How to tell difference between Xbox console versions?

[norkusa]

I want to get an Xbox and I've been seeing allot of cheap ones in the pawn shops around here lately. The main reason I want one is so I could play those great SNES and MAME emulator discs I've been hearing about. Can't the early versions of the Xbox play these discs without any kind of modification to them? If so, how can I tell which version of the Xbox I am buying?

[NE146]

I'm not too sure, but I'd check the forums at forums.xbox-scene.com. I'm sure there's a sticky topic in there regarding this very subject someone can point you to.