PC, Xbox 360 or PS3?

[John Crichton]

While MS might launch a 'super-Elite' 360 (internal HD-DVD, built-in wireless, and possibly even larger hard drive and some DVR functionality), or, as current rumors have it, allow Toshiba to make an HD-DVD player/DVR/Xbox 360 combo device under license, I'm not so sure. Certainly I wouldn't launch an MS-branded 'super-Elite' without dropping at least one SKU; three SKUs is really too many. And they'll be launching an all-new console in 2010 or 2011 anyway, so why not put off bundling an HD player until then?

Yeah, at this point it's too late for MS to really take advantage of HD-DVD in any real way for the 360. I could also see that kind of move driving some people away from the 360 due to confusion about what systems could play what. They wouldn't be able to put games on HD-DVD because not every system could play them. Not that I think they'll actually do something that dumb.

 

[dema]

Still kinda undecided

As good as upconverted DVDs look, they don't look as good as HD-DVD or Blu-Ray. However, screen size does make a difference.

dema - How large is your screen and can you display 1080p.

I have a 50 inch, 1080p. I use an up converting DVD player currently and am just slightly interested in the HD DVDs. I'm personally thinking that hardware will be King and that dual format players (which are going down in price) will be the mediator. There are still some bugs and functionality loss with the HD DVD Java menu stuff but I think that both formats can live in todays world unlike when VHS and Beta were out. You were not able to have a machine capable of playing both. Now, it's a different story.

So back to the X Box, I'm thinking about this. I know more people with 360s and the Live Gold seems really cool. I would be able to play with someold friends at a distance.

PS3 is cool because of the blu-ray and the reliability.

I think my choice may be an XBOX 360 Elite ( or Pro) I don't know if I really need a 120 GB drive., would 20GB be enough? Can I back up the data from the XBOX to a PC Harddrive if needed? An extra wireless charger/controller, and I suppose 2-3 games would be about right to start.

Good stuff guys. Still I have the items in a shopping cart in one window, and ENworld in another. I'm still iffy about the investment since I've been out of sync with videogames for so long.

I think I'm going to go read a book.

 

[Vocenoctum]

Yeah, at this point it's too late for MS to really take advantage of HD-DVD in any real way for the 360. I could also see that kind of move driving some people away from the 360 due to confusion about what systems could play what. They wouldn't be able to put games on HD-DVD because not every system could play them. Not that I think they'll actually do something that dumb.

I just flashed on the Sega CD.

 

[Vocenoctum]

I'm personally thinking that hardware will be King and that dual format players (which are going down in price) will be the mediator.

My personal theory is that before either takes hold of the market, a new & better media will present. BluRay2 or somesuch. They've already got HD-DVD and Bluray discs that are deeper levels than current drives can handle, so I don't think Bluray/ HD-DVD is the next VHS or DVD. I think they're both laser discs.

PS3 is cool because of the blu-ray and the reliability.

It doesn't get as much press, and lacks the catchy "Red Ring of Death" title, but PS3's fail too. No where near the early 360's rates of failure, but like the 360 you see batchs of them fail whenever a new game comes out and pushs the system.

I think my choice may be an XBOX 360 Elite ( or Pro) I don't know if I really need a 120 GB drive., would 20GB be enough?

I got the 120 because I filled the 20 and had to delete stuff. But, of course, the stuff I deleted was all useless crap anyhow. (Demo's for games and such.)

Also remember, 20 gig=13gig usable, and 120 gig is about 95 usable for me (or something thereabouts.) If you want any of the Xbox classics, they take up room...

Can I back up the data from the XBOX to a PC Harddrive if needed? An extra wireless charger/controller, and I suppose 2-3 games would be about right to start.

I've seen an aftermarket transfer cable, but no idea how it works.

 

[dema]

/// SO far
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare - heard its cool
Assassin's Creed - look like an upgraded Prince of Persia/Theif
Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation ( I need a good flying game)
Halo 3 (I guess only because)
Xbox 360 Elite Cooling System - unk if this is really needed but,,,
Xbox 360 Elite Accessory Kit (Includes Black Wireless Controller, Play and Charge Kit, and Rechargeable Battery)
Xbox 360 Elite System Holiday Bundle (120GB HD, HDMI)

TOTAL:$757.93
This includes a 15 dollar discount, no tax will be added and shipping is 6 bucks.

I spoke to my cousin in WA he has both a XBOX and Wii.

He gave me the basic lowdown on both. I'm still worried as is my wife that the XBOX will be a paperweight. My cousin at least has a kid that plays these games, he himself plays the Wii more. But if I get a BOX then he will upto LIVE GOLD and we can game online again. Sounds kinda promising.

I heard some game called BIOMASS or something is good. I can get some of the hardware from MicroSoft as an employee discount partner, or cheaper if I pull a favor and get it from the MS Store in Washington state. But I hate to ask for such things usually. Hey Halo 3 for 25 bucks appears to be a good deal so you never know.

I put a limit of 850 on my purchase.

 

[drothgery]

I heard some game called BIOMASS or something is good.

Not sure if that's Bioshock (kind of creepy not-quite FPS) or Mass Effect (sci-fi RPG) that they're talking about. Both are pretty highly regarded.

 

[John Crichton]

Xbox 360 Elite Cooling System - unk if this is really needed but

Do not buy a cooling kit. It will actually void your MS warranty. Not needed.

Xbox 360 Elite Accessory Kit (Includes Black Wireless Controller, Play and Charge Kit, and Rechargeable Battery)

You will use this quite a bit.

I would also suggest a HDMI cable from here: http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10243

Very good prices and these are the cables installers swear by.

 

[John Crichton]

I think my choice may be an XBOX 360 Elite ( or Pro) I don't know if I really need a 120 GB drive., would 20GB be enough?

I would go with the 120. 20 will be enough to start with but after you start downloading demos, updates and such you will probably be glad for the extra space down the line.

Can I back up the data from the XBOX to a PC Harddrive if needed?

Yes, if you know what you are doing I know many people who have use the after market cables Vocenoctum mentioned with little to no problems.

 

[John Crichton]

It doesn't get as much press, and lacks the catchy "Red Ring of Death" title, but PS3's fail too. No where near the early 360's rates of failure, but like the 360 you see batchs of them fail whenever a new game comes out and pushs the system.

That's like saying cars can run out of gas or a any electronic item could be defective. The PS3 is far more reliable than any of the models of 360 that have come out so far. It's simply a superior machine.

 

[Arnwyn]

It doesn't get as much press, and lacks the catchy "Red Ring of Death" title, but PS3's fail too. No where near the early 360's rates of failure, but like the 360 you see batchs of them fail whenever a new game comes out and pushs the system.

Inasmuch that "everything fails".

No, saying that the PS3 is reliable (and the 360 is not) is very accurate.