Trying to decide on a 360.

[Cloud121]

Okay, I've been planning on buying a 360 for a long time now. I was gonna get the Elite at launch, but got screwed out of some money. I was gonna buy a Core a month ago, but lost my job. Now that I have a new job, I hope to finally get a 360 within the next month or so. So, here are my options. Core, Pro, Elite, Halo 3.

Now, there will be some silly things involved (Color for example), but I'm weird like that (Thanks OCD!)

Anyway, here we go.

Xbox 360 Core:
Pros:
+Completely white (Matches Dreamcast)
+Wired controller (Use it on my computer)
+Standard A/V
+Accessories match the look
+Expand as I go

Cons:
-No HDMI Port
-Can't play my Xbox games immediately without HDD

Now, the reason for the Core is I already have a wireless controller my friend gave me, so I can just use that (Just need a play and charge kit), and use the wired controller on my computer. Standard A/V because I don't need Component, as I plan on getting a VGA cable when I get my HDTV (I know exactly which TV I want). And the complete white of the system matches my Dreamcast (My favorite system ever), and the accessories (Vision Cam, HD-DVD Drive, etc.).

I also plan on buying a 512 MB memory card with whichever 360 I get. I see those for around $30 or so used, so add $30 to the total of all of them.

Xbox 360 Premium:
Pros:
+HDMI Port
+Mostly white system matches my Dreamcast and accessories
+Backwards compatible out of the box.

Cons:
-Wireless Controller
-20GB HDD
-Component cables
-HDMI cable NOT included

The Premium is the one I most likely will not get. Yes, it comes with an HDMI port, but I still need to buy an HDMI cable. Microsoft doesn't make those separate yet do they? Besides, a good high quality HDMI cable is at least $60. I don't need component, as the TV I want I will use either HDMI, or VGA, and the extra wires hanging from my setup will bug me. I don't want the 20GB HDD either. It's either 120GB or nothing. I'm a complete media and demo whore (Just ask my friend and when I used this 360), so the 20GB is just not enough. As for the wireless controller, I don't want to use the wireless on my computer with the add-on, I want a corded controller for that.

Xbox 360 Elite:
Pros:
+Everything's Black
+120GB HDD
+HDMI
+HDMI cable included
+Backwards compatible out of the box

Cons:
-Wireless controller
-Everything's black. Accessories and Dreamcast don't match
-Shopping around, I could probably get a Core Elite for less

Now the Elite comes with everything I need. However, after doing my research and everything, I could go with the Core, and get the 120GB HDD, 512MB Memory Card (Not included), and Play & Charge kit (Not included), for about the same price. Though the HDMI is nice, as with my HDTV I want, it will leave the VGA port open for my Dreamcast.

Halo 3 360:
Pros:
+It will becomes a collector's item eventually. So might as well get one now before it gets high in price
+HDMI
+Play & Charge kit included
+The Orange look is pretty cool
+Backwards compatible out of the box

Cons:
-20 GB HDD
-HDMI cable not included
-Accessories don't match the color scheme

The deal with the Halo 3 360 is simple. The 120GB HDD won't match the look of the console itself when bought separate. But other than that, it's all good. Though again, the accessories won't match the look either.

Again, some silly, and probably pretty stupid reasons why trying to decide (Most notably the color matching and all), but I know of other people who are the same.

Honestly though, the big thing is the HDMI/VGA debate. Regardless of which console I get, I'll use either VGA (Core), or HDMI (Pro, Elite, Halo). The reason for going with HDMI is because then the VGA port on my HDTV will be free, so I use it with my Dreamcast. However, not all Dreamcast games support VGA, so I might as well just stick with S-Video for the Dreamcast.

Now, let's add it all up:

Xbox 360 Core:
Console ($280)
512 MB Memory Card ($30)
Play & Charge Kit ($20)
120GB HDD ($100 - $150)

Total: $430 - $480

Xbox 360 Premium:
Console ($350)
Sell HDD (-$20 as an estimate)
512 MB Memory Card ($30)
Play & Charge Kit ($20)
120GB HDD ($100 - $150)

Total: $480 - $530

Xbox 360 Elite:
Console ($450)
512 MB Memory Card ($30)
Play & Charge Kit ($20)

Total: $500

Halo 3 360:
Console ($400)
120GB HDD ($100 - $150)
512 MB Memory Card ($30)

Total: $530 - $550

What are all your opinions?

[8-bitNesMan]

I would get the elite, best deal for the $$$ IMO

[Slate]

Just get an elite. Not only does it save a few dollars, It is more reliable then the "Premium" Model.

[FlufflePuff]

Get the elite. If you get the Halo 3 box and it dies, you'll more than likely get a regular replacement anyway. Only really get one of those if you plan on keeping it minty fresh.

[Darth Sensei]

Don't get one at all. I am on my 4th and wished I had bought something else.

[Oobgarm]

Don't let others' misfortunes sway you. Elite is the way to go.

[gum_drops]

Don't let others' misfortunes sway you. Elite is the way to go.

I agree, odds are better then a coin flip that your system will be fine and not need to be sent in for repairs.

[sabre2922]

Don't get one at all. I am on my 4th and wished I had bought something else.

Agreed


From another thread I posted on:

"I would say wait another 2-3 months before picking up another 360 to get a better and more reliable product and from what I read NO it wont have to be an elite model ALL MODELS will be improved with the new chip and are NOW being shipped with the new heatsink."

[Cloud121]

Thanks guys, I'm actually leaning towards the Elite now. But again, my OCD is getting to me with the colors matching and all.

Heh... I'm sure it won't look that bad. It'll just be white on black.

[icbrkr]

I agree, odds are better then a coin flip that your system will be fine and not need to be sent in for repairs.

If it's one of the more recent ones, I might agree with this. If it's the original, no-hdmi-one, good luck. I'm at the point where literally every friend I have in my area has had theirs sent back (Brad, Heath, Justin, myself, Steve). That's one lucky flip of the coin.

Not saying don't buy one (I do like mine), just the 1st iteration is obviously flawed.

[webjeff]

I'd definately get the elite or premium. I have 2 premiums (my one got red flashing...pending fix from microsoft). The wireless controllers are the best EVER. I would not imagine going back to wired... even if you want to use it in your pc, I think they sell an adapter now for that.

Jeff.

[diskoboy]

Actually, in the next few months, MS WILL be phasing in the new chips, and the Premium model will have HDMI, along with the new mobo.

But if you really need a 360 now, get an Elite.

[heybtbm]

Actually, in the next few months, MS WILL be phasing in the new chips, and the Premium model will have HDMI, along with the new mobo.

But if you really need a 360 now, get an Elite.

The 360 pro's w/HDMI have already started to ship. The first case hit my local Best Buy (Madison, WI) earlier this week. They have the updated heat sinks (like the Elites), but still have the 90nm chipset.

Essentially I'm saying that a white 360 with HDMI can still be a "overheater" for the time being.

[neogamer]

If I were you I would go with either a Halo console (better return on your investment if you decide to sell it later on-due to limited availability) or the ELITE system(which will definately drop in price). The ELITE system, seems to have the better parts in it and a better track history. Of course, it has only been on the market for a few months.

There was an article in EGM that stated that the best 360 parts were being put inside the ELITE model. If I were to buy a 360, and I will be soon (because mine is close to death), I would probably go with either an ELITE or Halo system.

The collector in me says buy a Halo system! I at first thought the ELITE system was a limited system (see my other thread), but it appears, I was wrong!

[Cinder6]

Thanks guys, I'm actually leaning towards the Elite now. But again, my OCD is getting to me with the colors matching and all.

Heh... I'm sure it won't look that bad. It'll just be white on black.

Funny enough, the Elite being black is also a point of contention with me. My reason, though, is that the black case really, really makes it look even more like a cheap Dell computer Maybe, when I get one some day, I can find a broken white 360 and swap the cases. That would be cool.

[Slate]

I should have mentioned that you should wait until the elites have the 65nm chips in them. And I hope you aren't going to put your dreamcast on top of the 360 because after I left the HD DVD player on my 360 for awhile the DVD Drive started having major problems opening and closing.

[Nirvana]

First of all, buy an Elite. The system is so reliable, and I am in love with mine. So much space causes pretty much unlimited downloads. Plus, you never have to say, "Man, I wish my 360 had more memory. Should have bought an Elite..." Because you'll know you've gotten the best kind

Second, you should buy a system cover for the 360 Elite. I'm sure there's one that will match your Dreamcast just fine. My friend is the same way, he is so paranoid when it comes to matching stuff.

[Cloud121]

I should have mentioned that you should wait until the elites have the 65nm chips in them. And I hope you aren't going to put your dreamcast on top of the 360 because after I left the HD DVD player on my 360 for awhile the DVD Drive started having major problems opening and closing.

Nah, I'll be having my 360 vertical, with the HD-DVD drive next to it. I've had a spot on my gaming setup reserved for my 360 for the last six month, and vertical is the only way it will fit.

As for the Dreamcast, I'll just get a Sega Sports one to match. Besides, I've been meaning to get one for awhile, and this is the perfect reason to do so.

Now, why do I keep seeing pictures of Black wireless internet adapters? Did Microsoft make one, or are they just photoshopped? I most commonly see them on Intercooler pictures (No, I am not buying an Intercooler. Probably something USB powered to plug into the Wii).

[FAMOUS]

get an elite, and purchase a white faceplate...

[SaturnFan]

Don't be too happy about backwards compatabilty on the 360. BC sucks on the 360 with half of the original xbox games still unsupported.