11th February 2004, 6:38 PM
Ultimately, if Microsoft realizes how important backwards compatibility is, and depending on how much Microsoft wants to be in first place next generation, I believe they'll do (*ahem* spend) whatever it takes. It's not like Microsoft to take the "ah, screw it" approach until they are well in the lead. Meh, who am I kidding? Microsoft has always had that philosophy. At least when it comes to software. :)