If you are worried that you will not make it into the beta test for the Steambox on Steam you may still have a chance to get your hands on one, at least for a little while.  Several versions of the Steambox are going to exist, coming from different manufacturers and while they may not all be called Steambox they will have the same OS but perhaps different hardware.  If you keep your eyes peeled you may spot a chance to try one of these devices at an expo or perhaps even on your own. In the mean time your best bet is to apply now on Steam for a chance to test the new machine and you can do so with the handy link provided at The Inquirer.

"GAMES DEVELOPER Valve isn't set on the idea of a Steambox as a hardware console, and is hoping that its fans will help it refine its plans"

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