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Yes, you heard correctly - Microsoft's console-busting machine, the Xbox, is being put on pre-order schemes in America, over a year before it is launched. One web site, Gamestop.com, is allowing eager games players the chance to nab themselves

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an Xbox after putting up a $10 deposit. The site is selling the Xbox as a package with three "imaginary" games for $499. The web site is owned by game retailer Babbage's Etc and you can also pre-order the machine at one of their regular stores for $100 less.

It's a great idea but let's face the facts. No one (except the people who are working on the console) actually knows what the Xbox looks like, the specifications can change like the wind and no-one has any idea what the launch games are going to be. With those facts in mind, it is highly surprising that people are keen to pre-order one of these consoles.

The official line from Microsoft is that they will unveil the machine early next year and announce a price for the machine. The actual launch date of the machine is being pencilled in as late 2001 but, of course, launch dates often come later rather than sooner.