When iBuyPower releases their $499 Steam Machine, other PC manufacturers plan to release Steam OS hardware exceeding $1000. When speaking with Slashgear.com (via NeoGAF), iBuyPower marketing manager, Ricky Lee, thinks other manufacturers are missing the point with Valve's new Steam Machine program.
As iBuyPower aims to produce an affordable, competitive Steam Machine, he doesn't understand the strategy of other manufacturers. In reference to the higher-priced Steam Machines, Lee says that other manufacturers "just don't get it."
Steam Machines are meant to help players transition PC gaming into their living rooms and naturally compete with other major consoles. Each Steam Machine must sell with the final version of the SteamOS and a controller. But Lee says that the sale of any Steam Box "depends on Valve." As soon as Valve finalizes the controller and Steam OS, the sooner manufactures can begin to sell boxes. If everything goes as planned, iBuyPower plans to release their Steam Machine in February.
In a list of the announced Steam Machines, most retail prices exceed $1000. Of the announced prices, only the CyberPowerPC and iBuyPower Steam Machine retail for less than $1000. Valve partnered with 12 manufactures for the Steam Machine hardware, yet very few produced a lower-priced option.
