quote:

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>I know that the basic differences between the two systems are the faceplate
>that comes with the premium, the wireless vs. wired remote, and the
>headset. Does the core system still have the built-in Media Center Extender
>and still allow you to connect to XBox Live? I'm wanting to purchase the
>core system and then eventually add the hard drive and wireless remote
>(when I can afford it), but don't want to invest in something that doesn't
>allow me to connect to my Media Center PC and/or XBox Live. Any help you
>can provide to me on the differences, and answers to my questions is
>GREATLY appreciated!
>
> Bob C.
>

quote:

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>I think the only difference is the simulated chrome on the unit (not
>faceplate) and the bundle configuration of the premium sku.
>
> I'm here to try and convince you that the premium is the way to go. Unless
> your in the poor house (why are you buying an XBOX 360), or don't plan to
> ever upgrade the core system. It wouldn't make sense because the premium
> is such a good deal for what you get.
>
> The big ticket item is the HD... By spending an additional $100 NOW you'll
> save tons of upgrades later.
>
> Premium: $499 CAN
> 1 XBOX 360 (with simulated chrome)
> 1 20GB Detachable HD
> 1 Wireless Controller (no rechargeable, no cord)
> 1 Component cable/Composite cable for HDTV/SDTV
> 1 XBOX Live Headset
> 1 Ethernet cable (Actually a nice cable if you ask me)
> 1 Wireless controller (for DVD playback mainly or MCE use)
>
> Core: $399 CAN
> 1 XBOX 360 (plain)
> 1 Corded Controller
> 1 Standard AV Cable Composite/SVideo Cable for SDTV Only
>
> Upgrades/Addons needed to get core to be a premium
> 1 20GB Detachable HD $129* couldn't find quote
> 1 Wireless Controller (no rechargeables, no cord) $59.99
> 1 Component cable/Composite cable for HDTV/SDTV $49.99
> 1 XBOX Live Headset $39.99
> 1 Wireless controller (for DVD playback mainly or MCE use) $39.99
>
> Roughly $320 value... I'm guessing now.
>
> I think the only reason the core would be popular to some folks would be:
>
> Save money now but spend it later..
>
> A. You won't be playing Online titles in XBOX Live marketplace until you
> get a HD
> B. You won't be playing OLD XBOX 1 compatible titles because an HD is
> required.
> C. You will plan to add a remote later if you really want it
> D. You will plan to add a headset later if you really want it
> E. You will plan to add a Wireless XBOX 360 controller later if you really
> want it.
> F. You will plan to add a HDTV cable later if you really want it.
> G. You will plan to add a Wireless XBOX 360 battery charger/kit later if
> you really want it.
> H. You will plan to add a Wireless XBOX 360 battery kit later if you
> really want it. (useful if you only want 1 charger and multiple batteries)
>
> I've also heard that you could just buy a $20 IDE/USB2.0 adaptor and hook
> up any HD you want to the XBOX 360.. It's a bit bulky for lugging around
> but since HDs these days are more like 300gb for $100 you could consider
> that too. Might want someone to confirm that an external USB2.0 HD would
> be able to function 100% for storage of all MCE/XBOXLive/Marketplace tasks
> beforehand. Also if you plan to use wireless make sure the wireless
> doesn't block the USB port in the back from use. The USB2.0 HD and
> wireless kit might be mutually exclusive??
>
> Bottom line.. If you get the core I wouldn't plan to do too much without
> the HD except play games from disc.
>
> Is that the longest answer to your question without actually telling you
> if you could use XBOX live or Media Center?
>
> Oustanding questions:
> 1. Can the core XBOX 360 play media stored on a MCE PC? (I.E. mp3, movies
> etc..)
> 2. Can the core XBOX 360 play XBOX Live titles?
> 3. How does the core XBOX 360 receive updates to the dashboard without a
> HD? (required for XBOX live connectivity)
>
> Hope this helps you
>
> Jixter
>
>
> "Bob C." <nospam@mydomain.com> wrote in message
> news:ucImWEqNGHA.1132@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>
>

quote:

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>i had to buy a core on the launch day just because that's all they had
> and then buying all the other stuff was quite costly.
>