CrackHour

Killing Off the Original Xbox: A Big Microsoft Mistake

So I actually should retract my original statement saying that it's good that the hardware is getting cheaper because who honestly thinks that price is gonna reflect on the the next xbox 720 or whatever. Curious how my units, the 3 i've owned all seemed to die shortly after warranty expired, since when did consoles become disposable technology. I guess what I'm having a hard time understanding is how is developing the technology cheaper for the first people who invest in it. If I paid 400-500$ for the system initially, and it was gradually improved and made cheaper, say brought down to 200-300$ and had no problems with it, then why would I buy another, conversely if I paid 400-500$ initially, had some problems, maybe had to pay for repair or buy a new unit then I'm sorry but by my math I dont see the savings. Developement is something that's done BEFORE a console is released not during and after. Srry if I sound bitter but my 3rd console is on it's way out as well. Maybe I'll dig out my old Nintendo system I think it's still alive and kicking.

Killing Off the Original Xbox: A Big Microsoft Mistake

So all and all yeah I think the author hit it right on the head.

Killing Off the Original Xbox: A Big Microsoft Mistake

I agree it's good that they can redesign the console hardware to make it cheaper, but how is it cheaper or how does it matter when some peeps have to buy 2 or 3 systems before they get a reliable unit, and why should others have to wait until manufacturing defects are fixed until they buy one.
As far as I can tell 2 Elites purchased is approx 700$, is this cheaper?
Or 1 elite 399$ and 1 repair charge 140$ Is this cheaper? Seems to me the only reason for making the tech cheaper, is to make the pill that much easier to swallow next time round. This console isn't a ten year or five year machine, it's a play it till it breaks console. Don't get me wrong I love it. But I also hate it. Let's face it with all the hardware problems the 360 is having I'm betting Microsoft is wishing it was someone elses problem. Here's a good question, how many of the consoles sold are repeat buyers? I don't know bout you but I'd only like to buy it once. Seems to me the xbox is getting cheaper on our dime, not theirs. Microsoft wasn't kidding when they said they have a ten to fifteen year plan. 5 years to release it and 10 to fix it.

Killing Off the Original Xbox: A Big Microsoft Mistake

Besides how would you explain to your customers that the new expensive, next gen system you just paid for (360) has been sent in for repair three times, yet the original is still going strong. When I have to send my system in for repair I fall back on my origianl box for the duration. They may not have owned the rights to the tech on the original but at least it worked.