Falcon 360s already out in stores?

[zerocool84]

I read these are NOT the new chips. It saves them money to use the same motherboard all across the board. They mine as well throw in HDMI in the base 360 also to save some more $$$ but this is NOT the new chips.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Originally posted by: zerocool84
I read these are NOT the new chips. It saves them money to use the same motherboard all across the board. They mine as well throw in HDMI in the base 360 also to save some more $$$ but this is NOT the new chips.

Link / Source? You're the only one I've seen saying this so far.

 

[Guuts]

I've been wanting to get a 360, and with the Premiums now having the HDMI port I'm wondering just how important hard drive space is on this console. I was leaning toward the Elite model, but it doesn't seem worth an extra $100 for a bigger hard drive.

I haven't had any experience with Xbox Live and the content there. I will be using the 360 as a media extender as well as for gaming. Am I going to need the extra hard drive space, or will 20GB be enough?

 

[Gooberlx2]

Originally posted by: Guuts
I've been wanting to get a 360, and with the Premiums now having the HDMI port I'm wondering just how important hard drive space is on this console. I was leaning toward the Elite model, but it doesn't seem worth an extra $100 for a bigger hard drive.

I haven't had any experience with Xbox Live and the content there. I will be using the 360 as a media extender as well as for gaming. Am I going to need the extra hard drive space, or will 20GB be enough?

Depends on how many arcade games, TV shows, music videos, themes, etc... you want to download from Live marketplace AND keep on your console at the same time. Keep in mind that anything you've purchased you can redownload for free at a later time.

For my uses so far the 20gb has provided enough space for my profile, gamesaves and the very few arcade games I've purchased. I do buy TV episodes every now and then, but I'll usually delete them after I've watched them...however there would probably be enough space for a several of those as well. Other than that, all my media streams from my media center too, so no need to keep music or home videos on the xbox.

With that said, when my current 360 dies and gets returned back to Costco, I might pick up an Elite anyway. Then I deftinitely woudn't have to delete all those cool Nat'l Geo shows I'll buy in the future. Or I might just go with Premium again and then purchase the larger HDD in the future if needed.

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: Guuts
I've been wanting to get a 360, and with the Premiums now having the HDMI port I'm wondering just how important hard drive space is on this console. I was leaning toward the Elite model, but it doesn't seem worth an extra $100 for a bigger hard drive.

I haven't had any experience with Xbox Live and the content there. I will be using the 360 as a media extender as well as for gaming. Am I going to need the extra hard drive space, or will 20GB be enough?

I use my machine just as much for a media extender as a gaming machine. Being a media extender does not require an additional hard drive space. Downloading demos, movies, etc. is where the hard drive space is nice. Honestly, I really haven't had any major issues. I don't download many TV shows...just movies occasionally...and they get deleted once I've watched them as they become no good after 24 hours...so not a big deal. Demos usually don't stay on the machine all that long either (either I liked the game and bought it or didn't and deleted the demo).

I'd definitely just pick up the Premium as it is such a better deal with the recent price drop.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: Guuts
I've been wanting to get a 360, and with the Premiums now having the HDMI port I'm wondering just how important hard drive space is on this console. I was leaning toward the Elite model, but it doesn't seem worth an extra $100 for a bigger hard drive.

It's actually $80 more for a bigger hard drive.

I haven't had any experience with Xbox Live and the content there. I will be using the 360 as a media extender as well as for gaming. Am I going to need the extra hard drive space, or will 20GB be enough?

The 20GB will be enough as long as you use it for gaming and as a media extender. If you start downloading movies and TV shows off of Live Video Marketplace, you'll start feeling squeezed for space more than likely.

 

[tatteredpotato]

Originally posted by: Queasy


It's actually $80 more for a bigger hard drive.

After the price drop it's a $100 difference (350 to 450)

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: ObscureCaucasian

Originally posted by: Queasy


It's actually $80 more for a bigger hard drive.

After the price drop it's a $100 difference (350 to 450)

I'm gonna go drink some more caffeine to wake up now....

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: ObscureCaucasian

Originally posted by: Queasy


It's actually $80 more for a bigger hard drive.

After the price drop it's a $100 difference (350 to 450)

I'm gonna go drink some more caffeine to wake up now....

LOL... I just said to myself "Queasy must be on something" after reading your remark.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons

Originally posted by: zerocool84
I read these are NOT the new chips. It saves them money to use the same motherboard all across the board. They mine as well throw in HDMI in the base 360 also to save some more $$$ but this is NOT the new chips.

Link / Source? You're the only one I've seen saying this so far.

Yeah, it is sounding like the Premiums with HDMI are using the current Elite (Zephyr) motherboards.

TXB forums link

AVS Forum

Granted these are only forums talking about this for now.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Here's the text from the AVSforum post by Epacy:

As most of you have seen Microsoft has announced that HDMI has been included in Premium boards that are just making their way to store shelves. So far Target is the only store I am aware of that users have obtained this new hardware. BB and CC still have old reserves. So far I have seen one Target store in GA and I bought one from a Target in IL.
Look for a July 2007 manufacturer date and preferably a LOT number of 0720-0727 for the epoxy and heatsink fix along with the HDMI port. LOT number 0728 and above will carry the 65nm Falcon board.

While the console does come with the HDMI port, you will need to obtain an HDMI cable. The Premium still only comes with component cables.

It's annoying that HDMI isn't always Falcon but not the end of the world.

 

[R Nilla]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Here's the text from the AVSforum post by Epacy:

As most of you have seen Microsoft has announced that HDMI has been included in Premium boards that are just making their way to store shelves. So far Target is the only store I am aware of that users have obtained this new hardware. BB and CC still have old reserves. So far I have seen one Target store in GA and I bought one from a Target in IL.
Look for a July 2007 manufacturer date and preferably a LOT number of 0720-0727 for the epoxy and heatsink fix along with the HDMI port. LOT number 0728 and above will carry the 65nm Falcon board.

While the console does come with the HDMI port, you will need to obtain an HDMI cable. The Premium still only comes with component cables.

It's annoying that HDMI isn't always Falcon but not the end of the world.

This is an unsubstantiated claim. It very well may be true, but until there is proof we have no way of knowing which 360's have the new 65nm board. I am amazed at the amount of people quoting internet speculation as fact on this board as well as others.

 

[TheUnk]

Mine is still in the service center, maybe I'll get one back with HDMI. I can dream can't I?

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: TheUnk
Mine is still in the service center, maybe I'll get one back with HDMI. I can dream can't I?

I wouldn't bet on it since I just got mine back and it was a refurb that was manufactured 8/2006. Still, it is considerably quieter than my 1/2006 360 it replaced...I'm quite pleased. With how quiet this new one is (both the fans and the DVD drive), I have no interest in the Falcon system until this new one of my craps out and the warranty is up. By then I'm hoping there will be a small form factor 45nm model.

 

[randay]

aw 🙁 i wants the 65nm to come out already... quick! before blue dragon is here.

 

[Guuts]

Thanks Goober, PricklyPete and Queasy for your replies and advice. 🙂 And special thanks to Queasy for all the great posts you make here!

 

[Grimal]

I cant understand why so many want to buy a System that they no will break and has terrible support ( long return times for repair)

 

[tatteredpotato]

Originally posted by: Grimal
I cant understand why so many want to buy a System that they no will break and has terrible support ( long return times for repair)

Since when is a 3 year warranty "terrible support." Besides this thread is about an edition that will be inherently less prone to failure. You would have known that if you would have taken the time to read anything.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: ObscureCaucasian

Originally posted by: Grimal
I cant understand why so many want to buy a System that they no will break and has terrible support ( long return times for repair)

Since when is a 3 year warranty "terrible support." Besides this thread is about an edition that will be inherently less prone to failure. You would have known that if you would have taken the time to read anything.

In addition to the cooler running parts, one can't possibly imagine Microsoft will make any sort of poor design this time around, either. I have the upmost faith that the new 65nm version should be solid as a rock.

I absolutely love my 360, it's one of my favorite consoles of all time, without a doubt. I'm rooting for it to succeed.

 

[Grimal]

I am sorry only reason I replied is because I saw so much interest in the new release and again when a company admits there product is flawed and it takes 1 -3 months to get it repaired 3 year warranty or not doesn't make it a good product.
I had one and sold it to a friend that wanted one, it broke 2 months later and I only had it for 3 months.
Another friend at work told me about his breaking too both are still waiting for there repairs to be done.
I will admit though the best reason to own one is the games that can be played on that platform, I just wish the platform was more reliable.

 

[Queasy]

We're not talking about the flawed product though. We are talking about the new version that is supposed to fix all the previous issues.

 

[tatteredpotato]

Originally posted by: Grimal

I will admit though the best reason to own one is the games that can be played on that platform, I just wish the platform was more reliable.

Thats a valid point. Personally mine has broken once, but that was well over a year ago. The 360 does have hardware problems, but the system is so good (imo) that it's worth the hassle of dealing with the warranty.

If you are unaware, Microsoft will soon move the CPU and GPU in the 360 to the 65nm process (down from 90nm) which should greatly reduce the heat output of the chips. That version of the console is due to be released this fall, and that is the topic of discussion in this tread.

 

[Heller]

Originally posted by: Queasy
Heh. I wonder how long it will be until we start hearing about people sending their 360 in for repair and getting a Falcon version back?

Mine went out wensday, Im crossing my fingers for the falcon version!

 

[Dacalo]

Originally posted by: Heller

Originally posted by: Queasy
Heh. I wonder how long it will be until we start hearing about people sending their 360 in for repair and getting a Falcon version back?

Mine went out wensday, Im crossing my fingers for the falcon version!

I have a feeling MS would allocate their initial supply of Falcons to retail to increase sales rather than to RMA for current owners.

I don't see this happening until Falcons are well saturated in retail.

 

[Heller]

Originally posted by: Dacalo

Originally posted by: Heller

Originally posted by: Queasy
Heh. I wonder how long it will be until we start hearing about people sending their 360 in for repair and getting a Falcon version back?

Mine went out wensday, Im crossing my fingers for the falcon version!

I have a feeling MS would allocate their initial supply of Falcons to retail to increase sales rather than to RMA for current owners.

I don't see this happening until Falcons are well saturated in retail.

Good point, but when i get mine back, and if it does not have the hdmi, it might mysteriously be "DOA" and all call up and ask for a manager, and see what i can haggle out.

on a side note, before they extended the warranty, i got myself and additional 1 year warranty via Microsoft, for $30. how does this work, is it tied to my consoles serial # so if they send me new a new console with a different serial # am i SOL?

and the original 1 year manufacture warranty ends in December, how does this work, from December, they add 3 years, so in 20010 my warranty will be up, then my $30 1 year extra warranty will be up, so i will be out of warranty in 2011?

(so confused 😕)