Just what the hell is a steam machine?

[DoPo]

If it's just a PC, why even bother?

*big snip*

So they are PCs they offer nothing a PC out there cant do already and actually less unless you install other software (most likely windows) and thats the problem its a non entity.

Again - they offer convenience. That's about it.

I think the problem is that they have been marketed horribly they are just PCs with Valves seal slapped on made by disparate PC manufacturers. So why would I get a steam machine instead of another prebuilt PC?

Why would you get one pre-built PC instead of another? It's pretty much the EXACT same reason.

How long has it been since news of this first came out? It's been at least five years, hasn't it?

This meaning the knowledge of Steam Machines as a thing or the actual Steam Machines? Because neither has been out for 5 years. They were announced back in 2012.

why go halfway with this and not just build a PC? Am I missing something?

Ah, such a brilliant, resourceful, astute, intelligent, knowledgeable, impressive, smart, bright, informed, and glorious observation! I could even add some more adjectives: cunning, magnificent, shrewd, slick, witty, and so on. Truly your statement clearly means that Steam Machines should not exist and, indeed, the moment you wrote that disappeared in a puff of logic.

And now, we are left with pre-built PCs still existing. Last I checked people are still buying, therefore rendering your argument not only irrelevant but, as a matter of fact, baffling, since it didn't really express the reality we live in.

 

[sneakypenguin]

All the disadvantages of a console all the disadvantages of a PC in one glorious package.

What steam machine should have been. A set standard of PC components or a sort of modular base system.
What it is. Any old PC with steam OS from a netbook cpu/gpu powered dog to a 5k triple sli

 

[Gray-Philosophy]

Tis a contraption powered by the heating of water, creating steam and pressure! If used correctly one is able to power an engine for locomotion!

 

[Doom972]

A Steam machine is supposed to be a living-room gaming PC. It's a standard set by Valve (you can get more details on their website), but other companies make them. Their purpose is to make PC gaming more accessible.