Microsoft Xbox 360 Pro 20 GB White Console (PAL)

The good:
Superior selection of games, including several console-exclusive titles; all games in high-definition; easy-to-use Dashboard interface; excellent online gaming and communications via Xbox Live; plays hundreds of (but not all) original Xbox titles; doubles as a superior digital media hub and Windows Media Center extender; online Marketplace allows for easy purchases of downloadable full-scale games, minigames, movies, and TV shows; latest version offers HDMI output with 1080p support; reduced power supply footprint; new processor runs cooler and quieter.

The bad:
No support for next-generation HD discs, like Blu-ray; early versions of the console prone to "red ring of death" system crash; online gaming require a paid subscription to Xbox Live.

The bottom line:
Now that Blu-ray has become the pre-eminent high-definition standard for discs, the Xbox 360 has yet to support it, but it still remains an excellent game console with a superior game library and online experience.

Have you been holding onto your original Xbox or PS2 because you weren't sure if it was worth the money to move up to the Xbox 360? Well, you will never find a better time then now. First, let's talk about price. You can pick up a new system with a 60GB internal hard drive with all you need to start playing for around $250. I you are willing to go used - and there are great opportunities to do this through ebay, especially with Paypal protection, you can get a good system for around $150. Not bad when you consider that many xbox games will play on the later 360 models. Personally, if money is an issue I would stick with the 60GB version. Downsizing to the 20GB won't save that much money up front and you will end up buying an external drive in the long run. The 120GB 360 elite is still a little more pricey and if you are just starting out you won't need all the extra space and by the time you do the prices on an external drive will provide a less expensive option.

Second, let's talk game-play. The graphics enhancements on the 360 really are stunning even if you are using a standard definition set. But if you have an HD TV, you definitely want to pick up an HDMI cable and let this machine blow you mind. Cut-scenes and game play in many games take on a DVD level of quality. Games like Halo 3, The Force Unleashed, and NCCA Football (even as far back as 08) present absolutely stunning graphics and options. In addition, fewer and fewer games will be coming out in the original xbox format so bit by bit your gaming world is shrinking. Also, the ability to easily connect four wireless controllers with inexpensive rechargeable batteries that can be charged via any usb port is an added dividend. The controllers provide additional buttons and setups which means additional gameplay options than what you have come to expect on the original xbox.

Finally, the enormous market of used games in excellent condition has driven down the price substantially. Even many brand new games can be found at exceptional bargains for the savvy shopper willing to do a little research. Unless you are a "walk-into-the-store and buy it right now" shopper, the days of paying $50 for a game are over. You can find many fantastic games for a fraction of prices typical when the system first came out.

So all in all the Xbox 360 is position to be an excellent next step in gaming. One con is that the system does tend to heat up, so investing in a cooling fan that the game sits on is well worth a $15-$20 investment to prolong the life of your system.

Overall worth it, but only if you have any of the following:

1) Free Time
2) Disposable Cash
3) A High-Speed Internet connection
4) Disposable Cash
5) A desperate desire to escape from the real world

The Xbox 360 is a great piece of equipment! Screw the tech jargon: It plays DVD's with an array of playback features to be found in any high-end DVD player. But I did only say DVD... not HD-DVD or BluRay. There is an HD-DVD accessory, but it reminds me way too much of SEGA CD. Regular DVD is fine for me... Beyond that, It operates in every spectrum of HD anywhere. Yes, the PS3 is more advanced, but Microsoft is like the Flu. Its everywhere, and gets into everything! This leads me to XBOX Live... Rent movies, buy TV episodes, play a game with literally millions of people all across the world... I'm 26, HAVE A REAL, NON-OVERWEIGHT GIRLFRIEND, and a job... I still love it! Graphics on any game are limited only by the developers. Don't believe me? Buy a 50" HDTV, buy Oblivion, and climb a mountain on a clear day... Wait for sunset! Buy COD for gameplay... hope this helps.

There is one VERY important piece of information. These things break and it sux to replace them!!! BUY AN EXTENDED WARRANTY!!! SERIOUSLY!!!! Squaretrade is good, and cheaper generally, but a retail outlet with a storefront is best in my opinion. Why? No waiting for the return shipping like I am currently. Three hardware models so far. The Original chipset, the upgraded 'Falcon' chipset, and the fully updated (OR SO THEY SAY!) 'Jasper'. I didn't create the names, they are the project names from Microsoft. There ARE significant differences in each hardware version. Hell if I knew 'em all, but the 'Falcon' is a new CPU i believe, where 'Jasper' is the 'Falcon' 65nm processor, and an updated GPU. I may be off on the tech specs, but only typographically. The gist is, A NEW XBOX 360, with an extended warranty, is a GREAT WAY TO WASTE MONEY!

I bought this system after much reviewing. I shopped around and found a refurbished one on eBay that was perfect. After hearing about the RROD (red ring of death) so much, I decided I wouldn't get one unless it was refurbished and I really want the falcon motherboard that has great reviews. The system has an HDMI port also. Although, with my sound/video receiver I used the component cables that came with it. What was great is that you can plug an optical sound cable right into the cable. It's very nice and is as good of quality as the HDMI (just more cables). The picture on the Xbox 360 is fantastic! The controls blow away the PS2 that I had hooked up. I'll never go back now! The wireless controllers work very well. I love not having cable to deal with. I signed up for a "Live" account for $50 for the year and it's totally worth every penny. I've downloaded whole demo games, trailer, etc. There are a lot of extra options besides the discs. One big motivator was the ability to connect to Instant Netflix movies via the 360. It works very well. It's an excellent picture for streaming video. It's not high def, but quite good. With Netflix adding more and more movies to their "Instant" viewing catagory (for free with a Netflix account), it's a huge advantage. The system also plays DVD movies very well in high def. The only thing I don't like is that the fan runs really loud. Like a hair dryer almost. I've heard there are ways to fix this, but I just haven't felt the need at this point. I can close my entertainment center door to stop the noise and the wireless controllers work fine. I only worry about the system overheating. Anyway, it's a fabulous system. I highly recommend it! :)

The Xbox 360 is all about High Definition (HD). All games designed for the Xbox360 are required to be developed for 720p and 1080i resolutions. They are also optimized for 16:9 widescreen formatted displays. This doesn’t mean that you absolutely need an HDTV to run the Xbox 360, although your games and multimedia will look far better if you do have one.
Picture 022 (Small).jpg The Xbox 360 has a detachable 20GB hard drive component placed on top of the console. You don’t need the hard drive to play Xbox 360 games but you won’t be able to save content onto your console without one. You also won’t be able to play legacy Xbox games on the 360 console without the hard drive since software emulators need to be downloaded to support the legacy games.

The console has three USB ports designed to allow you to easily connect a wide range of accessories and devices including portable music players. This currently includes the Apple iPod and the Sony PSP – at least until either company decides to not make the devices compatible with the 360. What this means is – you can stream music and photos from these portable devices directly to your 360 via the USB port.

The flavors of Xbox 360

Initially, the Xbox 360 will come in two different packages - the Xbox 360 and the Xbox 360 Core System. The Core system is exactly that – what you need at a bare minimum to enjoy the Xbox 360 console (or so they say!). This includes:
# Console
# Wired Controller
# Composite AV Cable

The Xbox 360 package (otherwise known as the Premium package by some) comes with:
# Console with Chrome Finish
# Hard Drive
# Wireless Controller
# Xbox Live headset
# Component HD AV Cable
# Ethernet Cable

Initially, the Xbox 360 package will also include a media remote control which is ok at best but not the ideal solution for a full blown home theater setup.

Which package should you purchase? If you do the math on the costs of the extra components, the Xbox360 package is the clear winner. If you even want to even consider playing any of the original Xbox games, you’ll need the hard drive which means you might as well go for the Xbox 360 package. I could see the core system being an option if you want a second or third 360 system at home for networked environments or for streaming content from one room to another. More on this later on.

A look at the 360
We’ll focus the rest of the review on the Xbox 360 package. It’s important to note that the package reviewed here was actually purchased at the Zero Hour event. These packages included a media remote control which is available for only a limited time apparently. #

Setting up the Xbox 360
The Xbox360 setup is very straight forward although the documentation is unfortunately skimpy. If you’re familiar with electronics then installing the 360 will be a cinch otherwise it might take you some time.

Installing the 360 involves the following steps:
# Connect the AV cable from the Xbox 360 to your television set or to your A/V receiver
# Connect the Ethernet cable to the Xbox 360
# Connect the power supply to the Xbox 360
# Press power and off you go

There are a couple of things to note. If you have an HDTV, you’ll need to flip a switch on the AV cable that switches the display ratio format from 4:3 to 16:9 otherwise you’ll only see 4:3 ratios on your widescreen display. This seems a bit old school but OK.
Overall Rating- 10 out of 10