What do I need to know about Xbox 360s?

[saint]

Thinking of a console for the kids for Christmas. Don't know anything about the various models. 5 cent advice please? My parameters:

1. Do I need to worry about the RROD? Are there models less subject to the RROD?

2. Don't care about modding, won't be modding it.

3. Don't care about movies and such on it - I have an HTPC in the same room.

Advice/thoughts/good deals?

Thanks!

--- saint

[amendonz]

the new slim model is supposed to be better for reliability, i think there is a cheap model which is 4g, and a 250g model.

you don't really need the 250gig though because you can use up to a 32g memory stick if you want to get some games off xbox live arcade (a LOT of awesome games on demand)

kinects also a lot of fun.


hope that helps

[WhereEaglesDare]

Do you have to install games to the 360 like you do on the PS3.  Some games on my PS3 use 6-8GB of HDD before you even get to play it.  How hard is it to upgrade your HDD later?  Does it have to be a M$ brand one or can it be any old 2.5" drive?

[TOK]

Saint, I just bought one last week too. WalMart had a deal where they give you a $75 gift card with purchase.

[Edwards80]

I got the Slim 250gb model when it came out this year. No issues whatsoever so far and the model seems to have addressed the reliability issues.

You don't need to install the games but it speeds up loading times a little. The slim model is a lot quieter than the older version too.

As mentioned above, the 4gb model is probably a good bet if you already have a HTPC in the same room, you can always plug USB storage in if you end up getting a lot of stuff off XBOX live/installing games.

[DJ_Izumi]

Do you have to install games to the 360 like you do on the PS3.  Some games on my PS3 use 6-8GB of HDD before you even get to play it.  How hard is it to upgrade your HDD later?  Does it have to be a M$ brand one or can it be any old 2.5" drive?

Replacing the drive is easy.  More or less pops in and out of a hidden slot on the new Slim model and it just snaps on and off on the older model. However you do have to use an offical Microsoft drive.

There are ways aroundd this, but it involves finding a drive of the same model off the shelf, flashing the Firmware onto drive and then formatting the drive accordingly.  It's a huge hastle, especially locating a drive of the same model that MS uses.

[RandyT]

Buy one with the biggest drive you can afford.  They are more expensive as add-on's, unless you buy used, or one of the Chinese drive cases and add your own.  It's nice to be able to download demos and not have to delete them right away in order to download something else.  Almost all of the HD video stuff on Live is download first, rather than streaming.  Also, just about every game you buy will want to patch itself.  Sometimes, the patches can take up a fair bit of space.  Also, some games, like Guitar Hero, have a fair amount of downloadable content available.  It's just one of those things that's better to have too much of than not enough.

The jury is still out in the RROD situation on the new units  They haven't been out long enough to know.  It's not a terrible problem to fix if you are handy and have everything you need, and you shouldn't even see it, unless you play it several hours a day for months and months.  I have two units, one of which was purchased several years ago, and it's still fine.

[Mikezilla]

Not in my neck of the woods. I was thinking about buying one, that is right up my alley, especially after those tickets I have to pay. 

If they had that deal going here I would get one damn it! 

[saint]

Thanks for the advice everyone! 250 gig holiday bundle has been ordered. It's a rough time for the St.Clair household due to some family issues, so hopefully this will spread some cheer to my kids Appreciate everyone's input!

--- saint

[Hoopz]

Thanks for the advice everyone! 250 gig holiday bundle has been ordered. It's a rough time for the St.Clair household due to some family issues, so hopefully this will spread some cheer to my kids Appreciate everyone's input!

--- saint

I hope everything works out for your family. 

[SNAAKE]

I have a jasper 360 for sale..check thread on buy/sell

I can sell it....NOT modded lol