Squilliam on 25 July 2009
What physical medium in say a couple of years time? Hmm, how about digital distribution and catridges! 
Physically an optical drive adds about $100 to the baseline cost of a console when you factor in the required HDD, Ram, packaging and optical drive itself. So much extra stuff has to be added to a console to make up for the deficiencies of the optical drive format. My guess for the next generation they will keep the console simple.
Xbox next Arcade = 10GB of fast flash storage + cartridge media.
Xbox next Premium = 10GB of fast storage + cartridge media + HDD
Xbox next Elite = same as above with optical drive for BC.
The transition to 450mm wafers is upon us! Flash is just getting cheaper.
Tease.
