[PoochJD]

Hi,

Right, let me start by saying that I have never owned a games console, though I have owned computers before. So, from that, you can deduce that I am completely new to the whole console thing.

Anyway, I'm looking at getting an X-Box 360 console, and COD: Modern Warfare 2 (Hardened Edition), to start me off with. (It's the controversy that appeals to me, as well as being able to blow the living heck out of lots of things! )

I have a Panasonic Viera 37-inch HD-compatible TV (less than a year old), which has an HDMI slot, which should suit the X-Box 360 okay. All I really now need advice on, is the following - and be warned, some of the questions will probably be bleedingly obvious to all you gamers out there, but to me. Well, I'm new, so...

1a) Should I go for the original 360 model (white), or the newer Elite models (black)?
1b) And, should I then get one with an internal hard-drive?
1c) Do they come with everything you need to get up-and-running, e.g. HDMI lead, cables, power supply unit, controller, et al?
** I'm currently looking at buying the 360 Elite console with 250mb Hard Drive for £189 from Amazon.co.uk you see, along with COD:Modern Warfare 2 (Hardened Edition) for an extra £70 approx. **

2) I have no interest in gaming online (for the forseeable future), so is a hard-drive essential for the X-Box 360, bearing in mind I won't be downloading anything, nor will I be using the console to play DVD's, CD's or MP3's on? (Have a laptop, DVD Recorder, iPhone and iPod for those!)

3) As the console will only be for my use (no live-in g/f, no kids), is it necessary to buy extras like the Memory Module things, that let you save your games on? Are there any other extras I should buy initially?

4) Which is the best X-Box 360 magazine to start buying, that you can easily get in the UK, from places like supermarkets or a WH Smiths store? There seem to be so many titles, and some come with cover discs on them, but I genuinely have no idea as to which ones are worthy of my cold hard cash.

Any help, advice, links etc, would be much appreciated. Thanks folks!


Pooch

[Pinky Floyd]

The elite model has a 120gb hard drive and HDMI output. I can't remember if the old white one has HDMI, it didn't used to but things might have changed. I think the only model that doesn't come with a hard drive is the Arcade model, though best to just log on to GAME and double check before buying.

They do indeed come with everything you need to get up and running.

You might not want to game online but you may want to purchase stuff from the marketplace or install your games to hard drive for quieter gaming/faster loading times. In that respect I think a hard drive is fairly essential. No need for memory cards with this as you save everything, including your 'saved games' to the hard drive.

As for magazines, save yourself a few quid and get the info you need quicker from the likes of eurogamer.

gamesTM is a great read though!

[PoochJD]

Hi Pinky Floyd,

Thanks for the info. I was under the impression that an HDMI cable is NOT included with the Elite console? Is it?


Pooch

[Dinky Dragon]

First of... WELCOME TO THE END OF YOUR LIFE! Almost...

Ok ok, NO magazines! You have the internet my friend, a mag is a waste of money.

Bookmark a site like this - Joystiq [Xbox]

I would personally go for the Elite, if money isnt a problem grab yourself the Forza 3 Super Elite bundle, or if you can find one, the Modern Warfare Super Elite. ShopTo.Net - Forza Motorsport 3 Super Elite Bundle 250gb - Microsoft Xbox 360 - ps this site is really cheap, would advise bookmarking :P

They come with a 250gb HDD, so even though you don't immediately plan to go online that space can be used for installing your games too, which in turn, look, run and play better/smoother + Your console will live longer.

You will also need a HD cable - Neet® White Line - 2m - HDMI to HDMI Cable - HIGH-SPEED: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo - This is what I have, nice strong build.

Chances are on a good setup, DVDs will look better on your 360 as it upscales em so you can lob ya DVD player out.

You wont need a memory card unless yal wanna go to a brothers house and take ya profile with you.

[Stream62]

Welcome to the fun of Xbox

Originally Posted by PoochJD

1a) Should I go for the original 360 model (white), or the newer Elite models (black)?
1b) And, should I then get one with an internal hard-drive?
1c) Do they come with everything you need to get up-and-running, e.g. HDMI lead, cables, power supply unit, controller, et al?
** I'm currently looking at buying the 360 Elite console with 250mb Hard Drive for £189 from Amazon.co.uk you see, along with COD:Modern Warfare 2 (Hardened Edition) for an extra £70 approx. **

I think that the Elite is a good deal. The hard drive is a swappable attachement not internal. Not sure if they come with a HDMI cable anymore though, everything else is in the box.
The only thing to check is whether it is the 'jasper' model or not as these are meant to be more reliable.

Originally Posted by PoochJD

2) I have no interest in gaming online (for the forseeable future), so is a hard-drive essential for the X-Box 360, bearing in mind I won't be downloading anything, nor will I be using the console to play DVD's, CD's or MP3's on? (Have a laptop, DVD Recorder, iPhone and iPod for those!)

You will miss out on a lot not being on line, and so the hard drive will be less usefull but is still useful anyway for installing games onto and saving wear and tear on your machine.

Originally Posted by PoochJD

3) As the console will only be for my use (no live-in g/f, no kids), is it necessary to buy extras like the Memory Module things, that let you save your games on? Are there any other extras I should buy initially?

If you get a HDD you won't need a module, if not one may be useful. You don't need anything else.

Originally Posted by PoochJD

4) Which is the best X-Box 360 magazine to start buying, that you can easily get in the UK, from places like supermarkets or a WH Smiths store? There seem to be so many titles, and some come with cover discs on them, but I genuinely have no idea as to which ones are worthy of my cold hard cash.

As mentioned before forget the magazines ad go onto this site or other gaming ones for info

[Pinky Floyd]

Originally Posted by PoochJD

Hi Pinky Floyd,

Thanks for the info. I was under the impression that an HDMI cable is NOT included with the Elite console? Is it?


Pooch

I'm pretty certain mine came with an HDMI cable and audio dongle, but wikipedia reckons that since sept 2009 that's no longer the case.

HDMI cables can be had for a few quid, don't be fooled into buying an expensive one.

Here's a great link for information on the current 360 models and also discontinued models, what comes with them, what doesn't, sizes of hard drive etc!

Wikipedia

[Munkey Boy]

Originally Posted by Pinky Floyd

I'm pretty certain mine came with an HDMI cable and audio dongle, but wikipedia reckons that since sept 2009 that's no longer the case.

HDMI cables can be had for a few quid, don't be fooled into buying an expensive one.

Here's a great link for information on the current 360 models and also discontinued models, what comes with them, what doesn't, sizes of hard drive etc!

Wikipedia

Indeed, HDMI cables no longer come with the Eilte, or the audio dongle (which you only need if you're planning to use HDMI but audio via optical). I have updated the forum FAQ to include what you do/don't get nowadays. As mentioned, HDMI cables are cheap as chips now anyway.

All the new models should be Jaspers now, which is the latest chipset to runner quiter and cooler.

I'd highly recommend the Elite in every circumstance other than being very hard up for cash, even if you're not planning to download anything (yet ) as you can install games to it to make it run quicker, and some games such as Forza 3 require it to run the full game (though you can play the game with some of the car/track content without the HDD).

Even if you don't want to play other people online, I'd also recommend getting on Live to download demos, videos etc. It adds alot to the experience.

[sdb123]

Hi Pooch,

I've posted this in another thread as there seems to be a number of differences with the cable/accessory configuration included with 360's (including Elites) these days.

Buy Xbox 360 Elite Console. at Argos.co.uk - Your Online Shop for .

You can see from the product description, Argos include an HDMI cable with their Elite. There was a guy who bought one the other day and he got an HDMI cable included.

Hope this helps,

Steve

[Munkey Boy]

Originally Posted by sdb123

Hi Pooch,

I've posted this in another thread as there seems to be a number of differences with the cable/accessory configuration included with 360's (including Elites) these days.

Buy Xbox 360 Elite Console. at Argos.co.uk - Your Online Shop for .

You can see from the product description, Argos include an HDMI cable with their Elite. There was a guy who bought one the other day and he got an HDMI cable included.

Hope this helps,

Steve

Is it fair to say that all Xboxes being made/packaged now don't have HDMI cables, but some shops sell older stock then?

[sdb123]

Originally Posted by Munkey Boy

Is it fair to say that all Xboxes being made/packaged now don't have HDMI cables, but some shops sell older stock then?

The Argos 360's aren't old stock though (from what I understand). The Elite I got from Amazon had a configuration of cables (not HDMI though) unlike my previous two Elites and that was a brand new Jasper (with a very recent mfr date).

Who knows?!

[Munkey Boy]

Wow. How incredibly confusing.

[runam0k]

Whatever you do, buy new, which invariably means no HDMI cable in the box, so grab one of those too.

Your cheapest option would be an "Arcade" (ie the white one). It has a small amount of internal memory for game saves, etc. However, I would recommend getting a HDD (separately or just go with the Elite), if only to install the games you play the most. The DVD drive in the Xbox is surprisingly noisy when playing games--being able to install to and play from the HDD makes the HDD purchase worthwhile.

And even though you don't want to connect to Live to play games, you may want to create a free Silver account in order to download Xbox Live Arcade games (some real crackers available, for example Trials HD and Shadow Complex), game content (expansion packs, etc) and films. Connecting to Live also means you'll get game updates (to fix bugs) and access to free content (game previews, movie trailers and a bunch of other stuff).

When you buy your Xbox it should come with a free month (or perhaps just 48 hours) of Gold access, so give it a shot and see what you think.

[funkyspider]

Unless you specifically want the Hardened edition of COD I'd suggest the 120gb Elite package from Game shop which comes with COD WAW2 and Forza motorsport 3 for £199.99 which I just bought. Forza is an excellent game but if you don't fancy it you could easily sell it on for 30quid or so brand new which easily pays for a HDMI cable and a 3month Xbox Live subscription to get you started (you get 1month Live with the console anyway).

I know you don't evisage playing online but I have to say as a single player game COD WAW2 isn't (IMO) that good and the online play, although sometimes infuriating at first, is what gives the game it's play appeal and is where the game really comes into its own. I think for single player COD4 (the first modern warfare one) is better and suggest you play that too. As a single player experience - of the shooting things variety - I still think the older game Bioshock stands it ground extremely well and its at bargain bin price now.

You definately want a hard drive. Installing games to the hard drive speeds up load times a lot and reduces the noise of the Xbox. With the new model the DVD drive spinning is louder than the cooling fans.

You don't need a memory card if you have an Xbox with a hard drive.

I bought from Game highstreet shop as I wanted to ensure I got a new model (which people refer to as the Jasper). It uses less power, runs cooler hence much quieter and is supposed to be more reliable. The Game staff were quite happy to open the box and check the label on the power supply which should read 150w for the new model. I went in just after they opened on Sunday so they werent busy. It didnt come with a HDMI cable by the way.

[m1ket]

I bought an elite last sunday from game and the package had no HDMI cable, component cable or audio dongle

[sdb123]

Originally Posted by funkyspider

I bought from Game highstreet shop as I wanted to ensure I got a new model (which people refer to as the Jasper). It uses less power, runs cooler hence much quieter and is supposed to be more reliable. The Game staff were quite happy to open the box and check the label on the power supply which should read 150w for the new model.

Just for clarity, this is another misconception. I have a brand new Jasper (mfr'd last month) and it came with a 203w power brick. It only draws 150w of power however judging a model by the power brick alone is not fool-proof.

[m1ket]

Originally Posted by sdb123

Just for clarity, this is another misconception. I have a brand new Jasper (mfr'd last month) and it came with a 203w power brick. It only draws 150w of power however judging a model by the power brick alone is not fool-proof.

Yup same here my elite that i bought on sunday had the 203w power supply the best way to tell is to check for 12.1A as the power rating on the console, the power supply could be 203/150w

[Dinky Dragon]

Some of them just come like that. Which is good, It means you can use more lights on it!

[funkyspider]

Or if you are sure you don't want to go online you could of course buy a second hand one which has been banned from Xbox Live - should be able to get one cheap as chips just to see if you take to console gaming. You could use it as a media streamer in another room if you decide you like it and want to buy a new one.

Obviously no warranty etc

[funkyspider]

Originally Posted by m1ket

Yup same here my elite that i bought on sunday had the 203w power supply the best way to tell is to check for 12.1A as the power rating on the console, the power supply could be 203/150w

Where is the 12.1A printed ?
A friend of mine is after a 60gb

[PoochJD]

Hi Everyone,

Firstly, a big Thank You to all of you, for the friendly advice, help and support on this query. Your help is much appreciated.

I think that I will probably go and get my XBox 360 (Jasper version) from my local Game store, as - as has already been mentioned - they've got an offer on, where I can get the Elite version with COD: Modern Warfare 2 and Forza 3 (sp? the racing game) for £179-99 I think. What I will do though, is see if they have a copy of the COD: Modern Warfare 2 Hardened Edition available, and would be willing to do me a deal of some kind, as I really fancy getting the Steelbook version, with the artbook, etc, that comes with it.

As I don't have broadband at home, and can't afford too at the moment, that's why I won't be using XBox Live or going online to get the various demos that are supplied.

Just out of curiosity, does the XBox have a USB port, so that people like me could download any software/hardware updates, et al onto a USB stick, and then just transfer the files to the XBox's hard-drive itself? Failing that, how else would I get the updates?

Those of you who have said that buying magazines aren't necessary and/or worth it, I actually like being able to read stuff at home, that doesn't involve the use of a computer screen, hence my question. As I won't be buying that many games, and because I intend to only use my XBox every now and again, (and also because I'm not a big gaming person), I won't need up-to-the-second reading matter. As long as it gives me an idea of what's coming out, and a general view of games (good, bad, worth buying, etc), then that's what ultimately matters to me. I must sound like a total old fart to you young whipper-snappers, eh?

Lastly, a boring question I'm sure, but what the heck: is there a version of Chess that can be obtained for the X-Box 360 at all?

Thanks again, folks. Am very grateful for your advice so far.


Pooch

[sdb123]

Originally Posted by funkyspider

Where is the 12.1A printed ?
A friend of mine is after a 60gb

On the back of all consoles, next to where the power lead plugs in.

[Dinky Dragon]

Also, back to your 1st post, If blowing things up is what youre after go for Battlefield Bad Company. There arent half as many explosions in MW/2.

Not only that but Bad Company 2 comes out early next year and thats looking to be shooter of the year!

[markgodley]

I bought an Elite on Saturday to replace my old console (RROD after 3 years) And it was manufactured in 05/2009 and came with a HDMI lead.

Edit: actually might of been 06/2009

[Sniper Ash6]

If you are looking for a magazine then look for a specfic 360 one (as that is all you are interested in) as well as one with ademo disk - you wont have XBL but there will be the latest demos on the disk as well as the latest dashboard being on some of them (i used to be a subscriber of the Official Xbox Magazine but stopped due to PC Pro being bigger, cheaper and interesting me more)

There are three USB ports - one on the back and two on the front but they are generally for the wireless adapter, accessories (eg play and charge kit etc) or for external HDDs for media

For the price and specs would advise the Elite as you get a decent HDD size and there are some decently priced bundles around.

The newest stock as standard does not have a HDMI cable, the AV dongle (allows optical or phono out while using HDMI) or a component cable though as has been stated some shops will provide a HDMI cable in the bundle.
You are primarily looking for a console with the "Jasper" chipset as it uses the least power and so pumps out the least heat. There is the "Jasper" FAQ in the hardware section but you are looking for 12.1A on the 12V rail (you can poke a flap through on the box which will show you the details on the console - refer to the FAQ for more info) but having a 150W power supply can be an indicator (not all "Jaspers" come with a 150W power supply though)

[djstu_d]

hey,

i picked up an elite from argos yesterday (the forza/pure/batman package) and although there is no hdmi in the box, there was one taped to the side.

hth

[smallclanger]

There is a chess game in the Spyglass board game which is an Arcade download. I think you can buy discs with Arcade games on so it might be worth looking online for Arcade compilations.

[PoochJD]

Hi,

Thanks once more, to everyone for the useful advice posted since I replied last night - especially you, Sniper Ash 6!

Looks like an HDMI cable will be included, but is purely dependant on where and who you buy the 360 console from. Still, I can get a decent enough one for under a fiver, so that's not too bad.

Ok, so a couple more questions, if I may, and then I'll quietly bugger-off and leave you all alone.

1) After watching the superb Japanese movie "Zatoichi" (starring Takeshi Kitano as a blind masseur, who's also an expert swordsman) last night on DVD, for the umpteenth time, can anyone recommend a decent sword-fighting/Japanese-style fighting game for the 360 please?

2) Other than the ones mentioned on here in this thread already, and the AVForums themselves, which other 360-related websites would you recommend, please?

Cheers, people! You're all stars!


Pooch

[funkyspider]

Sword fighting game :
Afro Samurai
WET

IGN is good for 360 reviews, previews etc. So is Gamespot.

Have fun

[mark1000]

Originally Posted by PoochJD

Hi,

Thanks once more, to everyone for the useful advice posted since I replied last night - especially you, Sniper Ash 6!

Looks like an HDMI cable will be included, but is purely dependant on where and who you buy the 360 console from. Still, I can get a decent enough one for under a fiver, so that's not too bad.

Ok, so a couple more questions, if I may, and then I'll quietly bugger-off and leave you all alone.

1) After watching the superb Japanese movie "Zatoichi" (starring Takeshi Kitano as a blind masseur, who's also an expert swordsman) last night on DVD, for the umpteenth time, can anyone recommend a decent sword-fighting/Japanese-style fighting game for the 360 please?

2) Other than the ones mentioned on here in this thread already, and the AVForums themselves, which other 360-related websites would you recommend, please?

Cheers, people! You're all stars!


Pooch

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2


Mark.

[smallclanger]

Originally Posted by PoochJD

1) After watching the superb Japanese movie "Zatoichi" (starring Takeshi Kitano as a blind masseur, who's also an expert swordsman) last night on DVD, for the umpteenth time, can anyone recommend a decent sword-fighting/Japanese-style fighting game for the 360 please?

I hope he's not claiming disability allowance.