Xbox 360 Console (20 GB Hard Drive)

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Editorial reviews

Product Description
Xbox 360 represents a dramatic leap forward in high-definition gaming and entertainment experiences. Fusing powerful hardware, software, and services, Xbox 360 fully engages you in a gaming experience that is more expansive, dramatic, and lifelike, where the possibilities are limitless and your imagination knows no boundaries. The next generation is here. A merger of form and function, Xbox 360 wraps powerful technology in a sophisticated exterior. Two of the most innovative design firms in the world?San Francisco-based Astro Studios and Osaka, Japan-based Hers Experimental Design Laboratory Inc.?came together to craft a sleek, stylish system that conveys the very essence of Xbox 360. The Xbox Gamer Guide is an entertainment gateway that instantly connects you to your games, friends, music, movies, and downloadable content. Available at a touch of the Xbox Guide Button, the Xbox Gamer Guide gives you instant access to the experiences and content you want, from the gamer card of the player that just invited you to play online to new downloadable content for the game currently running. Xbox 360 lets you create your own unique system and experience. With interchangeable Xbox 360 Faces, it's easy and fun to change the appearance of your console. Switch on your system and customize the look and feel of the Xbox Gamer Guide and Xbox System Guide with unique "skins." From sleek and sophisticated to fun and funky, pick the Faces and skins that show your personality. Divided into four quadrants, the glowing Ring of Light and Xbox® Guide Button visually connect you to your games, digital media, and the world of Xbox Live?, the first global, unified online console games service. Featured on both the wireless and wired controllers, the Xbox Guide Button puts you in control of your experience. In addition to bringing up the Xbox Gamer Guide and the Xbox System Guide, the Xbox Guide Button lets you turn the system on and off without ever leaving the couch. Xbox Liv

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Amazon.co.uk Review
The Xbox 360 is Microsoft's successor to the Xbox console, and is the first "next generation" games console to hit the market. It has three powerful core processors which pump out 720p/1080i output (translation: graphics look great), 16x9 cinematic aspect ratio (translation: it's sort of like the cinema), anti-aliasing for smooth textures (translation: characters look less like chimps and more like people), full surround sound and DVD playback right out of the box.

A multi media experience

Xbox 360, shown with levitating wireless controller

In comparison to the Darth Vader inspired design of the original Xbox, the Xbox 360 a thing of (near) wondrous beauty.

In addition to playing games and movies, the Xbox 360 can stream music and video from a wide variety of electronic devices, including iPods and the Sony PSP.

Get Live

The Xbox 360 offers an online gaming experience via Xbox Live. This allows you to play multi-player Xbox 360 games on the internet via your broadband connection. The service also lets you download--and save on the console's hard drive--new missions, characters and vehicles for your favourite games. You can also shout real-time abuse at your opponents using the Xbox 360 headset

Choose the package that's right for you

The Xbox 360 comes in two different packages: the deluxe package includes a wireless controller, 20GB hard drive, and a number of other accessories. Alternatively, the Core System bundle has a standard wired controller and no hard drive.

Which option is right for you will depend largely on your gaming needs--are you a fan of downloadable content? Do controller wires upset the feng shui of your living room? There are pros and cons for each option: for instance, if you do plump for the Core System you will have to buy a separate memory unit if you want to save your games. Likewise, if you opt for the deluxe version you will need a steady supply of AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack to power the wireless controller.

The Xbox 360 is only backwards compatible with a limited number of original Xbox titles, and a hard drive is required for this function.

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Customer reviews

review by: neil date: 2008-07-03 rating:
red ring
had this console since nov 2006 and just got the dreeaded red ring and machine no longer working yes i have had this console for a year and a half but only play for half an hour at a time so very annoyed that it has broke down

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review by: Cheese anyone? date: 2008-07-01 rating:
Under-rated console
I'm not going to blab on, purely because everyone has said their thoughts (among, densely, the facts without fan-boy tosh) and because as a buyer, I'm sure you're more likely to read the reviews straight to the point, rather than "I like this console because Xbox's are great" blah blah...


THUMBS UP
.........

- The GPU (Graphics Unit in English) is the most powerful on the market, and is living up to it's potentinal in style with stunning games like Project Gotham Racing. Combined with your flat screen HD TV, we can't get enough of just how crisp the games look. It's sufficient to say a HD TV is required to get the most of the graphics.

Don't be fooled by the smooth talk and clever branding of Sony - it's all Eye Candy. Their patriotically named "Cell Processor" is only the CPU. Which, if you don't know, is the brain of the computer (like a massive calculator)... hence, it only delivers faster gameplay; NOT better looking gameplay....

- The controller is a step-up from the original Xbox, and doesn't have that chunky feeling. It feels more like a good ol' Dreamcast controller actually!

- The 360 Dashboard (main console menu) is very easy to use and can be customised with a combination of on-board options, and if you're clever enough, a few little secrets! (YouTube is the best inspiration).

- I personally have found the 20 GB HDD quite adequate for medium gameplay. I am NOT a hardcore gamer; 20 GB is perfectly fine for game saves and some music. Unless you'll be downloading from Xbox Live, it really is fine.

- Games; they're starting to come thick and fast, but more importantly, they're making good use of the console.

- Online; Need I say anymore?

- Price; Is this a good deal or not?



LOGICAL PROBLEMS
(Logic means nothing to Microsfot, for that matter...)
................

- They still haven't changed the disc drive. When it's spinning fast (Cheese grating time for the laser head) then it reminds me of jetting off to Bulgaria a few weeks ago... You get the idea!

- With the Elite a small price more, is it worth paying for the bigger HDD? Only if you're a Media user.

- Reliability - only a problem if you like playing Video Games for hours a day in a HOT, UN-OPEN area... (Hint-Hint for some of you lot...)

- Games - In my opinion, still alot of money. But that's a personal opinion.


The Xbox 360 is a tough nut to crack. Is it worth buying for a few 'good' games?... Will you make the most of the online service? (If you're not familiar with online gaming, that is)... In my opinion, this is the best valued combination of Gaming/Media usage at the moment. I believe if the PS3 was such good value, with regards to it's supposedly fabulous "Blue Ray" player, then why are they selling them for Buy One Get One Free in Woolworths? Is it worth paying 20 quid for a film?

My thoughts only - you make your own mind up.

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review by: XG date: 2008-06-29 rating:
Xbox 360
I prefer the PS3, however this console is probably worth the money now that it costs less.
However I have heard that a frequent problem is the ring of death so probably don't invest in this console if you don't have lots of money.
The only problem is that these days games consoles likes PS3 are capable of 1080p graphics, so why does this console only have 720i?

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review by: Splop date: 2008-06-24 rating:
Ex-box!!!!!
I've had this for a year. It was alright, churned up a couple of discs now and then but you could cope. Then suddenly 3 rings of death. I tried to solve the problem on the internet but it was flooded with complaints from other people and the only thing I learned is that the xbox is absolute RUBBISH!!!!! Some people's xbox broke when they had set it up, some people's had broken suddenly to the great dismay of their children, some people had saved up for months only to have it break almost straight away. The worst thing is that there is no sign of when it is going to break and the 'helpline' know less about the problem than you do! The 'ex-box' is a risk that is NOT worth taking and if you buy an xbox, in a year you will be writing the same review!


review by: sekrapa date: 2008-06-21 rating:
Almost perfect.
Over the years I have had a Megadrive, Amiga CD32, PS1, Gamecube and now the Xbox 360. I am not a fanboy nor am i loyal to one brand. I make my purchasing decisions on the games I like playing and what friends have, so that I can swap games later down the line. I have had the 360 for 16 months now and still play on it nearly every day.

To make the most out of it, just like the PS3, you will need a HDTV, such as an LCD and Plasma TV to display the higher resolution. Trying to watch the game on a standard TV is useless as you cannot see the text on screen and you will be missing out big time. My machine does not have the HDMI socket, so the picture comes through component cables. My TV can only display upto 1080i via HDMI and component, so am not missing out on resolution, it just means instead of 1 small lead, I have a larger lead splitting into 5 smaller leads, no problem because they are hidden at the back.

The positive points:
The graphics are superb when compared to my previous consoles. Oblivion is amazing with the wide open space where you do whatever you want, no linear gameplay. Gears of War, Halo and Call of Duty 4 are stunning.
The controller is easy to hold and use, with the numerous buttons. Sometimes you can forget what buttons do what if you keep changing games, but you soon remember. The rumble feature on the pad is essential. It was there on the PS1 and GameCube, so have been used to it. The games make full use if this feature, and it does make a huge difference in playing. Sony take note, please start shipping the PS3 with the rumble joypad!
The online experience is great. You can download demos, trailers, games with ease. You can also talk to friends and invite them to games you are playing. It is far more fun playing against another human rather than computer AI.

The negatives are:
Boy is it noisy. It is not so much the fans, but the DVD drive. When there is no disc is the drive, you can hear the fans, but they are not that loud. However, insert a game disc and it sounds like its ready to take off. A cheap DVD drive probably is to blame.
Online play. Although a plus, the minus is it costs and extra £40 per year. This however is a small price to play for a good fast service. The other drawback is the trash talk from little brats. The verbal abuse you can get when you beat them is unbelievable, and sometimes there is swearing as well.
Reliability is an issue. I have sent mine for repair for the dreaded RROD. It was all back repaired within 8 days and there is a 3 year warranty, but it is still an issue wandering whether it will break down again.

I made the right decision in buying one and would recommend the system if you can see through the faults, because the gaming experience you get will out way the negatives.

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Accessories

Xbox Live 2100 Microsoft Points Card (Xbox 360)
Xbox Live 12-Month Gold Membership Card (Xbox 360)
Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (Xbox 360)
Xbox 360 Wireless Bridge (Required For Wireless Online/Live Play)
Xbox 360 wired controller

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