So, is it safe to buy a 360 yet?

[Lord_Magus]

I've been thinking of picking one up for a while now (more specifically, ever since Deathsmiles was announced), but I've been skeptical due to the ridiculously high failure rates as everyone knows. Has the situation been drastically improved (and by that, I mean eliminated) in the latest models, or should I just wait for the rumored "slim" version to surface and see how that fares?

To be honest, it's not only that I'm worried about the thing becoming an ugly paperweight on me, it's more that I simply consider it stupid to consciously buy (and subsequently, support) a console with such a high failure rate. If there's a huge improvement in reliability in the latest (Jasper, was it?) units, I might actually pick one up though since there appear to be some solid double-A games on it.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

[skaar]

No. It will never be safe. There are naked ladies in some of the games.

Go buy one and enjoy it while you can. Waiting on one is time wasted.

[rpepper9]

No, it will never be safe. They come alive at night and do unthinkable things to you while you sleep!

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

You use descriptors like "huge" and "drastically" when asking if the situation has been improved.

While there may have been some "minor", "incremental" or even "significant" (generously/relatively speaking) improvements in hardware failures since the introduction of the Jasper model board (and/or any minor revisions since then) I believe that the answer to the question: has there been any huge improvements is still no.

[baraka]

I was comparing the newer PS3 slim models to the newer 360 models a few weeks ago and the new 360 ones seem to be a lot more reliable from what I read. The "new" chipset rarely causes trouble anymore whereas the ps3 slim apparently overheats quite easily.

[Lord_Magus]

No. It will never be safe. There are naked ladies in some of the games.

Go buy one and enjoy it while you can. Waiting on one is time wasted.

I think that third sentence belonged on the second line...?

Still not convinced though. I don't want to risk getting one of these things and having it blow up my house or something. My girlfriend would hate it if that happened.

[backguard]

I've been thinking of picking one up for a while now (more specifically, ever since Deathsmiles was announced), but I've been skeptical due to the ridiculously high failure rates as everyone knows. Has the situation been drastically improved (and by that, I mean eliminated) in the latest models, or should I just wait for the rumored "slim" version to surface and see how that fares?

To be honest, it's not only that I'm worried about the thing becoming an ugly paperweight on me, it's more that I simply consider it stupid to consciously buy (and subsequently, support) a console with such a high failure rate. If there's a huge improvement in reliability in the latest (Jasper, was it?) units, I might actually pick one up though since there appear to be some solid double-A games on it.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

The RROD has been drastically improved with the later versions. I'm not sure about failure rates now, but they definitely have improved. You can get some pretty good deals on Elites if you do a little shopping around. It seems like everyone is offering $50 gift cards or other bonuses with them these days. Also with bing.com cashback and online coupons you can sometimes get really good deals for online purchases. I think I paid about 200 for my Elite from Dell.com about 6 months ago. Basically, I would say if you can get a decent deal it is probably worth getting one. BUT if your 360 goes down you have to sit through weeks of delay while it is repaired. THAT and the quality of titles that have come out for the PS3 in the last 6 months motivated me to get rid of my Elite and stick with my PS3.

[grolt]

I suppose it's too early to tell with the Jasper units, but all seems to be going well with those on the boards I frequent. That's the unit I've got now, and it's been great for me. It's never even run hot, or not near as hot as the earlier systems my brothers have (and have lost due to RROD) at least. It uses a lot less power, too, so put those energy bill savings into some XBLA downloads!

[skaar]

I think that third sentence belonged on the second line...?

Still not convinced though. I don't want to risk getting one of these things and having it blow up my house or something. My girlfriend would hate it if that happened.

I suggest distracting her with naked ladies.

Consoles are cheap enough that they're not a significant investment anymore. Buy the console, play the games, enjoy yourself.

This isn't rocket science. It's a video game machine.

[Lord_Magus]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. It seems that getting a Jasper is the way to go.

I'll probably pick one up from amazon UK, as they have a pretty sweet deal going currently where you get basically 2 free games with any Elite purchase.

But hmm... Is there any way to guarantee I'll get a Jasper unit, or at least identify one if I decide to pick one up from my local game store?

[Therealqtip]

Lol@knowing a 360 or maybe a PS3 is GOING to die. Oh technology these days. It's so good.

[megasdkirby]

I've been thinking of picking one up for a while now (more specifically, ever since Deathsmiles was announced), but I've been skeptical due to the ridiculously high failure rates as everyone knows. Has the situation been drastically improved (and by that, I mean eliminated) in the latest models, or should I just wait for the rumored "slim" version to surface and see how that fares?

I was like that, fearing getting a console because of the RROD and such. But then I saw a nice offer on GameStop which was better thanks to PR stock, so I decided to give it a shot.

Although I have yet to give "heavy play" to the Xbox 360, it's great having one and browsing the library of games (though only a few actually interest me (exclusive for the consoles) and multi-platform versions I will get for the PS3).

Unfortunately, I THINK the slim won't help matters. In fact, it may make things worse. Every time I see a "slimmer" console being released (at least with respects to the PSTwo and PS3), even more problems arise. I've seen more returns on PS3 "slims" due to overheating than I ever saw for the "chubby" system. I think this is due to the cramped space in the console, even with the more efficient CPU and GPU. So possibly the same may happen to the Xbox 360. But no one knows for sure until it's released.


To be honest, it's not only that I'm worried about the thing becoming an ugly paperweight on me, it's more that I simply consider it stupid to consciously buy (and subsequently, support) a console with such a high failure rate. If there's a huge improvement in reliability in the latest (Jasper, was it?) units, I might actually pick one up though since there appear to be some solid double-A games on it.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

From what I can gather, it's all depending on use. If the console is played heavily, without breaks in between to cool it off, it will damage faster than one that is used less frequently or one that is cooled much more often. Just take good care of it, make sure it gets plenty of "rest" so that it can cool, play in a well ventilated area (and very cold area, at least this is my suggestion), and turn it off when it's not in use, and I think you should be ok. Or at least have it last a very long time.


I suppose it's too early to tell with the Jasper units, but all seems to be going well with those on the boards I frequent. That's the unit I've got now, and it's been great for me. It's never even run hot, or not near as hot as the earlier systems my brothers have (and have lost due to RROD) at least. It uses a lot less power, too, so put those energy bill savings into some XBLA downloads!

I dunno grolt. It's going to be two years soon (at least by the end of the year) and the amount of issues I've read concerning the "Jasper" units have been good compared to older motherboards and chipsets. So I am pretty sure one can say that it has helped matters quite a bit. Now take the PS3 and the constant overheating issues I see at work and online, and taking into factor that the PS3 "slim" has been out less than a year, is quite shocking. And this coming from a person who likes the PS3 more. :)

[stonecutter]

I just experienced my 4th RROD 30 minutes ago on a unit made June 30th 2008. I am really pissed off about this. I wouldn't advise anyone to buy an XBOX anymore unless they want the hassle and frustration. My systems get heavy use, but they are well taken care of, and not in a hot environment.

If I was working and could afford to, I would dump all my 360 stuff at a huge loss I am sure and start over with a PS3.

[skaar]

I just experienced my 4th RROD 30 minutes ago on a unit made June 30th 2008. I am really pissed off about this. I wouldn't advise anyone to buy an XBOX anymore unless they want the hassle and frustration. My systems get heavy use, but they are well taken care of, and not in a hot environment.

If I was working and could afford to, I would dump all my 360 stuff at a huge loss I am sure and start over with a PS3.

Sell your 360 stuff on here. Make others happy!

Seriously, do you know how many computer/laptop/hardware failures I've had in my life? Did I stop using a computer? No. I bought another one.

The more complicated technology gets the more can go wrong. Have you LOOKED inside an Atari?

[Letiumtide]

Is it safe? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zeI3MvSCMQ)

Honestly, I've had mine since Lost Odyssey came out, never had a problem.

[duffmanth]

It'll never be safe to buy a 360, but if you want one that much, just get it from Gamestop and get the extended warranty. I think it's pretty cheap?

[The 1 2 P]

Still not convinced though. I don't want to risk getting one of these things and having it blow up my house or something. My girlfriend would hate it if that happened.

How small is your house? The blast radius on 360 explosions is only 2-5 feet. You could have that area remodeled in a week or less.

[Sniderman]

If you have to ask, then you're too much of a nervous nellie to risk buying one. Everytime you fire it up, you're gonna just be WAITING for it to red-ring.

Personally, the reputation speaks for itself, I think.

[megasdkirby]

Everytime you fire it up, you're gonna just be WAITING for it to red-ring.



My goodness, this is so true...at least with me. Though it has diminished quite a bit.

[DeputyMoniker]

Can't tell you how tired I am of this question. It's still a legitimate concern though. I'd say it's safe to buy one but get the extended warranty. If mine craps out (and I've used an Arcade for a year now and had no real probs.) then it'll get fixed. I went with the extended warranty because it covers me for a total of 3 years. I figured that they will probably have it all sorted out by the time my warranty runs out. And if I feel like it, I'll just RRoD my system and have them replace it...do that until I get a hold of one of the newer ones. Yeah, it's a little underhanded, but so is selling an unreliable product. (Not that that actually justifies what Im going to do.)

[Damaramu]

I bought mine in October, 2007. I had it RROD on me ONCE in 2008. Got the coffin, sent it in. Got it back about a week and a half later. They actually sent MY machine back. I didn't get a random refurbished 360. I was quite happy with that.

Since then, my 360 runs like a champ. I did notice they replaced my disc drive. I put in about 2 or 3 hours of solid play about 5 days out of the week. No problems so far.

[meancode]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. It seems that getting a Jasper is the way to go.

I'll probably pick one up from amazon UK, as they have a pretty sweet deal going currently where you get basically 2 free games with any Elite purchase.

But hmm... Is there any way to guarantee I'll get a Jasper unit, or at least identify one if I decide to pick one up from my local game store?

You mentioned Deathsmiles in your original post. To my knowledge Aksys is not publishing that across the pond. Might want to keep that in mind.

As for your question, yes the Jasper has been a much better unit. I have had 4 dead 360 before it (two RRoD, two dead DVD drives) and have had no problems with my Jaspers.

I currently have a NA and a JP and the JP has an even newer born on date, even. They don't get as hot as the older models, and they are better energy wise, too.

But as been joked at earlier in this thread, waiting for a mythical console that is not going to break down is really fruitless. You will end up just missing out on the games.

I mean the PS3 has a very low failure rate but I have seen it YLoD before (not mine, thanfully). That did not stop me from buying a PS3.

The hardware has gotten cheaper, so you are saving yourself a little bit of money there, but its not a huge money investment if you do get a RRoD or E74 or whatever - hey, shit happens.

The real pain here is the DRM, and this is not exclusive to the Xbox 360, but it sure has its DRM problems. Transferring the licenses to new hardware, so you can play the games offline, is very time consuming, and can only be done once a year. That is, I think, the worst part about the Xbox 360, even worse than the fact that I am on my 5th unit.

[zemmix]

At this point I'm just going to wait for the redesigned slim version that will be launched alongside the Natal by the sound of it.

Thats if I end up getting one anyway. Only game I can think of of the top of my head I'd want is Forza. Maybe some of those xbox live games too like Duke3d as long as it's still for sale by that time (why do they remove games from the digital store anyway?).

[jcalder8]

At this point I'm just going to wait for the redesigned slim version that will be launched alongside the Natal by the sound of it.
I love my 360 but in my opinion better the devil you know than the devil you don't. At least lots of people know how to fix the RROD but when the new slim one comes out and BUIYF then you'll be on your own.

For the OP I wouldn't have any worries about picking up an brand new one. I got a brand new one from MS after buying an RROD unit and sending it in. It runs amazingly well and quietly.

[Slate]

In all honesty, I've never had the RROD happen to me and I left my Pro on for two days running Dead Rising. Twice. I own two 360s, An Elite and a Pro. I think Microsoft replaced both of them, Here's the story.

Original Pro - Bought in August 2006 from KMart with an extended warranty. The DVD Drive started sticking and I sent it in twice for this (It didn't stop after the first repair) The second time I got it back with an RROD. I guess they gave up trying to fix it so they made it RROD so I could send it in to Microsoft. I have no complaints, I sent it to Microsoft and then I think they sent me a new console. I haven't turned it on since 2008 but it had no problems.

Original Elite - Bought in 2007. In late summer 2008 the DVD Drive stopped reading discs, I sent it in to Microsoft and got a new one back. The new one has worked fine ever since.

If I were you I'd just buy a 360. Enjoy it, I haven't heard much about 360s dying lately. I know you're worried about it blowing up, I have heard of that happening but I don't know if its true or not.

[skaar]

I just get frustrated when this question comes up. I see it as people missing out on years of good gaming because they're scared of taking a risk. Jump in. Have fun. If it breaks, go play outside while you wait for it to be fixed.

[badinsults]

I've had my Xbox 360 for a year and a half (got one with the improved hardware), and have not had any issues. I've used it quite a bit for gaming and watching dvds, and the hardware hasn't failed me yet. I don't think you can go wrong with buying a newer model one.

[stonecutter]

Though I have now had 4 RROD, I own 2 XBOX 360. I bought a second after my second RROD and now though I go through the pain in the ass at least I hope my 5th RROD doesn't happen while I wait for my other return lol. Skaar had alluded to not giving up on computers lol, well as you can see I haven't, but I do get pissed off going through this. Just because things are more complicated doesn't mean more failure is acceptable.

[s1lence]

I just get frustrated when this question comes up. I see it as people missing out on years of good gaming because they're scared of taking a risk. Jump in. Have fun. If it breaks, go play outside while you wait for it to be fixed.

Exactly, jump in and try it.

[RPG_Fanatic]

I've only had my first one go bad (bought in Feb. 06) my MW2 version has never had any problems.

[duffmanth]

I tend to agree with some other posts on here, if you really want a 360 that much, get one. I think the extra year warranty through Gamestop is like $35-40? So if it craps out on you, at least you're covered for 2 years at a minimum.

[megasdkirby]

Am I forced to get the extended warranty at the time of purchase?

[jdc]

I thought I'd try something different and treat it as an older gen system ala PS2 and Dreamcast. I bought an Arcade pre-Jasper. I decided to forgo a harddrive and use memory cards instead. My game room is always kept cooler and I limit it's playtime to 2-3 hours a day with the occassional all day marathon thrown in. So far so good after 11 months.

[s1lence]

I thought I'd try something different and treat it as an older gen system ala PS2 and Dreamcast. I bought an Arcade pre-Jasper. I decided to forgo a harddrive and use memory cards instead. My game room is always kept cooler and I limit it's playtime to 2-3 hours a day with the occassional all day marathon thrown in. So far so good after 11 months.

I dont have any problems with my systems with a harddrive. My systems are rarely turned off unless I'm playing a specific game to a specific region.

Glad to hear your process works on that older 360. The new USB storage solution will be a good one to try as well.

[stonecutter]

Sorry to side track, but whats the new USB storage to be? Just a flashdrive for storage?

[The 1 2 P]

Sorry to side track, but whats the new USB storage to be? Just a flashdrive for storage?

Yes. You'll be able to use up to two different 16 gig flash drives for a total of 32 gigs of additional space.

[kupomogli]

Perfect Dark 64 needs to be the first game you get if you don't own an N64. Best game on the system.

[Mimi Nakamura]

360s / PS3s overheating is a rare occurrence in Japan (although 360 owners are a pretty rare occurrence here too!), perhaps it's because we tend not to stack electrical appliances? I've noticed in other countries, people sometimes have their game systems sitting on top of their DVD players, or vice versa. Surely doing this would contribute to overheating?

[megasdkirby]

360s / PS3s overheating is a rare occurrence in Japan (although 360 owners are a pretty rare occurrence here too!), perhaps it's because we tend not to stack electrical appliances? I've noticed in other countries, people sometimes have their game systems sitting on top of their DVD players, or vice versa. Surely doing this would contribute to overheating?

I've seen this many times. A person keeps saying that they keep their consoles in optimal conditions, great wide area, etc. But there is always a contributing factor to why it overheats and causes problems.

The biggest factor is what I call "over gaming". By this I refer to playing for long periods of time with no adequate "rest time". Many argue that they have done this with no issue, but they have to remember that it's a progressive thing: you won't see any side affects immediately, but you will ultimately. This is why I try not to stay more than an hour or an hour and a half playing, unless I take short rests periods (15-20 minutes) in between.

The other factor is "placing and area". I've seen consoles placed, as you've mentioned, in places that are a breeding ground to over heating. Cramped spaces, with other equipment that generate heat, etc. Placing the Xbox 360 vertically causes the system to overheat as well, since it blocks a good portion of the total system vents. Sure, it's great to save on space, but doing so reduces airflow considerably.

This might be trivial, but disconnecting the AC plug after playing the console helps cool down the console, while leaving it connected maintains a certain level of "warmness" inside the console. Some argue this, but think about it: if you leave the plug connected to the power outlet, there is always a certain amount of electricity flowing through the console. Electricity causes heat. Unplugging your console after use cuts off the electrical current flowing inside the console, and no electricity equals no heating.

Finally, another trivial matter might be playing depending on external temperature. Playing in a very hot environment can cause the console to overheat. An example is when I play with my PS3: I always use the air condition (set at around 70) whenever I play. I've noticed that doing so causes the console to only reach "level 2" fan speed. But if I plan without air conditioning, it can reach "level 3" fan speed, or the one that sounds VERY loud. This is because the console is generating so much heat that the fan is trying to keep up and dissipate it.

Also, when in play, keep the console plugged into a surge protector, and not directly to the power outlet. A voltage regulator, or even a UPS, does wonders.

These are the factors I see at work every day, when people are returning their units. I then mention what I stated above, and it's rare that I see them return with issues.

[Flashback2012]

I've thus far resisted the urge to get any of the current gen home consoles. I find that rather odd as I was on hand for the launches of all three systems last gen. Of course, I've had to replace all three of my launch units and while the PS2 and GC have been working fine, my replacement Xbox's drive has started to fail. :frustrated:

I realize that these newer, more complicated machines have a greater chance to fail but I personally can't see myself putting up with having to replace units. It was an incredible pain in my arse during the last round of consoles and I just don't have the desire to go through that again. I've worked in gaming retail and I've heard many a horror story about people having to replace their XB360 multiple times. F that...not my cup o' tea.

I know at some point I'm going to take the Nestea plunge and get all of the systems. I've got stacks of games for each I've found on the cheap that I want to play. ;) When I do take that plunge, I imagine the PS3 will get bought first, followed by the Wii, and then the XB360 when I get around it. I've heard rumors/rumblings about a possible 'slim' unit coming out sometime so I figured if I've waited this long, what's a little bit longer?

One "mistake" I won't be making this gen is buying the XB360 version of a game that's available on both XB360 and PS3. There are going to be some exceptions of course, like Bayonetta, but those will be few and far between and not the norm. My ire at MS for their shoddy hardware has seriously had me contemplating replacing games on Xbox with their PS2 and GC counterparts. @_@

[megasdkirby]

I find that rather odd as I was on hand for the launches of all three systems last gen. Of course, I've had to replace all three of my launch units and while the PS2 and GC have been working fine, my replacement Xbox's drive has started to fail. :frustrated:

Repairing the Xbox drive is fairly easy. The last "repair" option is to replace the drive itself, but in most cases, a simple cleaning helps. If not, tweaking the potentiometer or just replacing the lens helps matters as well.

I love the Xbox, specially since the softmod. Watching movies on it via XBMC is simple fantastic! Playing emulators/roms, installing games on HDD and playing from there...just superbly great.


I've worked in gaming retail and I've heard many a horror story about people having to replace their XB360 multiple times. F that...not my cup o' tea.

Can't beat the exchange I did for a customer, only to test out the new console, and turning it on for the first time...BAM! RROD on the console. It wasn't even used! LOL Only happened once, but still, that was funny, in a scary sort of way.


I've heard rumors/rumblings about a possible 'slim' unit coming out sometime so I figured if I've waited this long, what's a little bit longer?

Meh, I would hold off getting an "Xbox 360 Slim" until reviews appear. I've heard more horror stories of the new PS3 Slim than on the original. I remember same thing happened with the PS2 Slim when it was released.


One "mistake" I won't be making this gen is buying the XB360 version of a game that's available on both XB360 and PS3. There are going to be some exceptions of course, like Bayonetta, but those will be few and far between and not the norm. My ire at MS for their shoddy hardware has seriously had me contemplating replacing games on Xbox with their PS2 and GC counterparts. @_@

When I buy games, I always give a multi-platform game a preference on the Playstation 3 than the 360. I just like the PS3 more. Of course, I can't let go of super cheap games either. But if I were to get a game, and I had to choose which console to get it on, I will almost always choose PS3.

[Battlesmurf]

If it means anything- I read on Neogaf.com that Amazon has an Arcade 360 with an extra controller for $159 (no tax, free shipping if you have prime). I saw it myself on Amazon from Gaf, just don't have the link handy for Amazon (it'll probably be easier to trace my steps too :p)

[Flashback2012]

Repairing the Xbox drive is fairly easy. The last "repair" option is to replace the drive itself, but in most cases, a simple cleaning helps. If not, tweaking the potentiometer or just replacing the lens helps matters as well.

I'm betting it's the drive that is going bad. I tried to play SVC Chaos not too long ago and it kept saying to insert an Xbox disc. @_@


I love the Xbox, specially since the softmod. Watching movies on it via XBMC is simple fantastic! Playing emulators/roms, installing games on HDD and playing from there...just superbly great.

I had a buddy who had a modded Halo Xbox (sadly it was stolen from his apartment :puppydogeyes:). He showed off a lot of the things you mentioned and I thought it was pretty cool but I have never been keen on modding my units for whatever reason.


Can't beat the exchange I did for a customer, only to test out the new console, and turning it on for the first time...BAM! RROD on the console. It wasn't even used! LOL Only happened once, but still, that was funny, in a scary sort of way.

Yeah, I can't touch that. ;)


Meh, I would hold off getting an "Xbox 360 Slim" until reviews appear. I've heard more horror stories of the new PS3 Slim than on the original. I remember same thing happened with the PS2 Slim when it was released.

Oh I assure you I won't be getting one from the first batch of 360 slims. I figured they've had time to work out most of the kinks in the PS3 slims so that when I'm ready to buy I should be okay. I want to get a PS2 slim as a backup when the drop the price on them a little more.


When I buy games, I always give a multi-platform game a preference on the Playstation 3 than the 360. I just like the PS3 more. Of course, I can't let go of super cheap games either. But if I were to get a game, and I had to choose which console to get it on, I will almost always choose PS3.

That'll make two of us. LOL

[The 1 2 P]

I just get frustrated when this question comes up. I see it as people missing out on years of good gaming because they're scared of taking a risk. Jump in. Have fun. If it breaks, go play outside while you wait for it to be fixed.

Word.


Perfect Dark 64 needs to be the first game you get if you don't own an N64. Best game on the system.

A good game? Absolutely. But the best game on the system? It's not even the best fps game on the system.

[jdc]

I agree with the idea of environmental heat. My 360 is kept up on top of my entertainment centre in my gaming room, which is kept so cold year round that you usually have to have a throw blanket across your lap, even in summer, lol. It might be the answer, it might not, but I don't think that it hurts. Does a harddrive create any heat that might be passed on to the console?

[megasdkirby]

Does a harddrive create any heat that might be passed on to the console?

Yes. Remember that anything electrical generates heat if electricity is circulating inside of it. In the HDD's case, beside electricity, there are moving parts. These parts move extremely fast, generating alot of heat in the process. And since it's part of the console, it's part of the system, so it can have an effect. Maybe not as much as if it internally, but it's still there.

[j_factor]

I still can't believe people are so willing to put up with system failures. Particularly people on a board like this that has so many classic gamers. What's gonna happen when there are no new 360 units? What will 360 gaming, in general, be like in 15 years? Am I the only one taking a long view? In 1998 I bought a used Playstation, one of the models manufactured in 1995, and when it stopped working in 2002, I was pretty livid.

I mean look at Game Gear. There's practically no market for used Game Gear games these days, and a big part of that is because of the shitty hardware. They don't commonly outright fail, but they're prone to blown audio, cartridge contact issues, and screen problems. I have three Game Gears and none of them work well. I would totally play the system and buy a bunch more games for it, if it weren't such a piece of shit. That's irritating enough, and all three of my Game Gear units were acquired for less than $20. With a more expensive console, I would not find it remotely tolerable.

[Overbite]

I bought my 360 2 years ago and have had no problems with it. It's not like everyone has RROD happen every month and they've gone through 40 360s. I'm still on my first.

[rbudrick]

Has there been any word on the next chip revision for the 360 yet?

Anyone have a complete history of upgrades to the system?

-Rob

[kedawa]

I don't know why anyone would hold off on buying a slim 360. There have already been several versions of the original design, and the rumoured new model is just one more revision. The fact that it will likely use a different shell is almost completely irrelevant, unless MS forgets to ensure proper ventilation or does something else equally stupid.
The reason the 360 was so flaky to begin with is that the large-die chips produce more heat than the system can properly dissipate.
Those chips won't be in the new model since they aren't even being made anymore.
If there's anything that would scare me away from a redesigned 360, it's the possibility of it having a hard drive that isn't upgradeable.

[megasdkirby]

The fact that it will likely use a different shell is almost completely irrelevant, unless MS forgets to ensure proper ventilation or does something else equally stupid.


Which is what probably will happen.

I hope the Xbox 360 "slim" does good and in designed good, as that would mean another spare console.

[zektor]

Which is what probably will happen.

I hope the Xbox 360 "slim" does good and in designed good, as that would mean another spare console.

I am banking on that as well. Maybe a total re-design will finally fix the issues. I just cannot buy another 360 until I am sure it is reliable.

[megasdkirby]

I turned on the 360 yesterday, since I purchased Deadly Premonition.

I noticed that even though the room was incredibly cold and with air conditioning on, the air the xbox would "release" was somewhat hot. Not incredibly hot, but at least warm enough. This struck me as odd, even with the new design and room temperature. Ventilation and area are optimum, so this made me wonder. I need to find an adequate thermometer to calculate the heat dissipation temperature, but for the time being I will compare it to that of the PS3 to see which is cooler (using my hand).

[meancode]

I turned on the 360 yesterday, since I purchased Deadly Premonition.

I noticed that even though the room was incredibly cold and with air conditioning on, the air the xbox would "release" was somewhat hot. Not incredibly hot, but at least warm enough. This struck me as odd, even with the new design and room temperature. Ventilation and area are optimum, so this made me wonder. I need to find an adequate thermometer to calculate the heat dissipation temperature, but for the time being I will compare it to that of the PS3 to see which is cooler (using my hand).


OMG IT IS GOING TO EXPLODE!!!!!

But seriously, my PS3 and the air coming out of it are pretty warm too. Now I do have a launch 60 GB unit, mind you.

These are highly specialized computers, and the air coming OUT of them is going to be warm.

[duffmanth]

I turned on the 360 yesterday, since I purchased Deadly Premonition.

I noticed that even though the room was incredibly cold and with air conditioning on, the air the xbox would "release" was somewhat hot. Not incredibly hot, but at least warm enough. This struck me as odd, even with the new design and room temperature. Ventilation and area are optimum, so this made me wonder. I need to find an adequate thermometer to calculate the heat dissipation temperature, but for the time being I will compare it to that of the PS3 to see which is cooler (using my hand).

Keep these two things in mind to: please don't set your 360 or any console on the floor or rug, and also take a dustbuster or any portable vacuum and gently clean out the fans from time to time.