Help me buy an XBox 360...

dantree

I have finally decided to pick up a 360. I found a 20 gig hard drive from my work that was on clearance for $15.00, and have already picked up some games to get me started (Mass Effect, Lost Odyssey, and Infinite Undiscovery, obviously I am wanting some RPG action and am finding a need to buy a 360 to get my fix)

Anyway, my point, now I need to get the actual system, and am scared of picking up a dud. I am wanting to just pick up an arcade "bundle". what exactly should I look for to help me in my way of not picking a lemon? I know the labels usually have some info on them.

Also I will be picking this up from Best Buy since I have some vouchers and gift cards, should I bother with an extended warranty what with the history of the system, or is that just pissing money away.

Finally, are there any other RPG's I am missing? I plan on getting Fallout 3 for the system since it seems like the PS3 is being left behind on the downloadable content front.

Thanks everyone.

Zerokku

If you're picking up a new system and already have a hard drive, the arcade is the way to go. Comes with the system, Wireless controller, a nice chunk of on-board memory a couple arcade games and several arcade demos.

As for a list of good rpgs -

Mass Effect
Fable 2
Blue Dragon
Lost Odyssey
Tales of Vesparia
Infinite Undiscovery
Last Remnant
Eternal Sonata
Fallout 3
Oblivion

I may be missing a couple, but that should get you started. If you buy a used, try and not buy one that has a production date before 10/08, so that you'll get the latest chipset (Jasper) that's the least likely to red-ring.

I just read closer and saw you were getting it from best buy, so it'll be new. Do not bother with an extended warrenty through them. You have 3 years through microsoft for redring and E74.

Figgy

You're also going to need a component cable or HDMI cable if you're hooking it up to an HD TV. The arcade only comes with composite (AKA: RCA, or red/yellow/white).

Lukin

The hell? They're not bombs. It's not going to hurt you. Just go get one and have fun.

Elementalor

150 watt 12.1 Amp, look for a jasper 360, supposedly the least likely to RROD. Check the power supply/back of the system.

Edit: Also yes, a first design 360 will eat your time and hurt you in your sleep.

dantree

Lukin wrote: »

The hell? They're not bombs. It's not going to hurt you. Just go get one and have fun.

I understand its not a bomb, it it is a very unstable device, and I really am afraid of investing money and time into something that's going to die (RROD) on me in a few months.

dantree

Figgy wrote: »

You're also going to need a component cable or HDMI cable if you're hooking it up to an HD TV. The arcade only comes with composite (AKA: RCA, or red/yellow/white).

No HD yet, but our tv does take component, I will pick up some cables for that soon.

dantree

Zerokku wrote: »

If you're picking up a new system and already have a hard drive, the arcade is the way to go. Comes with the system, Wireless controller, a nice chunk of on-board memory a couple arcade games and several arcade demos.

As for a list of good rpgs -

Mass Effect
Fable 2
Blue Dragon
Lost Odyssey
Tales of Vesparia
Infinite Undiscovery
Last Remnant
Eternal Sonata
Fallout 3
Oblivion

I may be missing a couple, but that should get you started. If you buy a used, try and not buy one that has a production date before 10/08, so that you'll get the latest chipset (Jasper) that's the least likely to red-ring.

I just read closer and saw you were getting it from best buy, so it'll be new. Do not bother with an extended warrenty through them. You have 3 years through microsoft for redring and E74.

Again, thanks for the list and help, I have since picked up Blue Dragon, now I just need to finish DMC4 for the PS3 and I can start some RPG goodness. or mediocreness depending on how the games are.

toxk_02

Zerokku wrote: »

I may be missing a couple, but that should get you started. If you buy a used, try and not buy one that has a production date before 10/08, so that you'll get the latest chipset (Jasper) that's the least likely to red-ring.

How to spot a Jasper:

How did I know it was a Jasper? As reported for months, the thing to look for when buying a new Xbox 360 is a power spec of 12 volts, which you can find by inspecting the box’s serial number cutout hole. It may take some finger wiggling to reveal the power rating - assuming, of course, the person selling you the unit allows you to handle the box in the first place.

dantree

toxk_02 wrote: »

Zerokku wrote: »

I may be missing a couple, but that should get you started. If you buy a used, try and not buy one that has a production date before 10/08, so that you'll get the latest chipset (Jasper) that's the least likely to red-ring.

How to spot a Jasper:

How did I know it was a Jasper? As reported for months, the thing to look for when buying a new Xbox 360 is a power spec of 12 volts, which you can find by inspecting the box’s serial number cutout hole. It may take some finger wiggling to reveal the power rating - assuming, of course, the person selling you the unit allows you to handle the box in the first place.

Its funny, I was just looking at my new 360 box (still unopened) trying to find something that would tell me. Thanks so much, looks like its a Jasper.

Raynaga

dantree wrote: »

Lukin wrote: »

The hell? They're not bombs. It's not going to hurt you. Just go get one and have fun.

I understand its not a bomb, it it is a very unstable device, and I really am afraid of investing money and time into something that's going to die (RROD) on me in a few months.

That problem is virtually nonexistant these days.

Antihippy

I thought that infinite undiscovery was considered pretty shit?

Raynaga

Its a decent game wrapped in some godawful technical issues (pop-in).

greeble

When you play mass effect do yourself a favor and install it to disc, unless you really like elevators. Also Fallout 3 DLC has been pretty mediocre and fairly buggy so far.