The Microsoft PC
Filed under Computers, Gadgets, Software, Xbox 360
Here is an article about the new Microsoft 22 inch wide-screen LCD. This monitor should be release to go with Windows Vista (probably early next year) and is designed to support some of the new functionality in the OS.
There are two big features I've heard of in Vista that this monitor will probably support:
- High DPI Support - Should give you a better looking display using more densely packed pixels.
- Support for HDCP - HD Movies from HD-DVD may require monitors with HDCP in order to play at their highest resolution. Vista is probably going to be the first OS to support playback of HD DVD's that require HDCP.
I knew I'd need to upgrade my monitor to get the best Vista experience. If the monitor is any good, I'll probably get it when it comes out.
There has been a clear line between Microsoft and PC companies like Dell and HP: Microsoft does the software (Windows, Office, etc.) and Dell/HP make the hardware. But with this announcement, Microsoft makes all the hardware components necessary for a full computer: monitor, mouse, keyboard and CPU (Xbox 360). Watch for this, the Xbox 360 could be a very interesting competitor to the PC if Microsoft wants a bigger chunk of the pie. All they need to do is port Office and Internet Explorer to Xbox 360 and you have a very slick PC. And since it is not open like a PC (you can't get Xbox 360 software from just anybody...only from Microsoft), it doesn't have the security problems that you find in Windows, Mac, and Linux (no need to run a virus checker on Xbox 360).
Comments (1)
What is needed is HDMI hookup. I've noticed HD is very susceptible to interference. It can bee seen on the Xbox 360, but easily ignored. Monster cables have fixed this problem on a cable box. I suspect Microsoft will force buyers to get the HD-DVD player to get HDMI. They're slowly taking over the world.
Posted by Mike Schriever | June 30, 2006 7:09 AM
Posted on June 30, 2006 07:09