What to buy? (Xbox)

[R2D2]

I've been thinking about getting an Xbox 360 for a long time, and I was wondering which version I should get; 360 Elite, Pro, ect. I wanted to know who has what and how happy you are with it. Before I go out and buy the worst one (you know I would).

[Zabka]

If you are getting a new one, the versions are virtually the same--the question is how much hard drive space you want. Try to find one that has a more recent manufacture date---the quality control in testing is better in those so the failure rate is lower (less risk of RRoD). As for how much HDD you need, that's a presonal preference. There are more and more applications for use of the 360 coming through both as an IPTV device, potentially a DVR, and definitely for Netflix movies. Not sure to what degree those actions will necessitate larger HDDs. I have had mine now for a couple years now and still have about 5 gigs left from the 20 gig drive. About 4 gigs of the HDD get taken up by the OS and other stuff that you can't delete. But to be honest, what they charge for differences in HDD space (both MS and Sony) is ridiculously expensive relative to what it should be. The 20 gig will prob get you by for a while, but you will likely need to get a new drive if you save a lot of campaigns demos or other things to it. If you delete stuff often, it'll run longer.

[R2D2]

Thanks I'll be looking into it.

[LvDevilsFan]

the elite is the only one that has an hdmi output as well.. if you have an hdtv.. itds the only way to go....
the elite comes with a 120g hd.. more then enough for all the dl's of maps and extra stuff if you tend to get games with alot of dl's (halo for example)
also if you dl lots of arcade games or poss plan on dl old xbox games... get the elite as it has a bigger drive

[Inlimbo]

no, all newer models for awhile now have hdmi output, even the arcade one. i had 2 buy an arcade version to slap my hd on after one of my prior systems shit the bed so i know this 4 sure. the best bet is probably the 60 gig standard version now. if you can spare the money, if not go with the 20 gig.

[LvDevilsFan]

limbo is correct as i have noticed the errors of my ways (i did see a site with hdmi on lower systems) and true.. the 60g is MORE then enough... 120 is ALOT of extra space. i have only used 20g on my drive...

[CHRIST]

Another good investment is the Plug and charge kit or whatever it's called, so that when you need to recharge your controller battery you just plug it in, it comes with like an 8' cord. (not really sure about the actual length, but it's more than sufficient)

[RaTix]

Or better yet, the Quick Charger Kit.

It's all I have used since I got it. Although, my seating area is a bit cramped and the 8' wire of the plug n play gets tangled up on my chair and shit.
When the battery goes even half way down, swap them out. I find a fresh battery shows a slightly better response time. Might want to grab an extra battery though if you have people over often to play.

If your gonna go wired, buy a true wired one. They're lighter (no battery), more responsive/sensitive, and can give a different feel to your gaming.

[R2D2]

Thanks you guys guys have been real helpful, I probably wont get one until after Christmas (if I even have enough money).

[keyser28146]

Depends on your DL's and media features though... I don't have a 360 yet, but I put a 160 GB drive in my PS3 and I've used about 145GB and am thinking about upgrading it to either 320 or 500GB. If you put all your mp3's and video and whatnot on it, you may need more space... think about everything you want it for before you settle on the smallest HDD.

In short, your HDD size should be directly proportional to how geek-centric you are. If you start thinking about cool stuff you can make your system do, then I'd suggest the bigger HDD, if you are going to play games, and not use it for a streaming server or internet radio cache via the web or whatever, then go with the smaller size.

[RaTix]

In short, your HDD size should be directly proportional to how geek-centric you are

I beg to differ, real geeks network their resources, lol.
With the MP3s and videos, you can link the 360 to your PC so it will stream the content, thus saving you lots of space on the overpriced 360 HDDs. All you really need the space for is game demos, updates, patches, etc.. and perhaps for movies when the Netflix thing comes around.

[Zabka]

I tried to link up my PS3 as well to my PC using Rhapsody--which I use for music...and I can't figure out how to get it to work. works well on the 360, but I can't get it to stream while playing, so I just use USB drive for music in games.

[keyser28146]

I beg to differ, real geeks network their resources, lol.
With the MP3s and videos, you can link the 360 to your PC so it will stream the content, thus saving you lots of space on the overpriced 360 HDDs. All you really need the space for is game demos, updates, patches, etc.. and perhaps for movies when the Netflix thing comes around.

True, but I use the PSP remote play feature, that way I can go anywhere and watch videos or play music or games that are compatible with that feature anywhere that has a wireless hotspot. Keeps me from having to transfer to memory stick or to carry around 12 8GB memory sticks just for my music. The remote play thing made my ipod almost obsolete (except when in the car). I'm sure 360 supports a similar functionality if I'm not mistaken, though certainly not with the PSP. He might want to use the 360 as his server since it makes more sense to leave it connected to the internet and take your laptop with ya then the reverse. Again, I'm not positive 360 supports that, but I'm pretty sure it does... has anyone done it, because that's a question I'm gonna have anyway now?

But if you have a desktop, laptop, AND a 360 then you are dead on right... no sense in having 3 copies of everything, but a word to the wise... make sure you have 2.

[thedooku]

Hope you or anyone else interested in a new 360 didn't buy yet. This deal (as well as Arcade and Pro) expires the 23rd.

http://www.logicbuy.com/hotdeals/8816/XBOX-360-Elite-120GB-Holiday-Bundle-2008---2-Games.aspx

[R2D2]

Well it finally happened, I got the MW2 special edition 360 elite for Christmas. For anyone that would want to add me, my gamer-tag is: RussianHammer17. I only have MW2 and the first Halo right now but will likely be picking up a few other games soon. Any suggestions?