john

Need, want and lust for this device/service. What I particulary like about it the most, is the pen. We've become so use to structured web sites and workspaces. Its refreshing to see something more organic. In many ways this is the ultimate OneNote. It would be a great complimentary device which is what I think most people think of with netbooks. Only that this Courier device & ui draws the distinction much clearer. I hate that netbooks look like notebooks.

Nice form factor...so long as it supports multi-touch in addition to the stylus. Curious what the battery run-time looks like. I'm sure there well be a number of offerings this season with Windows 7 availability.

There are a couple of good reasons to offer a smaller footprint XBox 360 sku...

1. Improve Reliability and Image: A change in console shape would immediately register in folks mind, that this isn't based on prior XBox 360 hardware iterations.
2. Eco-friendly, or at least more so. Smaller footprint usually translates into energy savings.
3. Ultra-Quiet. Solve the legacy issue of XBox console noise.

Where is the DOCSIS 3.0 version? Is there a reason we don't see more integrated cable modem offerings?

Swamp, its unlikely Microsoft will drop the 60GB sku to $299 after being on the market & priced at $349 for just a few months. Can you imagine how fumed those buyers would be? Now, I agree with the analyst..Microsoft needs a real price cut. I think the Elite sku is dead...it does not measure up to the just announced 80GB PS3 at $399. So heres a radical idea for Microsoft/XBox. Drop the Elite Model and make the Pro model available in black. Finally, drop $20 off during the holiday (that shouldn't upset those who bought 60GB sku at full price)...

$259 - Arcade
$329 - XBox 360 (White or Black)

If Microsoft decides to keep the Elite sku around...it desperately needs to be priced at/below $399.

The timing is probably just right for a 60GB sku. But don't be surprised if that spells the end for XBox Elite. Which might not be such a bad thing considering that the Elite is priced more than a 40GB PS3 with its blu-ray drive.

Cliff must know something about Microsoft's E3 announcement.

Someone asked how is $60,000 affordable. Well I agree, until we see sub $30k its out reach for most of us. Chevrolet's Volt looks very promising too. But the important thing, its not a thing of fiction anymore. When you consider the low number to be manufactured (at least initially)...$60,000 is a respectable price. Also think of the fuel savings. Compare to SUV 18mpg, 40 miles/day on average and $4/gallon...thats approximate $3200/year or $32000 over ten years. I assume there are fewer mechanical parts..so maintenance costs may be lower too. Give this another 5 years to mature and for a few manufacturers to introduce competing products.

Gold Membership suggestions to add value

- 2 movie rentals of your choosing
- make XBox Video Marketplace available via Media Center

I'd pay for the service in a heart beat.

I'm a Hero and XBox fan but I don't think this deal does enough. With the announcement of the $399 PS3/40GB/Blu-Ray system...Microsoft needs to get the price down on the HD DVD drive to about $99. And they probably should offer a $50 instant rebate this holiday season. If they did that then prices

w/Rebate w/Rebate+HD-DVD
XBox Arcade $229 $329
XBox Pro $299 $399
XBox Elite $399 $499

That brings the Pro more inline with the new 40GB/PS3 sku..less 20GBs. But make the elite a better deal overall.

Sony is using the money gained in the sale of their Cell Processor/Facilities to Toshiba to finance these cuts. I'm fairly certain in their minds, the are willing to lose $400-500 million to regain some momentum. My guess, is they are hoping for 3 million console sales this holiday.