I'm thinking about buying an Xbox 360. I'm interested in the Arcade version, because it's the cheapest model and it is equipped with the brand new jasper board already. However I have played Xbox 360 only 3 or 4 times in my life. Therefore I have few questions about the system. Hopefully someone can answer them to me :nod: specific questions about the Xbox 360 Arcade: - do I have any disadvantages compaired with the other models? (I don't want to download marketplace games or videos nor copy games to hdd) - do I need a memory card for savegames? - does it have an HDMI output? - can I upgrade a harddisk later? general questions: - is the DVD drive in the actual generation still as noisy as in the first generation from 2005? - is it possible to backup savegames to PC (preferred) or to another memory card? - can I use savegames on a friend's Xbox? - can I use HDMI for video output only and the standard av connector for analog stereo output at the same time? I have a video projector with HDMI input, but only for video signals. Therefore I need the option to get the audio from a different source. That's it so far;-)
I'll try to answer some of those questions: specific questions about the Xbox 360 Arcade: -As far as I know, if you don't want to use hdd installs, XBLA games or demos there shouldn't be any disadvantage (if you have a memory card for savegames). -If you don't have an hdd, you'll need a memory card to store your savegames (I believe there's no internal memory, but I'm not 100% sure). -Yes, the Arcade model has an HDMI output. -Yes, you can upgrade later. general questions: -No idea. I have an early model and I'm really happy with the hdd install as there's so much less noise with it. -No idea. -Yes, you can use your saves on other console. -No idea.
I put up with a memory card for a while. Just get yourself a 20GB HDD. Better yet, buy a broken 360 HDD on ebay and stick in a 120GB drive yourself.
Most of the other questions have already been answered, so I'll go with this one. I don't think that's possible (though not 100% sure), HDMI takes both video and audio signals so maybe your video projector should have some kind of audio output or you could make it go through a receiver first.
My friend take a version with an HD or get one cheap use or on ebay. You'll regret otherwise. little space for game saves, no XBLA games, no DLC availables, no video downloading and no free demos... these things are the ones i like the most from my x360, and i suggest you not to miss them. also if i remember well you can get a refurbished HD for 10 or so links were give not too long ago here around the forum.
I agree with karsten that eventually you're really going to need to get a harddrive to get everything you can out of the system. Now if money is an issue, you can upgrade later. Although if a wireless controller is important to you, and component video cables, you may want to go premium anyway (60gb hdd). The cost of upgrading really is more than the price difference. But it depends on if you will use the component video cable, wireless controller, and if you plan to get an HDD ever. If you buy the arcade 360, a 20GB hdd caddy and a 120GB hd to install into it yourself, you're still going to be spending a good bit more than just 200. In short I'd recommend you buy the premium version. It's worth it in my opinion. Although you said you want the Jasper chipset, so that is likely important to you, so if that beats the extra cost of money, get the arcade and just buy a HDD cheap. The issue with the HDMI audio is you need some goofy adapter that plugs into the regular AV multi connecter that only outputs the audio. A regular AV cable won't do it I've heard.
If you buy an Arcade you can get a 20GB hard drive from MS for cheap, then you can stick a 120gb in there yourself. It is pretty noisy if you don't install to the HDD, I think it's totally worth it for the better load times too. About the HDMI/Audio thing, your going to have to either buy the official HDMI cables, or crack open a regular video cable. They won't both fit, so your have to remove the bottom of the plug. The audio only adaptor in the HDMI kit is flatter and fits. I'd say go premium or elite, but the arcade is pretty damn cheap, just needs a hard drive.
Can I install any SATA HDD from any manufacturer or do I need a 120GB with 5400rpm 8MB cache from xyz?
Needs to be a specific WD drive, model BEVS, or something. You'll need the HDDHackr app and some other stuff. It's surprisingly easy, I had mine up and running in minutes rather than hours. If you need anything just ask.
If I were you, i'd get a premium Pack. HDD is really usefull. If you can build you own 360 HDD with HDDHackr, fine. But, as alchy said, you need a specific HD drive. So I suggest you to save up a bit more money and invest in a premium pack (or, but your arcade 360, and buy you HDD later. But get one NO MATTER WHAT !)
You do know they make games that come on these thin round almost "Disc" shaped plastic and metal objects, that you put inside the 360 right? Seriously though, the XBLA is ok, but hardly the sole reason to buy a 360.
Just because somebody has a Jasper doesnt mean that the retail jaspers are available to everybody. it takes awhile for retailers to fill there supply with new hardware. Sometimes Weeks-months. You have to remember that Jasper is a prototype and was probably made months ago for testing on the system.
:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: Comments like this are why i love this place:icon_bigg Edit: Congrats sir, this comment has been sig'd:thumbsup:
Buying an Arcade would be a mistake, IMHO. You really do need the hard drive. Yes you can save to memory card, but it is very limited in size. Downloads aren't just the arcade games, themes and demos but also videos, Xbox games, patches, updates and bonus content (songs, extra levels, extra cars etc.), I'm glad to hear you're making the sensible choice ;-) Xbox DVD drives aren't really all THAT noisy. All DVD drives have to spin up! I don't think they have changed, though. Game saves are linked to your account. Therefore, you cannot transfer them to another. Nor can you back them up to PC. You'll need a modern amp with HDMI in (passthrough, goes back out to the projector) or an HDMI distribution amplifier e.g. http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI switch splitter_5x2_toslink.html
