That's the thing, Valve made it so there's no way to guarantee you'll get it before anyone else. A spot in the reservation queue only guarantees that you'll get a Frame from the first production batch, but the order within the queue is randomized and not known. The first orders will start shipping next week, but personally I predict it'll take weeks at minimum before everyone in the queue even gets the option to pay, let alone actually have their orders shipped. So you could pay a scalper 2k and still be the last person in the reservation queue to get the device (or don't get it at all, if the seller turns out to be a scammer...)

It makes a bit more sense if you didn't make it into the reservation queue in the initial lottery and were waitlisted instead. That probably means you won't be getting a Frame from Valve within this year. But I still wouldn't pay double the price just to move from one queue to another.

Some people do. I would have 20 years ago.

One way to look at the situation is that some entertainers need to be first to market to making "content" about the steam frame. Darn entertainment industry.

Never forget... TimeIsMoneyFriend-wowgoblin.mp4

but it’s cheaper than Bigscreen Beyond, for example.

Not sure if you're counting PC hardware cost or needed accessories, but the base pricing seems comparable especially Bigscreen being smaller+lighter+microOLED.

EDIT: Seeing now that the Bigscreen doesn't include controllers, and the Valve Index controller setup recommended (Knuckles+multi-base-station) is a significant cost. I guess technically you could still do a lot with just head-tracking and other peripherals (and maybe even other VR controllers?) but I see the point especially at this cost level.

No camera either so head tracking is still an issue and passthrough doesn't seem to be a possibility. So I guess without having anything else, it'd basically be a fancy monitor with eye-tracking. I'd say maybe one benefit would be ability to lie down, but this might be a quick way to get motion sickness depending on the content.

I understand the value what I am saying is a rush to buy one right now. If that makes sense.

I am probably buying one .. but when supplies even out.

I recently dusted off my old Quest 2 and I still enjoy it a lot. If you don't mind me asking, what are some good upgrade options outside of the Quest 3? I looked up the Bigscreen Beyond after reading your post and it looks amazing. I don't understand how it's so much smaller than its competitors.

They're not even selling the product, just the ticket to order the headset.