XBOX 360 vs. XPS 400
Why the low end PC can compete in the next-gen console war
from 
JoeUser Forums
JoeUser Forums
Maybe it's the all the drive add-ons, maybe it's all the software updates, or maybe it's the networking and device connections...
...maybe it's all those things, but, I think consoles are pushing themselves to towards the low end gaming PC market.
Price:
XBOX 360 - $399
19" TV that supports 720p - $600
XPS 400 - $1090
Link
Includes a 19" Monitor that supports 720p
Changed the video card to 6800 from the X300, adds $100 to price
It would seem that they are competitively priced to match the low end.
Games:
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter
Madden NFL 06
Due to Windows Live and XNA, most of the 360 games will be playable on the PC at $10 cheaper. Even the XBL Arcade games are playable on the PC.
Usability:
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (which is available for the XPS 400) has both DISCover and xStream which allows for simple purchase and installation of boxed and electronic games. It also allows for simple demo downloading and streaming of games. While it's not the blade interface, it's more automated than standard Windows XP. It's definitely competitive.
Performance:
Link
You can get 24-60fps on a 720p HDTV. So, I'm assuming the XBOX 360 reaches 60fps. The X300 plays Quake 4 at 46fps at 1280x1024. However, considering most movies are 24fps and most tv shows are 30fps. I personally think this is tolerable.
As far as visual quality:
XPS 400 (from Hardocp)
Link
XBOX 360 (from gamespot)
Link
End Game:
While they aren't par for par, you can definitely see how it's competitive in all four categories. You can also buy the same controller for both, so, you can play them the same way. Not to mention the upgrade factor in the PC is better than the upgrade factor in the 360, due to the fact that you can upgrade more options in the XPS 400. For the gamers that haven't upgraded to HD yet, It's definitely an avenue worth considering.
...maybe it's all those things, but, I think consoles are pushing themselves to towards the low end gaming PC market.
Price:
XBOX 360 - $399
19" TV that supports 720p - $600
XPS 400 - $1090
Link
Includes a 19" Monitor that supports 720p
Changed the video card to 6800 from the X300, adds $100 to price
It would seem that they are competitively priced to match the low end.
Games:
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter
Madden NFL 06
Due to Windows Live and XNA, most of the 360 games will be playable on the PC at $10 cheaper. Even the XBL Arcade games are playable on the PC.
Usability:
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (which is available for the XPS 400) has both DISCover and xStream which allows for simple purchase and installation of boxed and electronic games. It also allows for simple demo downloading and streaming of games. While it's not the blade interface, it's more automated than standard Windows XP. It's definitely competitive.
Performance:
Link
You can get 24-60fps on a 720p HDTV. So, I'm assuming the XBOX 360 reaches 60fps. The X300 plays Quake 4 at 46fps at 1280x1024. However, considering most movies are 24fps and most tv shows are 30fps. I personally think this is tolerable.
As far as visual quality:
XPS 400 (from Hardocp)
Link
XBOX 360 (from gamespot)
Link
End Game:
While they aren't par for par, you can definitely see how it's competitive in all four categories. You can also buy the same controller for both, so, you can play them the same way. Not to mention the upgrade factor in the PC is better than the upgrade factor in the 360, due to the fact that you can upgrade more options in the XPS 400. For the gamers that haven't upgraded to HD yet, It's definitely an avenue worth considering.