This is probably going to be the most Un-Biased review you read. I own the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and overall the Xbox 360 is a much better gaming console. Why not choose a 360 over a PS3?? If you can only afford 1 or only want 1, then I would choose the 360.
360 Pro's
1. Better chance at finding someone to play online, more systems sold, means that you never run the risk of attempting to play online and can't find anyone.
2. Better graphics, the 360 always seem to have better graphics atlest maybe by 5%, and that's mostly on multiplatform games.
3. Online quality better, 360's online service mostly revolves around servers, unlike PS3's peer to peer connection.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
360 Con's
1. Will scratch game disc, regardless of rather it's moved or not.
2. GUI is not a fluid as the PS3's homescreen.
Overall the 360 is a great system, 5 stars! |
PROS: This is a great video game console, with a built-in 60mb hard-drive (for memory), with which you can play an excellent variety of games, play CDs and DVDs, and though which you can download streaming media (e.g., films) from companies such as Netflix. One can play with friends at home, or with a network of online players (although there is an annual membership fee for some online play). Once you get used to them, the controllers handle well (I recommend those without wires). Set-up is easy, although those of you with Hi-Def TV might want to buy Hi-Def wires (that go from the XBOX 360 to the TV) to take advantage of the better resolution. There's just one little problem, and that is a major CON:
A Major CON: The XBOX 360 has an extremely high failure rate!!!
Usually, these are the older (pre-2009) models. A large number of these (more than 30%, according to soem reports) had hardware malfunctions, often resulting in total breakdown. On the front of the console (around the button that turns on the XBOX360, one would often see: 1. Three red blinking lights (see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/907534 ), or 2. One red blinking light with "E-74" showing on the TV screen (or whatever monitor you use). See http://support.microsoft.com/kb/941377
The Good News. If you are thinking of replacing your broken XBOX 360 only because you have one of these errors, you probably won't need to do so. In fact, you can probably replace it for FREE (including shipping to and from Microsoft).
Previously you had no recourse after the one-year Microsoft warranty; however, Microsoft has apparently seen the light(s).
Please read this April 2009 piece for a a good, brief overview, including some text from Microsoft on how to proceed:
http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=4152
Here are the rules, as I understand them (please email me if you have different or more complete information; those with qualifying broken X-boxes should have the best information available!
1. Only the flaws described above are covered, either the three flashing red lights, or the one glashing light with the
E-74 message--no other "E" numbers will do, and
2. You are within three years of the date of purchase. Essentially, Microsoft has extended their one-year warranty for an ADDITIONAL two years, but only for these two types of errors. Many gamers registered their consoles when they made their user profile for online play; others may have sent back a registration card; still others may have some additional proof of purchase. Also, your XBOX has a serial number on the back; it is possible (although you will have to check with Microsoft) that this is somehow sufficient to identify the date of purchase, and
3. You did not open up the XBOX (and I mean opening it so that you can see the internal hardware, not just removing the external hard drive or the face plate on the front side of the box), nor did you hire someone to open up the XBOX. There are lots of YOUTUBE videos instructing people how to take them apart and do a self-repair... Generally NOT a good idea.
If you qualify (I'll give you the site to check a few lines down), you will get free two-way shipping and free repair. This is far superior to buying another simply for replacement purposes, or paying a third party (oops, and there goes your Microsoft warranty!) $90.00 and up (with possible shipping charges and a very short repair warranty) for a repair.
Here are the rules, as I understand them (please email me if you have different or more complete information).
How to Get to the Microsoft Repair Site.
1. Go to http://support.xbox.com/support/en/us/nxe/LiveIDSignIn.aspx?redirectUrl=http://support.xbox.com/support/en/us/nxe/registerdevice.aspx?step=repair
2. Sign into Windows Live ID--generally your hotmail account if you use hotmail email. If you don't have a WIndows ID, you can obtainone here.
3. Complete the Registration Form. Make sure you note what kind of problem you have (for a free repair, it must be one of the two listed above).
4. If all goes well, you will be directed to a site where you can either print-out a free shipping label, or have one mailed to you. THe print-out option usually did not work for me, and I had to wait about 5 days to receive one in the mail. The site also gives you packing instructions (e.g., do not pack any wires, controllers, cushion the XBOX, remove the hard drive (this is easier than it sounds).
5. IF all does not go well, call customer support at the following:
Toll free: (800) 4MY-XBOX
Direct dial: (425) 635-7180
Hearing impaired (TDD device): (866) 740-9269 or (425) 635-7102
I found customer service friendly, patient, and informative.
ONE MORE THING. If you already paid Microsoft to fix one of these hardware flaws, Microsoft will reimburse you (it was somewhere around $119) BUT ONLY IF YOU CONTACT THEM BY NOVEMBER 1, 2009. That's right, not even two weeks from now, and that is why this is being posted before I receive my (hopefully) repaired XBOX.
"Microsoft will refund to customers the amount paid for an out of warranty repair due to a general hardware failure associated with the e74 error message. Those customers should automatically receive the refund within 4-12 weeks, and no additional action by customers should be necessary. However, if a customer has not received a refund by July 1, 2009, the customer should visit www.xbox.com/support before November 1, 2009 for information on how to place a claim. All refund claims must be received on or before November 1, 2009."
As far as I know this has not been extended past November 1, 2009. YOu might want to call Microsoft XBOX 360 support as soon as you can for details on repair reimbusement. Toll free: (800) 4MY-XBOX.
If you read any comments that state all this is false, be forewarned that there are many companies making money by repairing XBOXs with these errors; they could lose quite a bit of potential revenue if QUALIFYING XBOX 360 consoles are returned to Microsoft for a free repair. OF course, any corrections or additions are very welcome; I'm not a tech. person, just someone who recently went through this experience. Thank you, and best of luck!
|
Being my second 360, I decided to go for quality and warranty. With this company, I also happen to get price too, which wasn't too much more than some of the refurbished models. While it came very early, the outside box it was shipped in was obliterated. This didn't affect the product however, as the inner box was intact and new. Product works and runs fine. I forgot to take note of the fact that it comes with all cables and a controller, ready play, so now I have extra's of everything, including a third controller.
4/5 for a quick service, a quick product, and a destroyed box.
It said comes with a warranty, but I still haven't gotten the paper work yet...we shall see how long it lasts... |
Expedited Available
![Grand Theft Auto IV [Xbox 360]](product_images/4935000/4935766_thumb.jpg)
"Jasper Console Works Great"
"MICROSOFT Will Repair Some Broken Consoles for Free!"
"Worst Console Ever Made!!!"
"Great, Fast Service"