Which X360 option should I get?

[BahnKnakyu]

Alright, first thing's first.

I will ultimately want to end up with an XBOX 360 Jasper model with a 250 GB hard drive, but I have several options.

The "replacement" 250 GB drive is $129.99, and that price doesn't seem to vary much. If anyone knows of a reputable site I can get the hard drive (and possibly the console) from for cheap (AND THEY HAVE AFFORDABLE SHIPPING TO HAWAII), please let me know.

1) Buy a X360 "Super Elite" Limited Edition version that has the 250 GB drive in it new.
2) Buy the Super Elite version used.
3) Buy the Elite version new and install the 250 GB drive (though this seems kinda pricey)
4) Buy the Elite version used and install the 250 GB drive.
5) Buy the Arcade version new and install the 250 GB drive
6) Buy the Arcade version new and install the 250 GB drive.

I wouldn't have problems with buying a used system, but because of the X360's high rate of failure compared to the other systems, I'm VERY hesitant to buy a used X360 system. Please no console fanboyism here, this is simple fact, please don't tell me about how your system hasn't RROD'd on you or how RRODs are sensationalized by the gaming media, etc.

If I do get it used from someone via somewhere like CheapAssGamer, eBay or GameStop, will I be able to RMA it if it does RROD on me, or will I forfeit that opportunity since I got it second hand? Does Microsoft even care?

Which of these is the most cost-effective way of getting a 250 GB 360? If I choose option 1, I'm going to immediately turn around and trade in the game that came with the system. Options 5/6 seem like the cheapest way to do it, but then I won't get the included headset that the Super Elite/Elite version gets.

Any ideas?

[HeartBreak301]

Shit, I'm still using a 20GB HDD. I've been out of the loop way too long I can see, losing live really killed my interest in this system's upgrades.

[McLaughlin]

I'd probably buy the limited edition that comes stock with the 250GB HDD, but I'm a sucker for anything "limited." I'm wary of any used electronics and I wouldn't trust a used 360 as far as I could throw it.

As far as hardware goes I don't believe there are currently any differences between the Arcade and the Elite, so if you don't care about the colour of your console, buying an Arcade and a 250GB HDD would probably be the cheapest option, but you'd have to supply your own HD cables, as only the Elite models come with the HD component cables as far as I know. An HDMI cable is only like ten bucks though, and a headset would be another 20 or so.

[Zeek123]

I'd probably buy the limited edition that comes stock with the 250GB HDD, but I'm a sucker for anything "limited." I'm wary of any used electronics and I wouldn't trust a used 360 as far as I could throw it.

As far as hardware goes I don't believe there are currently any differences between the Arcade and the Elite, so if you don't care about the colour of your console, buying an Arcade and a 250GB HDD would probably be the cheapest option, but you'd have to supply your own HD cables, as only the Elite models come with the HD component cables as far as I know. An HDMI cable is only like ten bucks though, and a headset would be another 20 or so.

Doesn't the Arcade version not have an HDMI port though? I could be mistaken, it's been awhile since I looked at 360s.

Anyway, @ OP

Personally, I'd go with the 20 GB model. The Elites aren't justified in the HDD space alone. I assume you want the space for XBLA games, and you can always delete and redownload for space as needed. And let's not forget a storage solution is coming for the USB ports.

It's a shame Micro$oft had to make it so there was a special plastic cradle for the HDD. It's a poor excuse to overcharge.

[BahnKnakyu]

Doesn't the Arcade version not have an HDMI port though? I could be mistaken, it's been awhile since I looked at 360s.

Anyway, @ OP

Personally, I'd go with the 20 GB model. The Elites aren't justified in the HDD space alone. I assume you want the space for XBLA games, and you can always delete and redownload for space as needed. And let's not forget a storage solution is coming for the USB ports.

It's a shame Micro$oft had to make it so there was a special plastic cradle for the HDD. It's a poor excuse to overcharge.

All post-2007 X360s have an HDMI port. I already have the HDMI cable I bought from monoprice.com - I will not be using component.

Like I said, I need the HD space mainly to do HD installs of the games I buy. I won't be downloading a lot of content, though I have two UK friends that play Rock Band, and in order to play the songs they have I'll have to download whatever content they are using.

There is no such thing as a 20 GB model now. Only the X360 Arcade with 512 MB onboard RAM, the X360 Elite with the 120 GB drive, and the "Limited Edition" Super Elites that have the 250 GB drive.

Keep the suggestions coming - I'm looking for the most cost effective solution that will result in me getting a 250 GB HD X360.

[Volcompat321]

My Arcade Xbox was just fine for me.

I already had a 20GB HDD, and it got filled up pretty fast.

I don't have the Xbox anymore though, cause I didn't like it.

[HeartBreak301]

If you're going to buy a hard drive and you won't be downloading a shitload of stuff, just get a 20. They're probably really cheap now. Videos and expansion packs are your big memory hogs, so if you're not going to be bothering with that, don't bother getting a bigger hard drive. Granted you'll have a bit of room to work with with the 20GB, I downloaded a 5.5GB game and the Shivering Isles Oblivion expansion and still have like 6GB to use on whatever.

[Delete]

If you're going to buy a hard drive and you won't be downloading a shitload of stuff, just get a 20. They're probably really cheap now. Videos and expansion packs are your big memory hogs, so if you're not going to be bothering with that, don't bother getting a bigger hard drive. Granted you'll have a bit of room to work with with the 20GB, I downloaded a 5.5GB game and the Shivering Isles Oblivion expansion and still have like 6GB to use on whatever.

Unless your getting one used, I'm pretty sure like the OP said, you can't find them anymore. On topic, I'd simply get a 120GB because that's way more then enough space. The only 2 things that will eat up a ton of space are as follows.

1) If you plan on downloading a lot of full games on marketplace.

2) Here's a biggie, Buying and installing HD movies will steal about 8 GB for most movies. But who buys movies, I'd think people would "RENT" movies more instead on Zune right?

I have two UK friends that play Rock Band, and in order to play the songs they have I'll have to download whatever content they are using.

Considering the average song is like 80 to 120 MB, that won't hurt your space much unless your friends have a ton of songs which will probably hurt your wallet more then your hard-drive

[Outrider]

For those suggesting a smaller hard drive - You definitely want a nice-sized hard drive for the Xbox. I've got a 120 and it's great installing games and keeping demos I enjoy. It's especially necessary if you're going to be purchasing full Xbox 360 games through Live.

More on topic - I don't see any reason not to pick up the new system with the 250 gig drive. It's worthless having two drives due to bizarre DRM settings and you shouldn't buy a used Xbox due to hardware issues.

Thread = DONE.

[Neith]

Considering the average song is like 80 to 120 MB, that won't hurt your space much unless your friends have a ton of songs which will probably hurt your wallet more then your hard-drive

Between me and the other guy Bahn's mentioned, we have a ton of songs. I have to say though, most RB songs are only between 20-50MB. Guitar Hero songs tend to be larger, for some reason. It's very rare to see a RB song over 50MB, unless you buy a song pack (which would be multiple songs anyway).

@Bahn: Don't worry about getting loads of RB DLC if you get a 360. Just get the songs you actually want to play. I have a ton of songs that Rath doesn't, and he has some I don't. When we play online we just don't play those songs. Get whatever you actually are interested in playing, not what we have

I can't help much with which 360 to get, I'm still using a 360 Premium that came with a 20GB HD (plus a couple of USB drives for extra storage if I need it). Obviously if you're gonna install a lot of games, the 250GB could be real useful, but I'm not sure if it's worth getting over a 120GB.

As for the used systems- when I bought my 360 (new), it had an automatic 1-year warranty, where MS would fix it for free if anything went wrong (which it did). You also could buy a longer warranty (I forget how much it was or if MS even do it anymore).

But yeah, hope you can figure out which to get, Rock Band is pretty fun online with friends.