Thinking of jumping on the 360 bandwagon. Questions inside -->

[sid]

1. Since I'm strapped for cash I'm probably gonna get the core version. What does this console come with? Basic scart cable + controller yer? Does it come with ethernet cable? Does it come with a memory card for save games?

I have seen the premium for a little more and I know its a better buy but I'm not really gonna need the HDD straight away, don't like wireless controllers, gonna use the VGA cable instead of component, not gonna use live so no need for headset.

2. I'm probably gonna connect the console to my LG 37" LC2D HDTV via VGA so can I set res to 1360x 768 native? I've heard that with this tv specifically you can adjust colours to look like component ones? any ideas on that?

3. Does the xbox have a optical out? or is that to do with the cable? I will be connecting it to an AV amp.

4. I'm not going to pay for live, so what does silver give me? Do I need the HDD to update the games? flash the xbox firmware? I won't be using it as a media center, play music, etc. I have a media pc for that.

5. Is it possible to get games <£20 for the 360. I don't mind second hand. The first games i really want to play are gears of war / cod3 /forza2. Basically 360 exclusives. I don't want to get pc versions on xbox as I will be using the pc for online gaming + it will be getting a new gfx for Crysis.

 

[degen]

Get a premium. Having a wireless controller is great and without a HDD you cannot update games, save games, download demos or play XBOX1 games. Getting a core just isn't sensible, its false economy

 

[VIRII]

1. Since I'm strapped for cash I'm probably gonna get the core version. What does this console come with? Basic scart cable + controller yer? Does it come with ethernet cable? Does it come with a memory card for save games?

No memory card. Unless you get it as part of a bundle.

I have seen the premium for a little more and I know its a better buy but I'm not really gonna need the HDD straight away, don't like wireless controllers, gonna use the VGA cable instead of component, not gonna use live so no need for headset.

You need to factor in the memory card cost into the equation to make the comparison. The wireless controllers are really very, very good.

2. I'm probably gonna connect the console to my LG 37" LC2D HDTV via VGA so can I set res to 1360x 768 native? I've heard that with this tv specifically you can adjust colours to look like component ones? any ideas on that?

No but KreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeee probably does.

3. Does the xbox have a optical out? or is that to do with the cable? I will be connecting it to an AV amp.

It is part of the A/V cable.

4. I'm not going to pay for live, so what does silver give me? Do I need the HDD to update the games? flash the xbox firmware? I won't be using it as a media center, play music, etc. I have a media pc for that.

Silver gives you access to Live! just not to play games on, you'll get the updates etc.

5. Is it possible to get games <£20 for the 360. I don't mind second hand. The first games i really want to play are gears of war / cod3 /forza2. Basically 360 exclusives. I don't want to get pc versions on xbox as I will be using the pc for online gaming + it will be getting a new gfx for Crysis.

Yes you can get second hand for under £20, new for under £20 too.
However if you are going for latest releases like Forza2 then you won't get them that cheaply.
There are a lot of really good 360 games for under £20, not necessarily 360 exclusive though.

I have to say that Live! is a big part of the 360 experience for me (when i can get time to play). I've had my 360 since release and if I could go back in time get the core and not use Live! gold then I would NOT do that. I strongly, strongly recommend the premium over the core and using Live! Gold service. Instead of Forza get PGR3. I'd also recommend Condemned.

 

[sid]

No memory card. Unless you get it as part of a bundle.
You need to factor in the memory card cost into the equation to make the comparison. The wireless controllers are really very, very good.
No but KreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeee probably does.

It is part of the A/V cable.
Silver gives you access to Live! just not to play games on, you'll get the updates etc.
Yes you can get second hand for under £20, new for under £20 too.
However if you are going for latest releases like Forza2 then you won't get them that cheaply.
There are a lot of really good 360 games for under £20, not necessarily 360 exclusive though.

I have to say that Live! is a big part of the 360 experience for me (when i can get time to play). I've had my 360 since release and if I could go back in time get the core and not use Live! gold then I would NOT do that. I strongly, strongly recommend the premium over the core and using Live! Gold service. Instead of Forza get PGR3. I'd also recommend Condemned.

hmm looks like i'll need to save up a bit more then

 

[NokkonWud]

1. Since I'm strapped for cash I'm probably gonna get the core version. What does this console come with? Basic scart cable + controller yer? Does it come with ethernet cable? Does it come with a memory card for save games?

You get a terrible quality Composite cable. You get a wired controller. Nope, nothing to save anything on.

I have seen the premium for a little more and I know its a better buy but I'm not really gonna need the HDD straight away, don't like wireless controllers, gonna use the VGA cable instead of component, not gonna use live so no need for headset.

I would really recommend the wireless controllers, they are a revelation. It's widely regarded as being the best controller of all time by many users as well (myself included).
Any reason why you won't use Live? It's a fantastic addition to online gaming and definitely something PC gaming could use.

2. I'm probably gonna connect the console to my LG 37" LC2D HDTV via VGA so can I set res to 1360x 768 native? I've heard that with this tv specifically you can adjust colours to look like component ones? any ideas on that?

There was an update for VGA which improved it anyway. LG TV's are also brilliant via VGA, Kreeeee will help you with any settings you need, I'm sure of that.

3. Does the xbox have a optical out? or is that to do with the cable? I will be connecting it to an AV amp.

It does, it has them on the Multi-AV connectors for VGA/Component etc..

4. I'm not going to pay for live, so what does silver give me? Do I need the HDD to update the games? flash the xbox firmware? I won't be using it as a media center, play music, etc. I have a media pc for that.

You will need the HDD for the better updates (DLC) as they weigh in quite big (Oblivion/Crackdown/GRAW/GRAW2/Vegas etc..), but regular updates can be saved on a memory card. You don't need LIVE to use music, you can stream it from your PC to use in any games you would like. The idea is you make your Xbox360 a Media Center on your PC.
Silver will allow you to download stuff from the Marketplace, send messages, voice chat etc.. Gold is what allows you to actually play games with people.

5. Is it possible to get games <£20 for the 360. I don't mind second hand. The first games i really want to play are gears of war / cod3 /forza2. Basically 360 exclusives. I don't want to get pc versions on xbox as I will be using the pc for online gaming + it will be getting a new gfx for Crysis.

I'd recommend rentals, I get 3 rentals at a time for £20 a month via SwapGame.

 

[sid]

You get a terrible quality Composite cable. You get a wired controller. Nope, nothing to save anything on.


I would really recommend the wireless controllers, they are a revelation. It's widely regarded as being the best controller of all time by many users as well (myself included).
Any reason why you won't use Live? It's a fantastic addition to online gaming and definitely something PC gaming could use.


There was an update for VGA which improved it anyway. LG TV's are also brilliant via VGA, Kreeeee will help you with any settings you need, I'm sure of that.


It does, it has them on the Multi-AV connectors for VGA/Component etc..


You will need the HDD for the better updates (DLC) as they weigh in quite big (Oblivion/Crackdown/GRAW/GRAW2/Vegas etc..), but regular updates can be saved on a memory card. You don't need LIVE to use music, you can stream it from your PC to use in any games you would like. The idea is you make your Xbox360 a Media Center on your PC.
Silver will allow you to download stuff from the Marketplace, send messages, voice chat etc.. Gold is what allows you to actually play games with people.


I'd recommend rentals, I get 3 rentals at a time for £20 a month via SwapGame.

Well you need to pay for live, I'm never gonna pay up anything just to play ppl online. I mainly play BF2, CSS, CnC3 sort of games on pc. I already have an orignial xbox so might play some of the games on there again on the 360. but the console for me is a single player machine by far.

Looks like I'll probably end up buying the premium cos I quite like the idea of getting demos, That is very pc like and appeals to me. I suppose there would be no other way of trying games on the 360 before buying.

I don't like the idea of rental gaming since I won't be playing on it much anyways,


sid

 

[SS-89]

You could buy the Official 360 magazine which comes with a demo disc...but thats 5.99 a pop so the premium is more worthwhile.

 

[sid]

You could buy the Official 360 magazine which comes with a demo disc...but thats 5.99 a pop so the premium is more worthwhile.

Ok I agree with you folks I'll get the 360 premium

Then sell like the component cable + headset for VGA cable + another controller

then get a couple of second hand games off the bay

 

[Nismo]

Then sell like the component cable + headset

Can't see how you would get much for either, better to just keep them as if you ever sell the console it will make it easier.

 

[sid]

Can't see how you would get much for either, better to just keep them as if you ever sell the console it will make it easier.

Fair enough, how much does the VGA cable go for then?

I could swap the above for the VGA cable

sid

 

[Nismo]

Fair enough, how much does the VGA cable go for then?

I could swap the above for the VGA cable

sid

Official (which is the only one worth getting) VGA cable goes for around £15-£20.

 

[JBeck]

If you're going to connect via VGA then go into your console settings and choose 'extended mode' sorts the blacks/colours out and does indeed loook lush.

 

[NokkonWud]

I don't like the idea of rental gaming since I won't be playing on it much anyways

I've heard all that before . You will probably play on it more than you think if you enjoy playing games.

 

[NokkonWud]

Then sell like the component cable + headset for VGA cable + another controller

I wouldn't bother getting rid of your Component cable for a VGA cable if you're using the 37WLT66, that TV is pants with XBox360 via VGA. Component looks miles better.

 

[Shamikebab]

Well you need to pay for live, I'm never gonna pay up anything just to play ppl online. I mainly play BF2, CSS, CnC3 sort of games on pc. I already have an orignial xbox so might play some of the games on there again on the 360. but the console for me is a single player machine by far.

Looks like I'll probably end up buying the premium cos I quite like the idea of getting demos, That is very pc like and appeals to me. I suppose there would be no other way of trying games on the 360 before buying.

I don't like the idea of rental gaming since I won't be playing on it much anyways,


sid

Thats quite odd, i use my PC exclusively for single player titles and my 360 for multiplayer

If you dont get live you'll be missing out on a really significant portion of the 360 experience, you can get 12 month subscriptions for fairly cheap from certain places on the net, in the end it often works out as at the most 2 quid a month, which is practically nothing for the fantastic service on offer.

 

[sid]

I'm only buying this because theres nothing on the pc over the summer. I'm not a console fan. I have currently got a xbox and its barely got 40 hours use over 9months i'd say. Its only a good laugh when mates are around. I don't expect to sit in my living room playing on the console. feels a bit sad. I'd rather still use the pc for multiplayer gaming.

I don't have *** 37WLT66, I have a LG 37LC2D which is supposed to have better VGA input than most.

sid

 

[Slogan]

Gonna hijack if you don't mind, sid.

Just purchased a premium pack and was wondering about the streaming from PC more than anything else.

Can I connect the XBox 360 to my router to stream or does it have to be connected directly to the PC?

Furthermore, can you put anything on the media centre or is it limited?

Thanks.

 

[Shamikebab]

Can I connect the XBox 360 to my router to stream or does it have to be connected directly to the PC?

You can stream fine via a router, i use Tversity as i could never get WMP 11 to work properly.

 

[Slogan]

Thanks, Shamikebab.

Sounds promising. In theory.

 

[Kreeeee]

I don't have *** 37WLT66, I have a LG 37LC2D which is supposed to have better VGA input than most.

sid

LG have amazing PC support for their TV (VGA and DVI 1:1 mapping, PC and DTV modes etc). VGA should look stunning on your TV at 1360*768 on enhanced colours (360 dash setting).