Here is Some Actual Information
In spite of Microsoft's best attempt to give us absolutely zero information tonight, here's an excerpt from GamesIndustry.biz(article link here http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=8733):
The console will be powered by three IBM PowerPC CPUs, each one running at 3.2Ghz and with the capacity to run two hardware threads simultaneously - effectively meaning that the system can process six threads at once. Each core also has an on-board vector unit - and the whole system uses a water-cooling system to keep the temperature down, much like the high-end Apple PowerMac G5 desktop computers, which use similar PowerPC chips.
The ATI graphics processor in the box will run at 500Mhz, with 10MB of embedded DRAM on the graphics part, while the box itself has 512MB of GDDR3 RAM, which is shared between the CPUs and the graphics chip.
As expected, the system will not use either of the new high-capacity DVD standards, instead opting for a standard 12X dual-layer DVD-ROM, while the hard drive will ship in a 20GB base unit, which can later be upgraded. Memory card units will start at 64MB - it's not clear what exactly their purpose will be, as yet.
The system will support up to four wireless controllers, and also has three standard USB 2.0 ports. As well as the built-in network port, it is also "Wi-Fi Ready" - although whether this means it actually has Wi-Fi built-in, or that users can add a separate module for Wi-Fi, is unknown at present.
Those specs are now confirmed, allegedly, and there are some surprises:
1. The 20GB hard drive is standard. I think that's a surprise to almost everyone.
2. 10MB of embedded DRAM for the graphics. Very, very fast, and very high-end design for a console.
3. 512MB of GDR3 shared between the CPU and the graphics chip. That's big. By all reports, that's double the amount of memory in the PS3. Again, a high-end design decision.
4. I saw a quote today (from some Microsoft honk) that clearly indicated that 720p support is mandatory, but 1080i support is optional. That's not a surprise really, but it's the first time I've seen it confirmed anywhere.
My question at this point is the price point. I can't imagine a console with a 20GB hard drive and 512MB of RAM selling for $299. My best guess at this point is that the launch price may well be $399, with plans to drop to $299 when Sony launches the PS3.
So the MTV "special" absolutely blew chunks, but these hardware specs don't. This is a hot, hot design.
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