Hello!
Interesting topic. The thing is, do you think that high price tag is worth it? ~2k for a headset is insanely expensive, especially when you compare it to a Quest. Yes, the specs are great and I bet the headset is great, but I personally doubt it’s worth the price. It depends of course and you may think differently.
Why I would go for a cheaper Quest headset instead of a high end expensive headset:
Longevity
Headsets come out at relatively high rate. Expect a new headset every 2-3 years and that headset is usually way better. So you pay ~2k for a headset that you may replace in 2-3 years, because something new and better came out. This only applies if you want a new headset every 2-3 years. Maybe you are fine with paying a high amount, but you have that headset for 4-6 years. I personally prefer to have a newer headset every 2-3 years, but pay something in the 300-400 range.
Setup
What is very important, is the setup. How easy is it to use, how fast can you start using it. A standalone headset is easy and fast too use. Turn it on, done. A PCVR headset always requires setup. Plug it into the PC, maybe plug into power, turn on the VR software (Steam), make the cable management and now you are good to go. Many more steps are needed. Are you willing to go to through all these steps every time you want to use the headset. I wouldn’t. With a standalone, you turn in on, go wherever you want, lay down, sit down, and use it.
A good comparison are the toys: A Handy might be less powerful than a OSR2, but it’s easy too use. Plug it in, connect it, open the software and go. The OSR2, you have to built it yourself. It’s not as easy too use.
Just because a device is better, it doesn’t mean you would use it more, if the setup takes longer.
Usage
What is it you want to use the headset mainly for? If your main use is VR porn with or without scripts, then a 2k headset isn’t worth it imo. Then a Quest 3 does it as good. If you have the money though and 2k isn’t much for you, then go for it. If you plan to use it for gaming as well, it might be worth. But imo, VR gaming is stale for a very long time. What game(s) are worth the usage of ~2k headset? I haven’t bought a (PC)VR game in a long time, because there is nothing out there other than low quality games.
What is very important, don’t pre order anything. Wait until it’s released, read reviews. A lot of reviews. Watch videos on YouTube. Even though you always should have in mind that the hardware reviewers got the device for free and may not have a neutral position. Best place for reviews is the vr reddit (/r/virtualreality/) for reviews from users.
Pimax got way better over the years. Their first headsets had quite some problems, especially the software was a mess. But Meta is way ahead of every other competitor in the market. Software and hardware wise, they are on the top. Yes, Apple is there as well, but which normal person can afford a 3.5k headset, on which you can’t really play or watch porn.
In the end it’s up to you. A cheaper headset, less powerful, but overall easier setup and usage. Or a very expensive headset, which great power (for now), but longer setup time.
