Consoles & Accessories

[ClockworkKnight]

What is the difference between the 360 that comes with the hard drive and the one that does not. Aside the obvious difference of one not having the hard drive.

Can the hard drive be gotten separately and installed ?

[hockeycanuckjc Trusted Contributor]

yes but be aware the new xbox experience just came out and you will need at least a 512mb memory card or a 20gb or higher HDD to stay connected to XBOX Live. While 128mb space free on a 256mb unit is enough, you will need more eventually. Microsoft has designed a program for owners of arcade units to get a free 512mb card or get a refurbished 20gb hdd and 3 months live for a reduced fee.

[ClockworkKnight]

I am really not all that intrested in online gameing or downloading things. I just want to play thing like Bioshock and Sielnt hill and the like.

[hockeycanuckjc Trusted Contributor]

If you are not going to connect your console online, then for starters, yes this package is enough. Still though, Microsoft is offering owners of Arcade consoles a refurbished 20 GB Hard Drive with 3 months of Live for only $29.99.

[hockeycanuckjc Trusted Contributor]

One more thought, the XBOX 360 Arcade was the first unit I bought. I did not buy a HDD until last week. It does have HDMI capability however and a Wireless Controller. If you are going to game all the time, be sure to pick up a Microsoft rechargable battery pack called the play and charge kit. These are usually $19.99 and will save you money on batteries on the long run.

[ClockworkKnight]

What is it with all the wireless I keep seeing ? I guess if you sit half way across a room  its useful. Honestly all I have to do it swivel my chair and there’s the TV. I sit maybe four feet from it. I even angle my LCD monitor  at times when I’m busy so I can see a reflection of the TV screen so I wont have to turn around. ^_^ Don’t they make wired controllers for the system ?
 
As long as I can play games on it I’m fine with not having a hard drive. 
 
I do know the 360 has issues with over heating that’s why I plan to pick up an Interair cooler, one that has has its own paoer supply instead of sucking power from the 360. 

 Thinking about getting the one that has build in fans in the stand

[hockeycanuckjc Trusted Contributor]

I would think twice about using the Intercooler if I were you, it invalidates your product warranty since the device is not licensed for use by Microsoft.

[ClockworkKnight]

They do make ones that have their own power source so it wont harm the 360. The ones that have the horror stories circulating about are the older Interair coolers that plugged into the back of the system and sucked power off the 360's mother board causing crashes, lagging and it even melted into the back of the 360
 
The lighted stands are junk and don't cool.

[hockeycanuckjc Trusted Contributor]

I wish you the best of luck then