Xbox 360 Elite
Most of the time it takes a year or two in between upgraded gaming consoles. Xbox(who is still trying to catch up to all the gaming consolesis bringing out the big bad Xbox 360 Elite. This will be a console like no other(or at least we hope)with two brand new features and a new look. But with everything Microsoft there are problems that you can expect.
When the Xbox 360 debuted in November of 2005, HDMI output was a consumer-ready technology, but it hadn’t yet achieved the must-have status it enjoys in today’s HDTV-centric home entertainment world. Soon, however, the Xbox 360 drew much criticism for its lack of HDMI, maxing out instead at either component video or VGA, and digital optical audio.
Complicating matters further was the 2006 firmware upgrade, which allowed 1080p resolution via component video and VGA, neither of which mated well with most HDTVs’ inputs. The Elite’s addition of an HDMI output (version 1.2) has effectively quelled the tempest. Note that, as on the Sony PlayStation 3, this is a true HDMI port; it doesn’t require any sort of an adapter for Microsoft’s proprietary AV Multi Out.
For the HD DVD add-on drive, the audio/video path is optimized in both quality and compatibility, making this an even more attractive solution for the high-def-disc-curious. And, if your receiver lacks HDMI input, Microsoft includes a brand-new doodad to dispatch your choice of analog stereo or digital optical audio from the Multi Out port.
Of course, you can buy the larger hard drive separately, it comes complete with cable, but then you’ll miss out on the HDMI slot. The problem has been caused by Microsoft foolishly pitching the Elite at new consumers rather than existing owners. The guys who will appreciate the extra hard drive space and improved HD connectivity will be hardcore 360 owners. Anyone who has waited for the 18-months since launch to buy a 360 is likely to be more than happy with the standard model.
The original 20-GB drive will fill up way too quickly with all of the downloadable goodies posted on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace, so you will have to start deleting content that you would have preferred to keep. Microsoft is not necessarily expecting gamers to chuck their old 360s in favor of the Elite, and so they’re selling the new hard drive à la carte for $180, quite a value next to the previous $100 20-GB drive.
It includes a Migration Kit to siphon off all content, leaving you with a blank 20-GB hard drive as good as new, save for any wear and tear from normal use. Although it doesn’t come inside the carton, Microsoft offers Elite owners a migration kit free via the website.
Besides the many problems that are sure to meet anyone who is brave enough to buy this new piece of equipment at least you will have the assurance that it will have a stylish look to it. If all else fails you can always have something nice for you and people to look at!
