So this 'Elite' version will take over the Premium? When is this likely to happen?
I did some research on HDMI, and the fact that MS has decided to include it in their end top-end machine vindicates what I was saying about how they should have had HDMI from the start. Quite an about-turn from MS, who were previously claiming that HDMI and 1080p "werent needed". I guess since 360 is being positioned as a multimedia hub, MS saw that it was neccessary for to include it for uncompressed audio and IPTV (which will require HDMI due to DRM). My friends also tell me that currently around only 10-15% of 1080p televisions support 1080p over component.
I'm glad that MS have finally caught on, however, its really bad that if you want to play 1080p films on your 360, it will cost $679 in total. Plus, $179 for a 120GB HDD is ridiculous, and shows the PS3 to be better value, particularly the 20GB version. I cant really get past the idea that MS is playing catch-up in this regard despite its price advantage.
If this price is correct and the spec is correct as well then I would agree, MS is providing poor value.