Ok I might be streching a little but the Xbox came long before and is a much more massive outlay than other projects including the Zune. I also thought that Microsoft reported a smaller loss for the division than for the Xbox. Meaning all those other things with the Zune are profitable. Xbox is the anchor/gamble.
As for the Zune, it is an effort to get their operating system in your pockect. The Xbox is how they get in your family room(IPTV). Obviously it is their overall plan to be well placed as the consumption of electronic devices moves from traditional computers to internet enabled entertainment devices. The evoluton of power is computers is moving much faster than the avaerage persons need. Thus simple devices will be able to do everythign the average person used to go to the computer for. The Zune is much more of a toe in the water kind of effort. Yes I am sure it is a huge outlay of capital and a massive effort but no where near the gamble the Xbox was/is. They had already postioned themselves as a big player in the digital music game and I doubt they lose any money on the hardware given the similar capabilities of competitors.
Final* Word on Game Delays:
The game will not be any better or include more content then planned. Any commnets that say so are just PR hogwash to make you feel better for having to wait.
Delays are due to lack of proper resources, skill, or adequate planning by the developer.
Do be thankful that they have enough respect for you to delay the game and maintain its intended level of quality.
*naznatips is exempt
