Comment on
[Discussion] [Idea] Steam Machine sold without ram and SSD: how much you think should cost; if you'll find a worthy alternative (you'll need to find your own way to supply ram/space)
Reply in thread
The point of a “box” like this is an out-the-door experience that anyone can jump into.
The idea is not "get rid of all Steam Machines with ram/sdd and sell only the barebone ones".
The idea is "add a selling option"; then let buyers, with their money to decide if they want to pay premium for the "out-the-door" thing, or they are looking for something to mess with.
Both kind of clients.
...at the same time (some may want to buy 2 mismatched Steam Machines: one with and one without).
As per "shifting" infrastructure or whatnot. We're talking pre orders here. "Worst" case scenario no one buys the barebone one or just few: in this case you get little efforts in telling those "extra clients" to wait a bit longer (patient gamers are happy if they get to pay less and have better bugfixed systems).
On the other side, if the volume of the barebone match or surpasses the "premium" one... well, Valve got the answer they need to get rid of the ram cartel.
Valve is not making you paying "premium price" on ram because Gabe need a new Yatch. Valve is making paying "premium price" on ram because the ram cartel need a new Yatch.