Xbox 360 Pro vs Platinum

[OrbitzXT]

I want a 360 soon and on NewEgg the Pro and Platinum seem very similar. Both have the HDMI output, 20gb hard drives and same prices. The Pro seems to come with games, whereas the Platinum does not. So when I see that, it makes me think the Platinum is better since its priced higher...since the Pro's games might be part of the cost.

[ktr]

From what i have read, pro and platinum are the same console, its just pro comes with two games...and has been a discontinued sku. Therefore the platinum is its new replacement.

edit: its actually the other way around, the pro is the platinum's replacement.

[OrbitzXT]

Which should I get? NewEgg says both have HDMI, does that mean both are the newer Falcon models? Or are there 360's with the HDMI but the older chip?

[Shizelbs]

HDMI does not necessarily mean Falcon.

[ktr]

From what i have read (again) all 360's should have falcon if they were produced after September.

http://loot-ninja.com/2007/12/18/how-to-spot-a-xbox-360-with-a-falcon-chip-and-why-you-should/

read that on how to spot a falcon.

[OrbitzXT]

Ah interesting, my friend told me HDMI was only introduced on newer models. I assumed he meant the Falcon ones. Thanks for that info though. Is it better to keep the 360 vertical or horizontal? Or is there no difference?

[ktr]

Ah interesting, my friend told me HDMI was only introduced on newer models. I assumed he meant the Falcon ones. Thanks for that info though. Is it better to keep the 360 vertical or horizontal? Or is there no difference?

I don't think position makes any difference. I would go for the PRO, and when it arrives, check if it is a falcon to be safe.

[Darknova]

Easiest way to spot a Falcon is the power brick it uses. The Falcons all use the 175W 2 pin Power brick.
The older ones use a 203W 3 pin power brick.

[OrbitzXT]

Lets just say for example my 360 craps out on me, what is the process to getting it repaired/replaced? When I do go ahead and purchase it, should I keep the original box? Is there anything else I need to keep?

[anticlutch]

Ah interesting, my friend told me HDMI was only introduced on newer models. I assumed he meant the Falcon ones. Thanks for that info though. Is it better to keep the 360 vertical or horizontal? Or is there no difference?

Horizontal, and off of the floor by at least two inches (especially if you have carpet). I'd also highly, highly suggest giving the console and power brick a 1ft radius around it so that it would be able to ventilate better. And don't bother buying the add-on fans as they usually don't do much other than create a lot of noise.

I don't know how any of the "new" 360's perform but my old one ran *very* hot... I'd suggest playing an intensive game like Gears of War (an excellent game btw) for 2-3 hours max, and giving it a 10-15min cool-down time during which you can take a break and get something to eat or w/e.

edit: Orbitz, you should always keep the original box for everything you buy for at least a couple of weeks just in case your new toy dies on you :)
I believe you call MS directly and secure an RMA that way... if it's within a few days though, any retailer would take it back and exchange/refund the purchase price to you.

[PVTCaboose1337]

I know from experience turning the xbox from vertical to the side while it is on breaks it if that means anything to you. The poor Perfect Dark Disk...

[bretts31344]

Lets just say for example my 360 craps out on me, what is the process to getting it repaired/replaced? When I do go ahead and purchase it, should I keep the original box? Is there anything else I need to keep?

You register the console's Serial Number on Microsoft's support website and then you can request repairs from there or call in. You don't need to keep the box.

My 360 tips:
Never ever, ever, move the 360 in any way if a disc is in the tray and the 360 is on.
Vertical position allows more surface area, which should make the 360 slightly cooler.
Your 360 will break most likely. Follow the steps above and you will get a replacement in about 2-3 weeks.
Falcons fail at about 10%, which is crappy. They have only been out for less than 6 or so months. Therefore, they all might fail like the original ones.

Sources of info: (http://www.8bitjoystick.com/archives/jake_inside_source_reveal_the_truth_about_xbox_360 _red_ring_of_death_failures.php)

[Xaser04]

Horizontal, and off of the floor by at least two inches (especially if you have carpet). I'd also highly, highly suggest giving the console and power brick a 1ft radius around it so that it would be able to ventilate better. And don't bother buying the add-on fans as they usually don't do much other than create a lot of noise.

I don't know how any of the "new" 360's perform but my old one ran *very* hot... I'd suggest playing an intensive game like Gears of War (an excellent game btw) for 2-3 hours max, and giving it a 10-15min cool-down time during which you can take a break and get something to eat or w/e.

edit: Orbitz, you should always keep the original box for everything you buy for at least a couple of weeks just in case your new toy dies on you :)
I believe you call MS directly and secure an RMA that way... if it's within a few days though, any retailer would take it back and exchange/refund the purchase price to you.

Just for reference my 360 Elite (falcon) runs considerably cooler than my old launch premium (I have both so I can give a unbiased response).

The premiums output (from the fans) its noticably warm whereas the elite is cool in comparison.

The elite is also slightly quieter.