The Site > Old Forums > Console Tech > [360] Black Friday 2011 XBox 360 Buyers Guide?

[360] Black Friday 2011 XBox 360 Buyers Guide?

Any hints or tips on what I should be looking for?

I would look for a package that has everything you are looking for it may come with a reduced price.

Do you still need a "special" overpriced MS-approved hard drive to upgrade a 4GB model to something larger, or can I just install a laptop hard drive?

You need to plan ahead for the HD size you want, they are not user changeable.

How do I make sure that I get the latest (or best?) version of the hardware. Any special model numbers or markings to look for?

no, the slim is the newest one, they are shiny. Unless you buy a used one you are unlikely to find the older style.

Does the latest hardware have a component output available so that he can still capture video with the HD-PPVR?

Yes.

Any other stuff I need to be aware of that are "must haves" to actually be able to play online?

Xbox live subscription, look for a year sub, you can usually get them on sale for 10 or more off msrp. Do not give xbox your card number.
--
STOP THE NSA WIRETAPS


They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security
~Benjamin Franklin

Thanks for the info! I was really hoping I could just drop in a 320GB laptop drive that I already have instead of ponying up the $100 premium between the 4GB and the 250GB versions.

reply to HarryH3
The Xbox 360 doesn't actually have a Component output, it has some kind of weird Audio/Video out port and a HMDI port. But you can get a cable that does Component or Composite. Just be aware that this will cost you a little extra.

I thought if you reflash the firmware it will violate the TOS and you cannot get a repair or get a console ban? I am just curious on this because I saw a post on the Xbox forums where someone replaced a DVD drive cuz it was cheaper than the $99 Xbox repair wanted and he got a console ban.

Modifying or swapping out the DVD drive will get you a ban, but so far, using a WD Hard Drive like in the link won't.

It doesn't make sense to use a non Xbox Hard Drive now though because the price of an official 250GB Drive is about the same as using a non-MS drive.
--
"Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats." - H. L. Mencken

reply to HarryH3
Like mentioned above don't give xbox live your CC number. You can't get it off the account until the account is closed. Just buy subscription cards and any microsoft points cards if you require them for map packs, updates, arcade games, movie rentals, etc. Or if your bank offers you a one time use "ghost" card number, use that.

reply to HarryH3
If your looking for a decent deal, this week Target has the 4gb 360 for $199 and you get a $50 gift card. If the store in your area is out of stock, the offer is available online with free shipping as well.

Thanks for the tip! I'm just not sure that the 4GB is really a deal if I'm gonna have to pony up later for a hard drive anyway. It's a bummer as I already have a spare 320GB laptop drive. Swapping in a new drive on a PS3 is easy. The only reason I see for MS to bone users for an "official" hard drive is for excess profit. Grrr...

It will be interesting to see what happens with the 250GB models if HDD prices continue to skyrocket.

reply to HarryH3
Well, we pulled the trigger on the 250GB Holiday Bundle for $199 over the holiday weekend. Thanks for all the advice! Now to find a deal on a 12-month XBox Live card.

Just bought a 12-month Gold subscription card for $37.99 from buy.com via their ebay store.