http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/c...htm?WT.svl=nav

I'm getting an Xbox this week or next week. I had planned on getting the Pro version, but then I noticed they had the "Arcade" version for 100 bucks less. The main difference is that the Arcade has a 256MB memory card, whereas the Pro version has a 60 Gig harddrive. It also looks like only Pro has backwards compatibility (not sure if I really care...I don't have any old XBox games anyways).

Can people who have purchased Arcade give me opinions on it? How limiting is the memory card in terms of save games? Is there anyway to buy some upgrade to get the backwards compatibility?

If you have a harddrive, does that mean you don't have to load the disc everytime you want to play? That would be a good feature, as then I could basically own games after renting them from the video store. I also heard something about being able to download movies via XBox live...what is the selection and pricing like? (ie. I like watching movies, but if it's a rip-off with a shitty selection then I don't care much about that feature)

I'm thinking that I should go with Arcade and just look for a cheaper priced harddrive on Ebay. What do you guys think?

I'd say go with the better one.

the arcade should have backward compatibility. no version that I know of doesn't; because I believe it's through software emulation, rather than hardware. so it's not like they're stripping back on some stuff to cut production costs like Sony are doing with the different PS3 SKUs. that's why if you take a close look, the only games that will really play correctly are the Microsoft Studios games, such as Halo and Halo 2 (of course. because they're making MS money to this day). in my opinion, the 360's Backward Compatibility isn't worth much of a shit. try being a Capcom fan, and taking a look at the 360's BC list. it's either glitchy as hell, or not compatible at all.

If you like playing demos, watching vids, and modded maps(farcry2 halo3), or downloading lots of arcade games then get Pro. Arcade only if you don't have internet but, since your posting you do.

I have the pro and am constantly deleting old Videos and demos I got from the marketplace.

The 360 doesn't require an install like the *cough*inferior*cough* Ps3 so you don't need to worry about that.

BTW since this is DerDrache it's probely a troll thread but, I'll leave that up to speculation whether he might just be retarded

the 360 may not require installs, but it's funny they're jumping right on it with the new "Xbox Experience".

look at it this way. the PS3 requires installs because the BluRay reads slower than most other physical formats. which is because the Bluray has MUCH more to sort through. it has to be more thorough.

it's not "inferior" in anyway. for what it is, it actually does damn good. the installs aren't THAT bad, anyway.

Okay guys, please...not a PS3 v Xbox thread. This is Pro vs Arcade.

Well, with the exception of Counter-Strike (which I play on my computer), I'm not really big on multiplayer and modded maps and such. I've always been satisfied with the single-player stuff. Unless XBox Live offers important/useful upgrades and lots of good downloadable movies, then I don't think I'd care too much. My main concern is that I get the Arcade and then can't make any savegame files because of the memory card. I plan on buying Dead Rising and Gears of War right off the bat, so...I would naturally want to be able to hold savegame files for both of those on the 256mb memory card. I also want to play COD4, Silent Hill 5, and Gears of War 2 whenever that comes out.

So, any idea how big gamesave files are for any of those games?

And...I plan on getting a harddrive, the main question is would I need it immediately, or would it be okay to hold out and look for a good price online.

if you're not too concerned with XBL, than your best bet is to just get the arcade. if you feel the need to later on, than get a seperatly sold larger HDD. they come with a transfer kit.

They are at max a couple mb in not kb so you don't have to worry about save games but, the Pro and Arcade are the same Xbox with or without a hard drive. Mod maps only go for Halo 3 and Farcry2 because they are the only games with the forge/ map editor on the 360.

the Ps3 is a good system I just bash it for fun to start shit

I suggest Pro. A hard drive is necessary to fully utilize your 360. The new 360 dash is rumored to require like 10* MB, and MS is rumored to be releasing some "new storage solutions" in light of this. I think most saves for most games are ~250K (off the top of my head, check for yourself, your mileage may vary, etc.).

*Actually I think the rumor is more like 200 MB; that's why they need new storage solutions for people who only have the 250MB memory card thing.

If you have the harddrive, can you save full games to it (ie. stuff that you rent)?

http://www.xboxstorageupgrade.com (legit, Microsoft website)

Enter your serial & console ID, if you are eligible, you can purchase an 20GB HDD for only $19.99.

That solves the Arcade hard drive issue.