 IT IS A JASPER. Worth the money so far.... |
| Review Date: November 15, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. Figueroa, Fremont, CA USA |
Ok, short story about what happened to me.... Saturday, before MW2 came out, my Falcon Elite displayed an E74 error message. My falcon had been "repaired" before due to RROD. So as you all can understand, I was pretty pissed off. Anyway, since amazon claimed this bundle was the "newest" version (newest chip), I decided to take the plunge and get it. My Falcon will be back from Microsoft next week and I plan to sell it, now that I have the MW2 console.
Anyway, so far, this bundle is the "newest version" and a must buy IMO, why? it comes with TWO controllers, a 250G HD and Modern Warfare 2. Reviewers have made arguments about the controllers feeling either smaller or cheap..take it from an actual Elite owner...the controllers or console's obvious built is NOT different than previous Elite versions, someone said something about this console having "too much plastic",so I guess they were refering to the DVD tray; it is now all black, the regular Elite tray is silver, this of course does not mean it is metal, it is still plastic.
Anyway, you will get the following in this bundle: two black controllers, an ethernet cable, a basic video cable (not a componet one), NO HDMI cable, a black headset, and the 250G HD, MW2 regular edition and that's pretty much it.
Now, how do I know this is a Jasper console? The power brick is smaller and the voltage is different compared to the Falcon Elites. It does run smoother and the noise from the DVD drive has been taken down a notch.
I should mention though, that so far, I have been forced to use my Falcon Elite' 120G HD, because Microsoft's customer support claims they are out of the "data transfer kits", that I MUST WARN YOU, now cost $12 and you can only buy it from MS. Quick tip: Microsoft's CS hours are US Eastern time, so, if you call in early, they will have the transfer kits, if you call too late, near their closing time (1:00am US easterm time), they'll claim to be out of kits, trust me, I called them at least 4 times.
Now, about the over all look of the console, honestly, it does look good, but $400 good?? not really. The only reason for anybody to buy this console is the HD storage room, plus the fact that if you do the "math", the bundle is a pretty good deal, because a normal Elite will cost you $300, that's with only one controller and no game. Anyway, if you have a 120G Elite with plentyof HD space; this bundle is a matter of wanting to upgrade to a bigger HD, having a broken/malfunctioning Elite like mine or simply having the cash to spend.
Hope this helps.
|
Helpful review
|
| Review Date: August 23, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Evan, |
By the title, I mean no offense to other reviewers, but when I was looking to purchase a new console, there was several questions not answered in the reviews. So, hopefully this can help someone, maybe a parent looking to buy for their child, a new console.
You can glance at my reviews and see that I'm completely lost in the last generation. I've held onto my PS2 like it was my security blanket. I'm not completely impressed with the current generation consoles trying to sell me on things that have no interest to me. I don't care about a DVD player of any kind. Blu-Ray, HD, phooey, I'm here for the games. Don't care about the online games. I go back to the Sega Dreamcast era of online console gaming. I remember the countless hours spent on dial-up access playing Phantasy Star Online. Of course, we dealt with the Gameshark modders that made weapons ten times better than any of us had found in the game, players who PK'd each other and stole your rare items. So, I have no interest, now in my 30s, to re-visit that frustration again.
I do however like the idea of downloadable content, especially the expansion pack type downloads, like with Grand Theft Auto IV. But, that's not of my concern for now. Once I saw the price drop below 200, I figured it was time to grab one of these and try it out for myself. The Red of Ring of Death isn't so much a concern to me either. I went through 6 Sega Dreamcasts and 4 PS2s. It isn't like this is the first console to have some problems.
Ok, I ordered this, this past week. The console I received has the Jasper in it. For those not in the know, not that I am really, it is just a codename for the chipset. Jasper currently is the newest one and is supposed to be more efficient and less likely to have technical problems.
I was happy to see that Microsoft includes a wireless controller with this budget model. I don't care about buying batteries. I was already doing that for the PS2 third party Logitech controller. No big deal. They do have a battery pack that can be charged that I will look into in a month or so, but just pop 2 AA batteries (2 Energizers included) in and start playing.
My biggest question was about the hard drive/memory cards. I actually went to a local well-known video game store that has the word stop in it. The guy absolutely baffled me. He was too busy trying to explain to me that the 360 has x amount of failure rate and blah-blah-blah. You must be kidding me? I tried an electronics store, but the lady working pretty much told me that she knew very little about the 360, but could sell me an HDTV to hook it up to.
I finally just bought the console without any understanding of the hard drive/memory card. So, now, I'm going to put it plain English, because I know there is some parent out there that is pulling their hair out trying to wade through the PS3/360 arguments to find out about the hard drive.
This model of the 360 on this very page has 512 internal memory in it. If you're familiar with the last generation Xbox. This one is similar to it in terms of memory being built in. If not, all it means is that there is pretty much a memory card installed in this console. You don't get all 512 MB though, memory may not be serving me perfectly here, but it was in the 320 MB free range. I guess they've installed something on the rest of it.
To give you an idea of how much memory that is, I only bought one game for now, GTA IV. It has taken up 1 MB. I'm sure other games are much higher, believe someone said the Forza racing game is around 40 MB. But, that is still not knocking a dent in 320. Mainly what I'm saying, I'll get a hard drive eventually, but you don't have to have one to get started. Also, when you do go to look for a HDD, check out that well-known auction site. I've seen them selling for 60 for 120 GB. But no, you don't have to have one to get started.
If your intentions are to play online, then it would be recommended to get a hard drive ASAP. I usually play 1-2 games at a time. No rush to beat them, and enjoy them fully, so a hard drive is only needed in my case to get the downloadable content.
The power cord with this particular model uses only 150 watts, which I believe is 30-50 watts less than past versions of the 360. It comes with the basic A/V cables too. No HDMI, but if you're like me, you're not playing games on a HDTV, so who cares about the HDMI?
If you get the feeling that I feel pushed into this current generation of games, you're right! I can only play God of War so many times. And not to worry immature ones, I have one of those slim PS3s pre-ordered, so this is hardly a biased review.
My thoughts so far on this console. I was shocked at how good the graphics are. I really didn't think there was a big difference between last generation and the current generation, but I can see now that there is. One of my neighbors brought over the NCAA 10, and the difference between it and my PS2 NCAA 10 is like night and day. I'm one of the strange ones that prefers the 360 controller. I have big hands, it fits well, and I like the layout of their analog controllers better than the Sony controllers, though I guess is isn't a big difference. The controller is nice though. Hardly no noise level and no heating up. So, so far, the Jasper must be doing its job. Overall, I'm very pleased with it and at least feel positive about this generation of consoles, as can be seen by pre-ordering the PS3 slim.
I just wish Sony and Microsoft would stop worrying about everything beyond games. We've got a Blu-Ray DVD player, three computers that are used on the internet. Just focus on those games! Hopefully this review will help those like me that can't wade through the arguments, and helps someone out there. |
Now's a great time to grab a 360.
|
| Review Date: October 12, 2009 |
| Reviewer: paradiselost, Florida |
First of all, I'm a PS3 owner and have been nearly since it's launch. I really love the PS3 and think it's a great system. I had considered buying a 360 many times but kept passing over it after hearing of all the problems it had and just figured I didn't want to deal with the chances. Well after seeing this bundle with the new price cut and finding out this bundle is definitely the latest "Jasper" version I went ahead and purchased it. The two included games aren't exactly *amazing* but they're still pretty good and it's definitely a good deal to get both of them included for no added cost.
So far I've noticed the system does seem to run a good bit cooler than my brothers original launch model 360. I'm also really enjoy the new menu system for the 360. Or maybe I should say newer, I'm not sure when it came out, but I prefer it over the older "tabbed" style menu previously used. Overall I believe now is a great time to grab a 360. Since it has been out longer than the PS3 you do have access to more titles and more titles that are cheap. Some of the systems best games can easily be picked up for $29.99 now. The ability to use Netflix on the system is also really amazing. The menu system and the integration to the Xbox menu is top notch, it definitely doesn't feel like an after thought.
Thus far my only gripe with the system is how Microsoft uses it's point system for purchasing items. I much prefer just buying a game for say $6.99 from the Playstation Network than more or less being forced to buy considerably more points than you need to be able to grab one game. For example, you want to purchase a game that's 1200 points, guess what the smallest you can add is 1000 so you're then forced to jump up to 4000 points (which I believe equals twenty dollars) to be able to get the game. You're then left with odd point amounts and it's really just a pain! It seems pretty deliberate to grab more money out of consumers. |
MW2 Bundle...Awesome
|
| Review Date: November 10, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J.Fox, Missouri, USA |
| Pre-ordered this bundle back in September, was worried at first about the release date shipping. This is my first release date purchase through Amazon. Received it at 10 am on release date...awesome. Now that we have that out of the way. This bundle is a great deal for first time Xbox users/purchasers. Comes with 2 controllers, this is great for a family purchase....no more children fighting over taking turns until you get to the store to purchase another controller. The 250 GB harddrive is great. I currently own 2 other 360's(one is mine, the other purchased for my wife) both 20gb. With all of the music, movies, and DLC I have had to constantly delete stuff that I have paid for just to make room for new games. This led me to purchase the 250GB harddrive, after transferring everything over I still have TONS of room to install all of my most played games. (For those of you new to 360's...this helps the games run smoother with less load times and it keeps the noise level down on the system). If you are a fan of the COD franchise or even new this 360 is great! The black 360 with the custom MW2 theme looks great. I have always thought about painting my other 360 black to make it look better in my entertainment center...black 58" tv, black surround sound system, black cable box, black modem, and lastly a black PS3. A White xbox stands out quite a bit amongst all of this equipment. I would highly recommend this purchase to people just starting out with the new gaming system or even hardcore 360 players who are just looking to expand the experience. I know this review is getting extensive but im just trying to cover everything....now on to the MW2 game. SIMPLY AMAZING! Looks great, sounds great, plays great. I have been into the COD franchise for quite a while, have been religiously playing COD 4 MW for over 2 years now and can see myself playing this one for another 2 as well. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS GAME! Thanks for reading the review and happy gaming! -J.Fox |
Jasper is everything I hoped for.
|
| Review Date: August 27, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Tyler M. P., Edna Bay, AK USA |
This is the latest model 360.
I opted against an Elite because I wanted to be %100 sure I was getting the new, 65nm Jasper chipset. And I did. Boy, what a difference. I have two close friends with Xenon launch model 90nm chips, and the the difference in heat output is night and day. Under full load it barely puts out warm air. That's a massive difference. I also notice it's quieter on idle than the older models as well. The real test will come with time, but understanding how the problems occur and what Jasper does to fix them - I have no reason to believe this will have any issues. Now is the time (if you've been waiting) to 'Jump in'. XBOX 360 is an outstanding entertainment device that I've wanted to own since launch, and the only thing holding me back was a fix for RRoD. I believe we now have it.
Buy it, and enjoy it - you won't regret it. :)
UPDATE - 08-31-09:
After having used this system for almost a week now, I'm even happier with it. XBOX Live is incredible - certainly worth the low price of ~$3.35 a month (if you buy a $44 live 13 month card from Amazon). The NXE interface is great - a nice mix of CoverFlow and XMB. The Marketplace is outstanding! Not as many classics as Virtual Console, but a very large variety of content with far more/better original titles (IMO). I've already purchased more original content on Marketplace than on Wii and PSN combined, and I've had a PSP/PS3/DSi/Wii since they launched.
And now, onto my hardware impression after a week of heavy use. Quiet. Low heat output. Seamless. Not a single problem! Maybe I'm just lucky, but usually if there's a bad one in the stack, I end up with it - but not this time. No RRoD, no sticky disk tray, no disk scratches, no problems whatsoever. Like I had hoped, the Arcade model has the quiet, clean looking, faster performing BenQ DVD-ROM drive, the quiet brush-less fans, the larger 512MB internal memory for storing content (about 240MB is available for use out of the box with NXE using the rest), the superior Jasper chipset, and the excellent HDMI port and support.
With prices so affordable on the awesome array of 360 games, and the hardware issues seemingly solved, I believe this is the console to beat. I currently have Gears of War 2, Banjo-Kazooie Nuts & Bolts, Kameo, and Orange Box. I'm horribly impressed with all of them from a gameplay perspective, and visually with the HDMI port that this model also has, even compared to the best PS3 games (I have KZ2, MotorStorm series, LBP (which IS awesome), Resistance series, Heavenly Sword, Uncharted and more). Do yourself a favor, get this model, a quick charge kit, and a Live Starter pack (with a 60GB drive), and you'll be very happy for about $299. I went with a 120GB drive, because I'm installing all of my games to the HDD, but not everyone will need that ability. I can assure you though, 60GB will be a good size if you're actively using the MarketPlace for demos and original games. :)
It's a tough decision to recommend PS3 over 360, or vice-verca. PS3 lacks some features 360 has (360 has HDD installs, superior integrated online system, HD upscaling support in all titles, anti-aliasing in all titles (clearer visuals), custom soundtracks in all titles - achievements (yes, they certainly matter from a gameplay perspective) and IMO a better controller now that I've used it more). But PS3 has some features 360 doesn't (BluRay, built in WiFi, free online, built in rechargeable controllers, and some motion control - plus BluTooth is handy). It really comes down to exclusive software, and weighing the few hardware differences against the software on each. It should be noted that if power consumption is a problem, Jasper 360's use 150W, and PS3 slim (lowest power model) uses 250W.
With a week under my belt, unless the hardware fails and bursts my bubble of happiness with this system, I'd rate them in order of gaming value: 360/PS3/Wii. Tough call on Wii and PS3. I love my PS3, but I also love me some Nintendo games - I always have. Wii has some great things going for it, but for a purely value-for-your-dollar perspective, 360 is king as far as I'm concerned. From a software perpective, 360 is very hard to beat as well. From an online perspective, 360 is still on top (at the moment). Wii has great pop-corn software - good for short bursts of fun/exciting play. I love it for that, and it really shines there - and to it's credit it has a few solid core titles that any gamer will enjoy like Zelda and Metroid. PS3 is more 'elite' than 360 in build quality, appearance, and uses. It's a great component for a high-end Home Theater (I primarily use mine for that as well) - it's a great BluRay player and overall multimedia machine. 360, however, from my 1 week use perspective feels like, looks like, and plays like the best purely gamer oriented system that's built to give you the meat N potatoes gaming you want for a great price.
I hope this review is helpful to someone, and I hope it is not misleading. I firmly recommend prospective buyers to try all 3 systems for themselves at demo stations or at friends homes. Ask friends which console they use more (bearing in mind if they were launch 360 buyers, you'll probably hear about RRoD - which with this model I hope is no longer a factor against purchasing a 360). Never base a purchase solely on reviews. Do some research, make an informed decision - then reep the benefits (like me). :)
UPDATE - 12-12-09:
My 360 is still going strong and working perfect. I've been enjoying it a ton. I've had a lot of time with both PS3 and 360 now. My honest take on 360 is that it has an edge on software quality across the board, and even software diversity compared to PS3 - but it still pales in comparison to PS3 on the multimedia front. PS3 is a very solid contender, don't get me wrong - but 360 is just more affordable to enjoy. I will say this though after months of use, my biggest grive is that 360 is much louder than PS3 in all aspects, and it can be intrusive. The disk drive and the fans are more than twice as loud as a PS3. Installing games to the HDD helps a lot with that issue, however.
As for my experience with Live at this point - PSN is quickly catching up, and with trophies being so widely available, Live is beginning to lose it's edge (Especially as a payed service). My only other gripe as time has gone on, is that the 360 interface feels like a 'store' more than than a personal entertainment device. Every one of the tiers in the NXE has something in it that requires you to spend money (either on a gold subscription to even view a lot of content, or for DLC content for most of the software). It's a little less appealing than the personal content that XMB is built around. There is a lot of free content (videos mainly, and a few 'apps'), but the overall design of NXE isn't quite as 'open' or personal as XMB - everything you do with NXE costs you something it seems like (from themes, to backgrounds, to even avatar cloths and accessories).
I would still give the edge to 360 for 'gaming' value. Most games (not all games to be certain) just look more crisp on 360, run smoother, and offer a better online connected system on 360 compared to PS3 - and usually for a lower price. I would also still give the value-for-your-dollar edge to 360 as well if you mix and match parts wisely. If you don't, however, PS3 comes out a little more more affordable/valuable due to including rechargeable batteries in the controllers ($19 on 360), built in WiFi (~$69-$99 on 360), a built in HDD (~$99 on 360), free online ($50 a year on 360), and several other features unlikely to come to 360 (BluRay, BlueTooth, built in motion control, memory card readers, etc). They come out pretty close either way, but the built-in value edge goes to PS3.
I enjoy both consoles a lot, but I find myself wanting to play my 360 more in general thanks to the software. And I also love the 360 controller, it really is an excellent design for traditional games, and feels like a step forward from the standard PS3 controller design that's been around since the 90's. I'm really looking forward to Natal, and I think just about anyone can find something to love on 360.
But like very console, the games sell the hardware - and the reason to buy a 360 ultimately rests on that one attribute. That's really up to you to decide. You can't go wrong with either console, and if price is not a factor on your entertainment experience, PS3 is an excellent buy as the world moves towards BluRay and HDMI based audio/video systems. It is geared to take advantage of them better going forward, and the games are really starting to deliver on PS3.
If/when Natal comes out, I will have it, and I'll update this review again with further impressions. |
Buy this and relax
|
| Review Date: November 19, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Jason, NC, USA |
I bought the 360 when it came out (stood in a long line and waited and waited to get it).
I'm likely one of the few who never had a problem with his 360 (doesn't mean I wasn't paranoid), but I never had a problem. I sold my launch console to grab the HDMI version (the falcon) and still wasn't that happy with it.
It was hot, made lots of sound, and I was always paranoid thinking (this might be the last game I ever get to play, better rush it).
It got so bad I started buying multi platform games for the ps3 (even though back then the ps3 version was inferior to the 360). Only using the 360 for netflix and forza.
That all changed when M$ came out with this model. It fixes everything.
No sound, (with this large harddrive, be sure to install all your games just to be "extra safe" my cousin's dvd drive has died twice (2 different consoles), and because of this I always recommend getting the bigger harddrive and installing (now that I have this elite, it's not a problem).
This guy is quite, does not make the temperature rise in the house, and most important, I can just sit back and play xbox now without the worry and fear that previous consumed me.
I will discuss xbox vs ps3 at the end before my final recommendation.
Pros:
Xbox 360 Elite Holiday - Comes with 2 games (both can be throwaways I did not buy this for those games and never played them, but hey, they are 2 games you get for free).
Black Console (looks better in my room, black tv, black ps3, black tv stand, black speakers, black controller, may as well have a black console (got rid of my wii)).
Big Harddrive (you can go crazy on the marketplace, downloading demos, getting xbl games, and installing the games you get from amazon to HD and ensure they don't get scratched or spin like crazy making your room hotter (and the box get loud).
Quite (is this thing on?!) No sound, no loud as all fan, just quite, not even near as hot fun 360 gaming.
Cons:
My heat bill may go up this year. Usually I just turn on my 360 and play call of duty, 30 minutes later you can take off your eskimo gear and put on your swimming trunks (even in 0 degree temperature) and still be hot. NOT SO with the new elite ;( Now when I play the temperature doesn't change! So if you use this instead of buying a heater for your house, buy an older model off the amazon marketplace.
Still no built in wifi (really?)
Comes with stand AV cables (you know, the ones that come with the ARCADE!)
Comes with 2 games you could care less about (last year's bundle wasn't much better either).
Xbox 360 VS PS3 (if you can choose only 1)
Xbox 360 PROs
Better Multi Platform Games
Most of the time better graphics (except for first part ps3 exclusives)
Better live interface (the xbox dashboard being far superior to the ps3 dashboard)
Better Remote (Half True) It's IR (which stinks as you have to be in line of sight) but the lights glow in the dark (you win some you loose some).
360 charge and play kit beats the free usb cable you get with the ps3 (it's just so small!)
Xbox 360 Cons
Not as good of an exclusive lineup of games (let's be honest)
Hardware failure rate (that I'm about 90% sure this model fixes)
You have to pay to go online.
You have to pay for everything with the 360 (they pull you in with the "low" price, and then make you pay pay pay. Want to play online? 50 a year, want wifi? 100, want HDMI cable, gimmie 60 and so on and so on (I would bring up the HD-DVD player, but that would be cruel, and yes I did buy that the day it came out!)
PS3 Pros
Better exclusive games (to be honest, the 360 has far more games, but the ps3 exclusives are generally very good and anyone who enjoys games should play them).
Cheaper (you may say they cost the same, but when you factor in what I wrote above (wifi, charge kit, xbox live service, and more) it does get up there (making it the most expensive).
Blu-ray
Built in wifi, no need in buying a battery kit or a plug n play kit
Online is free
Netflix works without having to pay anything (other than your netflix fee) opposed to having to be a "gold" member like you do on xbox.
PS3 Cons
Lackluster multi platform support (on older games, not really the case now)
Not as many games
Bottomline? A 360 you can actually play, buy it and use and be safe in knowing that (it could!) last you a good 5 years or more. Something unheard of previously ;) |
Awesome bundle!!
|
| Review Date: October 24, 2009 |
| Reviewer: jbay, |
This is one awesome holiday bundle!!! I got it early because my previous 360 rrod'd and m$ said it would be $100 to fix it. So I went with the elite because the jasper chip that causes more efficient running, less heat and noise overall ... I think. The two games are awesome, two that I wanted. I am 23 by the way, so for anyone that says 12 and under pfft, Lego series games are popular with everyone, and racing games are awesome. Pure is an off road extreme atv game where its all about the tricks you pull. Two very awesome games. I haven't played them yet, but I'm a serious gamer so I watch videos and stuf like that. Xbox Live is THE STANDARD for online gaming now. Unmatched by anything else. It requires a subscription to play, but its worth it!! 1 month ~ $8 (if they still make those), 3 month ~ $20, and 12 month (with bonus month sometimes!) cards ~ $50. Thats about all you need to know.
Oh so in the box is the following:
-Xbox 360 console with the 120 gb HDD
-One wireless controller
-One Xbox Live headset
-One ethernet cable (8 foot)
-AV cable
-Power brick + connector power cable
-2 AA batteries (for controller)
-Holiday edition Pure/ Lego Batman games! (comes in one case, 2 separate discs) |
Time for an upgrade
|
| Review Date: November 25, 2009 |
| Reviewer: V. Racanelli, Nashville , tn United States |
I bascially decided to pick this up for two reasons.
1. My wife yes my wife was hogging the console for Netflix, movies and the occasional game. She was addicted to Fable 2.
2. I've had the old Pro version for almost 3 years and I was tired of deleting stuff off of my hard drive in order to make room for a new game I just loaded.
3. This was a great deal.
Consider this a standard elite console is $299.99, a copy of MW2 is 59.99 and an additional controller is 49.99 add those to the price and guess what it's higher than the cost of this. So look at it this way you basically get the bonus of a 250 Gb hard drive for free.
To be totally honest as cool as the console looks in person it's not as awesome in person because It doesn't have as much of a gun metal look as I had hoped but that's okay because I'm more concerned about the hard ware.
It does run cooler way cooler than my old one and even the DVD drive is quieter. Is it as quiet as my PS3 no but it's close. A good buy lower power consumption and much more quiet. Just think MS if you had released this product in this format 2 years ago Sony would be toast because all of their advantages have been hardware based and this is the best I've seen on the market from Microsoft for hardware. It's not enough to make a PS3 owner want to switch but It's a better deal than the PS3 250 gb version that's out for those out there who can't decide. |
|
No video reviews found for this product.
Comments