Xbox 360
 

I am sure there is a thread in here somewher about this, but searching pulls up nothing.

I have decided that I am going to get the 360. I am tired of waiting for the PS3 and also don't want to pay the reported price for it.

I have tried to research this system, but most of the info I can find on it was when it was first released or even before that. I know that the first batch of systems had a lot of bad ones in it. I figure those have been weeded out by now.

My dilemma is that I don't know if I need to core system or to spring for the premium for $100 more. Most of the gadgets in the premium setup are not for me. I do not play anything online, don't like the idea of a wireless controller, have little need for a dard drive. I do want the component cable though ($40 if bought seperately).

From my research it would seem that there is absolutely no way to save a game unless I either buy a 64MB memory card ($40) or have the hard drive. Is this correct?

I have had a PS2 since 2001 and have had the same 8MB memory card since. I just don't need a lot of space to save games unless the 360 saves are large.

This is what I want in my system:
console
wired controller
some way to save game progress
component cable


So which setup is right for me?

You will need a memory card, yes. Something to note, though, is that you can get extra content/demos/Live Arcade games etc using the free Silver Live service. Pretty much everything except playing the games online. The memory card is miniscule in terms of storage space, and seeing as most gamers will have the HDD developers won't be shy about large saves. It's not too much more to spring for the Premium pack, so go for that. Get the play and charge kit if you don't want to worry about batteries. I'd be surprised if you managed to avoid gaming online if you have the ability, so I'd say it's better to make the smaller expense now, instead of changing your mind later.

Everyone I know say get the premium, I almost splurged and bought one myself recently.

Get the premium ...

Bad is a relative term. Just treat it like you would your PC. Keep it clean and keep the air-flow flowing. My 360 is sitting on a shelf next to my television and hasn't given me any problems since I bought it in February.

Personally, I think the Core package is just about worthless. In your particular case, the cash you might save on buying a Core package will be immediately spent on a memory card and a $40 component cable.

And it's not like you won't use the HD. I don't play online too much, so, I don't really use the headset a whole lot, but I do use the HD to download movie trailers, behind the scenes stuff and game demos. As for wireless controllers...Well, I never really hopped aboard the wireless controller craze until I bought my 360. Now I hate even plugging it up just to recharge it.

You are stupid if you buy a core system, just add up the price of the wireless controller, HDD and HD cables and then realize its only $100 more now to get all of that.

And the wireless controllers for 360 are the best I've ever used for ANY system ever.

Well I got the premium setup. I am quite pleased with the system except the Fight Night 3 is so damn slow. The graphics make up for it though.

Thanks for the replies.

If you really don't like the wireless controller, you could trade in that and the headset for a wired one, and you still save money on the hard drive.

What do you think of wireless control?

Mine just broke tonight. I got the three red lights of doom, which apparently signify the very specific problem known at the xbox 360 help desk as the "internal hardware failure". I asked the guy if it might have anything to do with my 360's tendency to freeze up in very specific places in certain games. His reply was something along the lines of "Oh no, this has nothing to do with that." Of course, obviously the freezing is due to some external hardware failure.

At least it's still under warranty so microsoft is going to pay shipping so i can trade them my broken console for a (hopefully from a newer and less freezier batch) one.

My 360 runs like molasses. I tried different games, and each one takes between 5 and 10 seconds to respond to any commands from the controler. I even switched to the wired controler "just in case" and still the same. So right now my 360 is sitting in a tough box waiting for me to redeploy.

Those 360 horror stories scare me. My original Xbox broke about 2 days after the warranty expired. So far the 360 has run beautifully for me. I just REALLY hope that nothing goes wrong with this one. I got mine a few months after release so hopefully it's from a good batch. I have my fingers crossed!!!!!

I've just bought a HD ready TV and now I really want a 360. :)
As far as the scare stories go, I've heard that if you treat it with TLC, then you shouldn't have any problems.
Til the price comes down a bit, I'm gonna have to go without tho. :(

(Unless someone wants to swap a PSP for one?? ;) )

I just picked up a 360 a couple weeks ago and I'm loving it. It did lock up on me once and it hung for like a minute once but thats it so far.

Would it possible to hook up a 360 my surround sound system?

Yes indeedy. It works alright with the component cables using pro logic, but if you want dolby digital you gotta buy another cable, I think.

You have to buy the optical audio cable. It transmits in 5.1 and in digital format. Coaxial is not available, only optical.

My 360 is hooked up to my surround sound. The experience is amazing. I HIGHLY recommend getting a nice optical cable and enjoying the sound!!

Texas Hold 'em is free right now. Download it before Friday, and it's free forever for you, download it after Friday, it's 1000 points.

Do you need to use the official 360 wireless network adapter, or can I just use the one on my PC (Linksys) ??

Yes, you would need the official XBox wireless adapter. :(

Just like even though I had a PS2 USB adapter, I couldn't use my PS2 controller. Also couldn't use a Sidewinder (who makes those again?). And the XBox Live Vision Camera is the only camera you can take pictures with. Not just any ol' webcam.

And to use the 360 controller on your PC or Mac, you'd need a special driver. There's something different about this USB. It doesn't quite give us the freedom I was hoping for. Gotta wonder... My keyboard works, but if a game should have mouse support some day (please God) will I need an XBox mouse?

Damn money grabbing corporations! The official ones are about £50!

I went for the core. Then within 2 weeks wished i had got the premium. As i have had to add to it. I now have up and running properly in 5.1 also. Just wish this summer drought was over so can get some decent games.