Which console?

[menthel]

You definately need a hard drive, grab the premium.

[Stringent]

Elite = Black. No contest.

I would go with at least the Premium model though mate. You get a nicer bundle with it too.

I would add though that I have played MGS4 and its brilliant. I never thought I would like it but I did and am glad of the purchase. Gran Turismo has also captured me (primarily because I'll probably NEVER drive any of the cars on there!). Ratchet and Clank is another Sony exclusive and its great fun. Oh, PS3 does XVid now as well with the latest firmware update.

Shame if you do get an XBox. I was kinda looking forward to adding you to my buddie list.

[Parm]

Saracen, the hard drive really depends if you'll have your 360 connected to the web. If so, you'll be wanting a hard drive to download free demos and what not.

If you definitely won't be hooked up to the web, the Arcade console comes with a memory card that'll be just fine for all your game saves etc.

I'm guessing you'll opt for the Premium, and here's a pretty good offer for £199.99 (Premium console, Forza 2, Viva Pinata, Golden Compass): http://www.play.com/Games/Xbox360/4-...s/Product.html

I've never played the golden compass, and I presume it's crap, but Forza 2 is outstanding and Viva Pinata is refreshing too.

[directhex]

both consoles do mpeg4 part 2 playback now (divx, xvid, etc)

as for console, the arcade's not really the choice for "serious" gamers - get the one with a disk, wireless, and HD cables in the box (i.e. a premium or higher).

there's another thing that annoys me, no model of ps3 can be used in HD unless you buy an extra cable

[menthel]

Saracen, the hard drive really depends if you'll have your 360 connected to the web. If so, you'll be wanting a hard drive to download free demos and what not.

If you definitely won't be hooked up to the web, the Arcade console comes with a memory card that'll be just fine for all your game saves etc.

I'm guessing you'll opt for the Premium, and here's a pretty good offer for £199.99 (Premium console, Forza 2, Viva Pinata, Golden Compass): http://www.play.com/Games/Xbox360/4-...s/Product.html

I've never played the golden compass, and I presume it's crap, but Forza 2 is outstanding and Viva Pinata is refreshing too.

Got to be careful now as some games do require HDD for save games and such things- i think one of the footy manager games was like that. Best to have one in my opinion.

[tigerboyce]

Yep, the hard drive is a massive bonus, but the elite is really not worth it at all in my opinion. Don't forget that you also get the headset with that too, if you do decide to go online, as it is inevitable

As for bundles, i picked up my premium with both Gears of War and Mass effect for £200 instore at HMV about 2 or so months ago. I'm not sure if its still on, but i think it is a great offer as both are really great games for the average price of the console itself.

[directhex]

argos have a deal at the mo, 5 game bundle (i think it was kameo, fusion frenzy 2, pgr3, viva pinata, and xbla:u1)

[Stringent]

Does the premium have wireless built in or do you still have to get an adapter?

Also the PS3 controllers are rechargeable by plugging in a USB lead, even while playing. I guess there is a similar recharge system you can purchase for the XBox no?

Yeah stupid Sony don't include an HDMI cable in the box as well. Not like they cost lots.

[menthel]

No built in wireless in 360, but some of us don't need it. In fact I am more annoyed by the fact that the Wii has no ethernet port!

You can get rechargable battery packs for the 360 controllers, either with a lead to charge or get one of the cracking recharge stands. the good thing is that you can just change over battery and continue to play wirelessly.

http://shop.gameplay.co.uk/webstore/..._charge_cradle

It is very silly of Sony but you can grab an HDMI lead for peanuts anyways. Thankfully its all just 0's and 1's so no need to splash huge amounts of cash!

[Agent]

In short - No live - Don't bother with the Elite

[grayg1]

So, next question .... which one? Arcade? Premium? Elite?

My gut feeling is that the Elite doesn't offer much I'm interested in. A larger HD would be nice, but I doubt I'll use it. And I certainly don't give a damn what colour it is. Am I missing something important and relevant about the Elite?

I'm thinking Premium, but is Arcade better value (or a cheap option that economises too much on features and works out dearer in the long run)?

If you have your heart set on the Xbox 360 make sure you get the Premium or Elite. Hard drives bought separately for the Xbox 360 are an absolute rip off it's extortionate. Though the main reason for getting one with a hard drive is simple, performance, games like Oblivion or GTA 4 are going to chug without the hard drive to cache on.

[Ferral]

Think the premium would be your best bet, comes with everything except the wireless adapter. I got a 2nd controller with mine and it came with a composite HD lead.

If you want to hook it up to the net and it is near enough to your router you can just an ethernet cable direct. Also the newer XBox have a HDMI port to go direct into the TV.

[directhex]

Does the premium have wireless built in or do you still have to get an adapter?

enormously expensive adapter required

Also the PS3 controllers are rechargeable by plugging in a USB lead, even while playing. I guess there is a similar recharge system you can purchase for the XBox no?

battery pack purchase required ("play & charge kit")

but unlike the ps3, the 360 will turn off pads after an inactivity period (which means batteries don't drain dry whilst watching a movie)

Yeah stupid Sony don't include an HDMI cable in the box as well. Not like they cost lots.

it's a minor thing, but it seems stupid to include a composite video cable with a supposed HD powerhouse

[Mr Flibbles]

Do you own a 360 by chance?

[directhex]

Do you own a 360 by chance?

i own 11 home consoles, including all current-gen systems

[Saracen]

I won't be playing movies on it, so video capability doesn't interest me.

I have no plans to connect it to the net. If I need to do so for software upgrades, I'll probably just move it to the office temporarily.