Stupid Console

[Spyder]

http://www.phantom.net/

As far as I can tell it's essentually a PC without a CDROM drive that can't connect to a VGA monitor and is utterly useless to anyone that doesn't have DSL or cable. Probably totally useless to anyone outside the US depending on what type of DSL it needs.

The website is pretty damn obscure, offering no information about the console without downloading the video or the pdf file. I assume it's designed that way to hide how incredibly stupid the idea is.

[Lord of the Farce]

For those who don't want to waste the time to download the 710KB for the PDF, here's the text:

Phantom Game Console™
If you have a need for blazing fast processor speed, cinematic graphics, and Dolby Digital™ Surround Sound, then experience the Phantom Game Console™ for a true high performance gaming environment. The Phantom™ provides access to more games of every genre than any competing product. Phantom’s breath-taking speed, graphic realism and Dolby Digital™ 7.1 Surround Sound put it in a class of its own . . . the must-have high performance game console. Experience the new world of Phantom™.

Phantom™ Advantages
Phantom™ is the next-generation game console that supports PC games, games on-demand, game rentals, game demos and seamless upgrades. It is the fastest game console on the market and includes a broad selection of pre-loaded games. Phantom™ offers gamers a more exciting and compelling gaming experience than any other game console or PC on the market. Phantom™ is an always on broadband device, which allows gamers a wealth of options, from wireless connectivity to massive multiplayer capability . . . to allowing gamers to demo and experience games before purchasing or subscribing.

Phantom™ Features
> State of the art design and technology
> Pre-loaded games that appeal to wide variety of users and gaming needs
> Ability to download more games than offered by other game consoles
> Leading edge peripherals
> Seamless upgrades and patch managements

Register to Pre-Order your Phantom™ Today
Register at www.phantom.net to be contacted to pre-order the Phantom Game Console™. Online ordering is expected to begin this October.

Phantom™ Standard Components
> Fits in any 19” entertainment center
> Custom OS on Windows XPe kernel
> Up to 3.0 GHz processor with 256MB DDR RAM
> High-performance nVidia video card
> High-performance Intel motherboard
> Dolby Digital™ 7.1 Surround Sound
> 100+ Gigabyte internal storage device
> On-board RF wireless modules
> S-Video, RCA or component video and PAL
> 10/100 baseT Ethernet
> 1 wireless controller
> Wireless keyboard and mouse
> 2 USB ports
> 4 controller ports
> 12’ Port Extension Cable

Phantom™ Optional Components
> Controllers, wireless and corded
> Keyboard and mouse with charging base station
> Storage expansion for additional game storage
> DSL modem
> Cable modem
> Wireless WIFI card
> Memory upgrades
> Speaker sets
> Flat screen displays

Infinium Labs
Infinium Labs is an industry-leading global entertainment and interactive game company. Infinium Labs has developed and is marketing its flagship product the Phantom Game Console™, a leading edge and intuitive game console and delivery system that is the performance leader in the interactive entertainment industry. Founded and managed by senior interactive media, entertainment and technology leaders with proven industry experience and success, Infinium Labs markets a robust game console that appeals to a wide audience of interactive gamers with its ease of use, quality assurance and robust delivery system. For more information, please visit www.phantom.net or www.infiniumlabs.com.

[Embracer Of Darkness]

I thought it was a good idea when I first heard about it, which was actually just after I got my X-Box. People said that the PSX would flop, and that so would the X-Box and they didn't, but to me this looks like it will be a true flop. Especially being $700.

[Spyder]

It's a PC with no media input or VGA output. I want to know what crack addict thought that would be a good idea.

[Mitth`raw`nuruodo]

It has some advantages (the demo thing seems cool, rent it FROM the console, deletes itself automatically), but I'm not buying it.