts & market researchers in the UK. Xbox Next and Xbox Next HD will be released in the fall of next year, with the Xbox Next PC hitting a year later in 2006 (likely challenging the PS3's launch). The basic Xbox Next will not include a hard drive (cutting a major production cost), while the HD model does—the two models will be priced accordingly. The Xbox Next PC will apparently be an entry level PC that runs Windows and other standard software, including most computer games. A CD burner, wireless keyboard, mouse, and controller are also featured with the unit. Also mentioned were internet browsing and instant messaging capabilities, all packaged into a system smaller than the original. Impressive.
