Steam Machines pre-orders up

[PieIsAwesome]

If you already own a high end gaming PC, then buying a lower spec gaming PC would be rather pointless unless you really wanted two gaming PCs.

Regular desktop => Steam machine pointless unless you want 2 gaming PCs.

Desktop + laptop = Steam machine pointless.
etc etc

I thought that part of the appeal of the Steam Machine was that it can be kept next to the TV and used almost like a console. That's why its small.

But if you already have a gaming PC somewhere in your bedroom or office or something, you can just get the streaming device and hook that up to the TV. If you don't have a gaming PC, it would still seem better to get a conventional gaming PC + the streaming device instead of the Steam Machine because of $$$$ savings and greater flexibility.

A streaming device that works perfectly just seems to make the Steam Box totally pointless.

 

[mizzou]

Regular desktop + Steam Link => Steam Machine pointless?

Precisely. Although, in rare circumstances your household networking abilities might not be suitable for streaming to your living room TV from your regular desktop.

People like me who will want to upgrade their pc's in 1-3 years are good targets for steamboxes....but honestly...I'd much rather have a powerful desktop and use steam link to my TV....

 

[mizzou]

I think part of the big issue here is that there is literally no difference between a stereotypical "gaming PC" and a "Steambox" they are essentially the exact same thing. The only difference is in customized software. Do you run SteamApp through Windows? Or do you run Steam natively through SteamOS? So really, why are we calling things steamboxes then?

Like, why call this Alienware Alpha a "steambox". Just keep calling it the Alpha and offer configurations with SteamOS or Windows.

Everything is a steam box, maybe they should just sell Steam logo stickers :\

 

[cmdrdredd]

I think part of the big issue here is that there is literally no difference between a stereotypical "gaming PC" and a "Steambox" they are essentially the exact same thing. The only difference is in customized software. Do you run SteamApp through Windows? Or do you run Steam natively through SteamOS? So really, why are we calling things steamboxes then?

Like, why call this Alienware Alpha a "steambox". Just keep calling it the Alpha and offer configurations with SteamOS or Windows.

Everything is a steam box, maybe they should just sell Steam logo stickers :\

The market for these doesn't know that the Steam library is not thew same as the SteamOS library. Windows has an unimaginable amount of games that SteamOS won't get. So someone wanting to play games is actually doing themselves a disservice by not running Windows and loading the Steam App in big screen mode (if that's their thing).

 

[DeadFred]

Steam Link sounds interesting if the streaming is up to snuff, but I dont see much of a market for the Steam Machine.

 

[TheUnk]

I just saw the Steam Link only has a 10/100 ethernet port. Steam recommends gigabit for streaming.

What.. This can't be right.

 

[Grooveriding]

What benefits does the Steam link bring over using the in house streaming functionality of the Steam client ? Does it just allow you to stream to any TV without a PC connected to it, or does it improve on the streaming that is currently in the Steam client ?

I already have an HTPC hooked up to both TVs in the house and the streaming works pretty well apart from online games due to noticeable latency.

 

[JTsyo]

Does the Steam OS come with the ability to turn these boxes into a HTPC or would you need 3rd party software?

 

[Homerboy]

I guess I don't get these streaming things (NVidia/Steam/etc)
The whole point of them is so that I can "easily" play my games on my TV from my couch?

 

[TheUnk]

What benefits does the Steam link bring over using the in house streaming functionality of the Steam client ? Does it just allow you to stream to any TV without a PC connected to it, or does it improve on the streaming that is currently in the Steam client ?

I already have an HTPC hooked up to both TVs in the house and the streaming works pretty well apart from online games due to noticeable latency.

I believe it's just a cheap and much smaller alternative to having a PC hooked up to the TV.

 

[rivethead]

I guess I don't get these streaming things (NVidia/Steam/etc)
The whole point of them is so that I can "easily" play my games on my TV from my couch?

Yes. NVIDIA/Steam/etc. realize that most people find couches more comfortable than desk chairs and that few people have a powerful PC sitting in their living room.

 

[Subyman]

So a steambox doesn't come with windows? That eliminates most of the AAA games people would want to play.

 

[mizzou]

Steam Link sounds interesting if the streaming is up to snuff, but I dont see much of a market for the Steam Machine.

the market for steam machine should realistically be the same market for any gaming pc...the only requirement is the installation of steamOS

They need to drop the whole, machine, verbage. It just confuses people. I could see some people saying " my steam machine is worthless!" well just install windows then

 

[Gonad the Barbarian]

What.. This can't be right.

Overview

1080p resolution at 60 FPS
Wired 100 Mbit/s Fast Ethernet and Wireless 802.11ac 2x2 (MIMO) networking abilities
3 USB 2.0 ports
Internal Wireless Steam Controller pairing capability
Bluetooth 4.0
HDMI out
Supports Steam Controller (sold separately,) Xbox One or 360 Wired Controller, Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows, Logitech Wireless Gamepad F710, or keyboard and mouse

http://store.steampowered.com/app/353380

And I agree selling those Steam machines without Windows even as an option is just asking for backlash. Linux gaming doesn't justify the dollar amount and hardware capabilities of these systems, and most people comfortable with performing a Windows install probably aren't the types to pay a premium for a pre-built system.

 

[TeknoBug]

I'm basically a Linux gamer, but yes you'll be missing out on many major AAA titles without Windows. Perhaps with the free Windows 10 coming up, there may be ways to get that free Windows 10 upgrade on Steam machines without having to buy Windows.

 

[poofyhairguy]

The market for these doesn't know that the Steam library is not thew same as the SteamOS library. Windows has an unimaginable amount of games that SteamOS won't get. So someone wanting to play games is actually doing themselves a disservice by not running Windows and loading the Steam App in big screen mode (if that's their thing).

Yeah that is the disconnect for me too. Heck its the only place I use Windows nowadays!

 

[SlitheryDee]

I did some comparisons and it looks like you could build your own more powerful version for considerably cheaper. Of course that's no big surprise, but I'm still intrigued.

I kind of want to build a PC in as close to console format as I can manage, load steamOS on it, and really see how the experience is. It would be a good excuse to upgrade my main HTPC because I could move all the hardware except for the graphics card into the steam box and replace it all. I suppose if I don't like it I could just turn the steam box into another HTPC.

 

[IlllI]

i just don't know about that rubber 'd' pad. Or I assume you are suppose to use that as a d-pad, since theres a big + on one of them

i think i would have preferred a regular d pad instead of analog stick, and just use that rubber pad as an analog stick replacement, instead of using it as a d pad replacement. also the a/b x/y buttons look a little awkwardly placed. I think I'll wait for the reviews on it to get some real user feedback.

 

[quikah]

And I agree selling those Steam machines without Windows even as an option is just asking for backlash. Linux gaming doesn't justify the dollar amount and hardware capabilities of these systems, and most people comfortable with performing a Windows install probably aren't the types to pay a premium for a pre-built system.

They do sell them with windows. just go to dell.com and buy the top end Alienware Alpha. Same machine with windows. it is $850 ($50 discount right now, $899 MSRP), only difference is it comes with windows, 2TB HD and an Xbox 360 controller.

 

[PieIsAwesome]

Why glossy plastic on controllers? yyyyyyyyy??????!!!!!

 

[Red Hawk]

Well this product has very little appeal to me. I'd rather have a a regular old Windows PC with full compatibility, and if I bought a console it would be a Wii U. I'm skeptical about how much these things will actually sell.

 

[Gonad the Barbarian]

They do sell them with windows. just go to dell.com and buy the top end Alienware Alpha. Same machine with windows. it is $850 ($50 discount right now, $899 MSRP), only difference is it comes with windows, 2TB HD and an Xbox 360 controller.

Yeah, that's the problem, the better product isn't a Steam Box. And it exists just because Alienware was ready to move the hardware before Steam was.

 

[Lonyo]

Yeah, that's the problem, the better product isn't a Steam Box. And it exists just because Alienware was ready to move the hardware before Steam was.

It doesn't make sense to only do a SteamOS version of any PC, because if you've invested the time and effort in the design, why limit your market for a third party you have no financial involvement in?

Unless Valve incentivises things no one would sensibly do SteamOS only "Steamboxes", they would all offer a Windows version as well.

 

[mizzou]

i have a hard time seeing steamOS replacing the multi entertainment capabilities of playstation and xbox.

SteamOS....unless it offers HUGE performance increases will continue to play second fiddle to the steam app in windows

 

[ratjacket]

I thought that part of the appeal of the Steam Machine was that it can be kept next to the TV and used almost like a console. That's why its small.

But if you already have a gaming PC somewhere in your bedroom or office or something, you can just get the streaming device and hook that up to the TV. If you don't have a gaming PC, it would still seem better to get a conventional gaming PC + the streaming device instead of the Steam Machine because of $$$$ savings and greater flexibility.

A streaming device that works perfectly just seems to make the Steam Box totally pointless.

I have my computer located 20m from where I use it

Computer in cold laundry far away so no one can here the vacuum cleaner sound, my cheap noisy but very powerful industrial fans were purchased because noise was not an issue

this runs under the house with a 25m DVI-I cable and a 25m HDMI cable
sound on 3.5mm cables
usb via a usb to cat adapters

gaming monitor (DVI) sits on my desk beside my LCD TV both are 1080p

kids can watch content while I game/surf the net/work

could game on tv if I wanted but don't

why does anyone need anything else? If steam OS is so awesome and low overhead (with he way windows is going it will be superior in the future) I can dual boot with that, no?