Microsoft "Xbox Next" Prototype is a Stripped Down Power Mac G5

according to this IGN article:

The "Xbox Next" will use PowerPC-based architecture similar to the chipset powering Apple's G5 computers. That being the case, Microsoft's early "Xbox Next" development kits have been little more than modified Apple G5 systems pre-packed with "Xbox 2" emulation software. "I heard [Apple CEO] Steve Jobs found it pretty ironic and funny that Microsoft has been shipping Apple systems to developers," one studio source joked to IGN on the subject.

While devoid of any creative juices or innovation, you can't fault Microsoft for picking the very best that there is to work with. [Dana Baggett]