[corresation]

This isn't prototype hardware, but rather is standard PC hardware. At best it is a prototype form factor?

Another post mentions this as a way of getting SteamOS out there, but really -- as this is just standard PC hardware -- there are already hundreds of millions of candidate devices.

The only real way I can see SteamOS having a chance is if it offers a console-like value proposition (because the next generation of very powerful consoles are just coming out, and even "hard core" gamers are looking at them longingly), which valve needed to make happen through tight integration, optimization, and mass production. Another go at HTPCs == almost certain commercial failure.

[vinkelhake]

From what I've seen, the "hard core" crowd isn't that impressed by the next gen console specs. They already have hardware that can run games at resolutions better than 1080p comfortably at 60fps. We're now seeing stories about launch games not running at 1080p, something which many people expected to be standard for next-gen console games.

But, back to Steam Machines. I don't think it would be a good idea for Valve to try to get Steam Machines down to console like costs. They're not in a position to sell hardware at a loss like console manufacturers have traditionally done in the beginning of a cycle. The Steam Machines should offer quality.

[benologist]

Valve are definitely in a position to sell machines at a loss and make it up on content and new customers ala Amazon and Kindle. I would expect if they were to subsidize the price it would be far below console levels to pursue the billion or whatever casual gamers that don't use Steam, not merely to try and carve out a piece of Microsoft and Sony's pie.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidewalt/2012/03/07/valve-gabe...

[vinkelhake]

Console manufacturers have been able to sell hardware at a loss knowing that any game running on the machine is going to come through them. The Steam Machines, on the other hand, are just PC's and it doesn't sound like they'll be locked down to only allow SteamOS and its games to run on it.

Look at the specs we're discussing. Even the low-end version is decidedly non-casual.

[benologist]

I think most of the content is going to go through Steam - alternatives (especially anything the manufacturers will shit out) aren't going to measure up where it matters with content. This would be similar to Android where the biggest store, Play, has more than an order of magnitude more of everything than the second biggest, Amazon.

Those specs are high end but that also means the device will be compatible with games for the rest of the decade.