Xbox

The Xbox, or X-Box, is Microsoft's game console, released in November 2001. It is Microsoft's first venture into the console arena. The price is currently 199 USD/EUR (or 129 GBP). Highlight release titles include Dead or Alive 3, Oddworld 3, and Halo.

Unlike other consoles, Xbox' architecture closely resembles a PC. It has an Intel Pentium III processor clocked at 733 MHz and an NVIDIA graphics processor. The processors share 64 MB of system RAM. Storage includes a DVD-ROM drive and a hard disk. However, it's not a true PC, as digital rights management techniques prevent an ordinary user from running code from anything but an official game disc, allowing game developers to assume a trusted client. Modchips are available to remove some of the restrictions.

Critics have speculated that the Xbox is Microsoft's attempt to gain control of yet another technology market. As of May 2003, the Xbox' market share of the global games console market is roughly equal to that of Nintendo's Gamecube, but far behind Sony's dominant Playstation 2. The latest SEC filings indicate that Microsoft's Home and Entertainment division is making a loss. [1] (http://www.microsoft.com/msft/download/FY03/10Q03_2.doc) (MS Word file)

Specifications

• CPU: 733 MHz chip crafted by Intel
• Graphics Processor: 250 MHz custom chip named XGPU, developed by Microsoft and nVIDIA
• Total Memory: The RAM in the Xbox is supplied by Micron, it is 64 MB running at 200 MHz DDR (Double-Data-Rate)
• Memory Bandwidth: 6.4 GB/sec
• Polygon Performance: 125 M/sec
• Sustained Polygon Performance: 100+ M/sec (transformed and lit polygons per second)
• Micropolygons/particles per second: 125 M/sec
• Particle Performance: 125 M/sec
• Simultaneous Textures: 4
• Pixel Fill Rate - No Texture: 4.0 G/Sec (anti-aliased[?])
• Pixel Fill Rate - 1 Texture: 4.0 G/Sec (anti-aliased)
• Compressed Textures: Yes (6:1)
• Full Scene Anti-Alias: Yes
• Micro Polygon Support: Yes
• Storage Medium: 2-5x DVD, 10GB hard disk, 8MB memory card
• I/0: 2-5x DVD, 10GB hard disk, 8MB memory card
• Audio Channels: 64 (up to 256 stereo voices)
• 3D Audio Support: Yes
• MIDI DLS2 Support: Yes
• AC3 Encoded Game Audio: Yes
• Broadband Enabled: Yes
• Modem Enabled: Yes
• DVD Movie Playback: Remote control package required
• Maximum Resolution: 1920x1080
• Maximum Resolution (2x32bpp frame buffers +Z): 1920x1080
• HDTV Support: Yes
• Controller Ports: 4 proprietary USB ports
• Weight: 3.86kg
• Dimensions: 324×265×90mm

Devices and Addons

• High Definition AV Pack: A connection for HDTVs that support 480p 720p and 1080f component video signals, analog inputs and or digital receivers.
• Memory Unit: Gives extra storage space.
• Advanced AV Pack: Works with S-Video and AV input TVs
• RF Adapter: Connects the Xbox to TVs without A/V connections
• Standard AV Cable: Connects the Xbox to TVs equipped with A/V input terminals. Comes with the system.
• System Link Cable: A cable for connecting two consoles for 8 player gameplay
• DVD Kit: Required for to play DVD movies, the kit includes a remote control and an infrared receiver that contains the DVD decoder software.

External Links

• http://www.xbox.com/ (Official Xbox website)
• http://xbox-linux.sourceforge.net/ (How to run Linux on X-Box)