XBOX 360 - cheapest option

spankyj · 03-13-08, 09:08 AM

After telling myself I'd never get a Microsoft gaming console, I'm at my wit's end.

1) I love Halo 3 on Live.
2) I need Rock Band. Badly.

I own a Wii, but I'm dying to get my rock band on, and who knows how long until they ever release it on Wii, plus with no DLC, I'll miss out on some great songs.

I'm cheap (really cheap), but think I need to take the plunge.

I'd prefer to go new, but looking at the exchange forum, I've seen used ones shipped for $250 recently. That's a lot better than the $350 new price that's been staring at me. Plus the $100 wireless router I'd have to buy.

Would the exchange forum be my cheapest option? Obviously I don't want to buy 1 with the RCOD, but warranty from Microsoft should protect me there, right?

metalhead212 · 03-13-08, 09:53 AM

Your best bet is to just buy yourself a new one man. Get used if you want, but new is always the way to go. If your going to want to buy rock band and all that then you're going to need a hard drive so don't go to cheap and buy just a core or anything like that. Get the premium deal and enjoy. There are a lot of good deals with the new xbox's that have like four or five games included right off that bat. That is a really good deal.

pinata242 · 03-13-08, 09:58 AM

Don't get the Arcade bundle (cheapest) since it only comes with a 256MB memory card. You'll only get about 8 songs on there, not to mention the room your Halo saves will take.

Get the Pro pack for $350 with the 20gb hdd. Elite for $100 more is probably overkill unless you just need a black facade.

You shouldn't "need" a wireless router. Could you go into more detail with what sort of network you do have, if you need advice on getting the thing online, that is.

GreenMonkey · 03-13-08, 10:01 AM

I don't ever buy warranties. Ever. But the 360 is different.

I would not recommend a used 360 under any circumstances. Buy a new one and get a big fat warranty on it. Try to find the newer models with the more reliable chips, etc. Some folks here can probably advise on that.

Target's 3 yr warranty is like $29. I went that route when I got mine last year.

RVP · 03-13-08, 10:02 AM

$100 router? Why would it be that much? My $35 on sale Netgear works just fine. Aren't all consoles warantied for 3 years for RROD now through MS?

metalhead212 · 03-13-08, 10:06 AM

The network adapter for the xbox is 99$. It is ridiculous, but there are ways to get around having to use the network adapter. Just search for it. I believe you may need to be a little tech-savy though because some of it is a bit confusing on how it works and how to trouble shoot if not using the plain plug and play adapter from MS.

RVP · 03-13-08, 10:11 AM

You are right. Sorry i forgot you need the MS wireless adapter. I was thinking about the router.

Michael Corvin · 03-13-08, 10:23 AM

There is always the option of putting the modem/router in your game setup(hardwire the 360) and getting a cheap wireless PC card for your computer.

Silkk_34 · 03-13-08, 10:36 AM

Definitely get a three year warranty. There are more ways for a 360 to die than just RROD. Trust me on that one.

Noonan · 03-13-08, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVP

You are right. Sorry i forgot you need the MS wireless adapter. I was thinking about the router.

You don't have to use the one from Microsoft. Any USB wireless adapter will work.

maxfisher · 03-13-08, 11:15 AM

I'll go against the grain and say you might be alright buying a used one. I know that if the original owner buys the extended warranty from Microsoft, it transfers to the new owner if the console is sold. The original owner just has to send in a letter asking it to be changed over. I'm not sure if that applies to the regular warranty as well or not. You could probably find out with a little poking around on Microsoft's website. There's nothing wrong with getting a used one, just make 100% sure you're getting a warranty with it.

Trevor · 03-13-08, 11:25 AM

Consider Costco as well.

Slightly cheaper, although it is a bundle w/ a game and extra controller, which you probably want anyway.

But the big thing is free lifetime warranty and price protection.

GreenMonkey · 03-13-08, 11:34 AM

You can get a pair of WDS bridging enabled routers for pretty cheap. 3+ years ago I paid -$15 and $30 AR for my Belkins. I finally flip-flopped the setup as suggested - the PC is the one on wireless now. I'm using a $20 Buffalo router to provide wireless for the PC(s) and the Belkin is the hardwired router with the 360/PS3/etc hooked into it. Many wireless G routers now support bridging. It's really not that tough to get going.

FatTony · 03-13-08, 11:40 AM

FYI, if you buy used, you may risk getting an older system that doesn't have the HDMI port (if that's important to you). Also, there's rumors that the Premium model hard drive may get a bump to 60GB in the next few months.

Why the 360 isn't wireless-capable out of the box is a mystery to me. Especially when you consider both the PS3 and Wii have that ability.

TheBigDave · 03-13-08, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spankyj

I'd prefer to go new, but looking at the exchange forum, I've seen used ones shipped for $250 recently. That's a lot better than the $350 new price that's been staring at me.

You're probably already aware of this. But recently Microsoft announced a price drop in Europe. That's led many to speculate on an upcoming US price drop. Of course, it may not happen for a couple months. But if you're willing to wait, you could possibly get a new system for the current price of a used one.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=33977

Michael Corvin · 03-13-08, 12:32 PM

There is no "cheap" option for being a 360 owner. Just the way it is.

clappj · 03-13-08, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trevor

Consider Costco as well.

But the big thing is free lifetime warranty and price protection.

Are you sure that game consoles don't fall within the scope of Costco's revised 90 day return policy for most electronics?

uncle-frank · 03-13-08, 01:01 PM

PRO pack is the best bet, the elite is good but you dont want to spend too much

Trevor · 03-13-08, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clappj

Are you sure that game consoles don't fall within the scope of Costco's revised 90 day return policy for most electronics?

Positive.

The Bus · 03-13-08, 01:10 PM

If you want to go really cheap, buy a broken / non-working 360 and then send it in to Microsoft or fix it yourself (if you're tech-oriented). I know a few people that have done that. Seems like a waste of time to save $100 or so, but, eh.

porieux · 03-13-08, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clappj

Are you sure that game consoles don't fall within the scope of Costco's revised 90 day return policy for most electronics?

I don't think it's 'most' electronics, it's specific things like TVs and computers. Unless they changed it again....?

03-13-08, 09:08 AM	#1
spankyj DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: 30-minute drive from Tampa HR.... Posts: 1,261	XBOX 360 - cheapest option After telling myself I'd never get a Microsoft gaming console, I'm at my wit's end. 1) I love Halo 3 on Live. 2) I need Rock Band. Badly. I own a Wii, but I'm dying to get my rock band on, and who knows how long until they ever release it on Wii, plus with no DLC, I'll miss out on some great songs. I'm cheap (really cheap), but think I need to take the plunge. I'd prefer to go new, but looking at the exchange forum, I've seen used ones shipped for $250 recently. That's a lot better than the $350 new price that's been staring at me. Plus the $100 wireless router I'd have to buy. Would the exchange forum be my cheapest option? Obviously I don't want to buy 1 with the RCOD, but warranty from Microsoft should protect me there, right? __________________ 2003 DVDtalk Fantasy Football Survivor League Champion

03-13-08, 09:58 AM	#3
pinata242 DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Owasso, OK Posts: 27,705	Don't get the Arcade bundle (cheapest) since it only comes with a 256MB memory card. You'll only get about 8 songs on there, not to mention the room your Halo saves will take. Get the Pro pack for $350 with the 20gb hdd. Elite for $100 more is probably overkill unless you just need a black facade. You shouldn't "need" a wireless router. Could you go into more detail with what sort of network you do have, if you need advice on getting the thing online, that is. __________________ XBL: pinata242 \| PSN: pinata242 \| Steam: pinata242

03-13-08, 10:01 AM	#4
GreenMonkey DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midland, MI -XBL:GreenmkyD Posts: 3,876	I don't ever buy warranties. Ever. But the 360 is different. I would not recommend a used 360 under any circumstances. Buy a new one and get a big fat warranty on it. Try to find the newer models with the more reliable chips, etc. Some folks here can probably advise on that. Target's 3 yr warranty is like $29. I went that route when I got mine last year. __________________ "The study of history is the best medicine for a sick mind; for in history you have a record of the infinite variety of human experience plainly set out for all to see; and in that record you can find yourself and your country both examples and warnings; fine things to take as models, base things rotten through and through, to avoid." - Livy

03-13-08, 10:02 AM	#5
RVP Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Central Florida Posts: 703	$100 router? Why would it be that much? My $35 on sale Netgear works just fine. Aren't all consoles warantied for 3 years for RROD now through MS? __________________ Ah beer, my one weakness. My Achilles heel, if you will. -Homer Simpson Life sucks, get a helmet. -Dennis Leary XBOX Live Gamertag = TRACER BULLET

03-13-08, 10:11 AM	#7
RVP Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Central Florida Posts: 703	You are right. Sorry i forgot you need the MS wireless adapter. I was thinking about the router. __________________ Ah beer, my one weakness. My Achilles heel, if you will. -Homer Simpson Life sucks, get a helmet. -Dennis Leary XBOX Live Gamertag = TRACER BULLET

03-13-08, 09:53 AM	#2
metalhead212 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 383	Your best bet is to just buy yourself a new one man. Get used if you want, but new is always the way to go. If your going to want to buy rock band and all that then you're going to need a hard drive so don't go to cheap and buy just a core or anything like that. Get the premium deal and enjoy. There are a lot of good deals with the new xbox's that have like four or five games included right off that bat. That is a really good deal.

03-13-08, 10:06 AM	#6
metalhead212 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 383	The network adapter for the xbox is 99$. It is ridiculous, but there are ways to get around having to use the network adapter. Just search for it. I believe you may need to be a little tech-savy though because some of it is a bit confusing on how it works and how to trouble shoot if not using the plain plug and play adapter from MS.

03-13-08, 10:23 AM	#8
Michael Corvin DVD Talk Hero Join Date: May 1999 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 45,141	There is always the option of putting the modem/router in your game setup(hardwire the 360) and getting a cheap wireless PC card for your computer. __________________ XBOXLive FU Hackers! Now Playing Borderlands 2 Recently Finished Halo 4

03-13-08, 10:36 AM	#9
Silkk_34 Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 164	Definitely get a three year warranty. There are more ways for a 360 to die than just RROD. Trust me on that one.

03-13-08, 11:15 AM	#11
maxfisher DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 4,830	I'll go against the grain and say you might be alright buying a used one. I know that if the original owner buys the extended warranty from Microsoft, it transfers to the new owner if the console is sold. The original owner just has to send in a letter asking it to be changed over. I'm not sure if that applies to the regular warranty as well or not. You could probably find out with a little poking around on Microsoft's website. There's nothing wrong with getting a used one, just make 100% sure you're getting a warranty with it.

03-13-08, 11:25 AM	#12
Trevor DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: somewhere shopping Posts: 21,846	Consider Costco as well. Slightly cheaper, although it is a bundle w/ a game and extra controller, which you probably want anyway. But the big thing is free lifetime warranty and price protection. __________________ forum helps: search - reviews - Challenge Compendium - DVD "upgrades" missing features from original release - DVDTalk Facebook - OCD/Storage/Organization - BD Digibook Thread - Free Daily Android App - All Gift Card Deals Personal: PMs are the anitchrist, just email me. Holiday'12 - Comedy '12 My Countdown Counting down to: The 2nd Annual DVDTalk Action/Adventure/Crime/Mystery Challenge The 2nd Annual DVDTalk Action/Adventure/Crime/Mystery Challenge has started!

03-13-08, 11:34 AM	#13
GreenMonkey DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midland, MI -XBL:GreenmkyD Posts: 3,876	You can get a pair of WDS bridging enabled routers for pretty cheap. 3+ years ago I paid -$15 and $30 AR for my Belkins. I finally flip-flopped the setup as suggested - the PC is the one on wireless now. I'm using a $20 Buffalo router to provide wireless for the PC(s) and the Belkin is the hardwired router with the 360/PS3/etc hooked into it. Many wireless G routers now support bridging. It's really not that tough to get going. __________________ "The study of history is the best medicine for a sick mind; for in history you have a record of the infinite variety of human experience plainly set out for all to see; and in that record you can find yourself and your country both examples and warnings; fine things to take as models, base things rotten through and through, to avoid." - Livy Last edited by GreenMonkey; 03-13-08 at 11:37 AM.

03-13-08, 11:40 AM	#14
FatTony DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Seattle Posts: 2,349	FYI, if you buy used, you may risk getting an older system that doesn't have the HDMI port (if that's important to you). Also, there's rumors that the Premium model hard drive may get a bump to 60GB in the next few months. Why the 360 isn't wireless-capable out of the box is a mystery to me. Especially when you consider both the PS3 and Wii have that ability.

03-13-08, 12:32 PM	#16
Michael Corvin DVD Talk Hero Join Date: May 1999 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 45,141	There is no "cheap" option for being a 360 owner. Just the way it is. __________________ XBOXLive FU Hackers! Now Playing Borderlands 2 Recently Finished Halo 4

03-13-08, 01:01 PM	#18
uncle-frank Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 716	PRO pack is the best bet, the elite is good but you dont want to spend too much

03-13-08, 01:10 PM	#20
The Bus DVD Talk Godfather Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: New York Posts: 51,655	If you want to go really cheap, buy a broken / non-working 360 and then send it in to Microsoft or fix it yourself (if you're tech-oriented). I know a few people that have done that. Seems like a waste of time to save $100 or so, but, eh. __________________ Movies: 2002 / 03 / 04 / 05 / 06 / 07 / 08 / 09 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 2013 "Too much disclaiming in this post." – Dr. Mabuse