Xbox 360: Which one?
The Xbox 360 is a powerful and popular machine indeed, arguably the most impressive console on the market. However, buying one is not so straight forward as there are three different versions to choose from; Arcade, Pro, and Elite. Each vary significantly in features, options, and most importantly, price.
First up we have the Arcade- the cheapest and most popular choice for new buyers. However, looking closely will reveal a number of drawbacks. Firstly, the selection of games included aren't so great and are mainly meant for online play, which incurs further cost. Secondly, buying a memory card is a must, since the machine comes with no internal memory.
Next we have the pro model, which are supplied with 60GB of internal hard drive memory. In many cases, what it actually really comes down to is memory, and chances are that the Pro is exactly what you need. This is the archetypal console which is generally the best value for money.
Xbox 360 Elite is the highest calibre of model on offer. They are distinguished by their black coating and boast 120GB of internal hard drive memory, but are the most expensive price wise. This model should really be reserved for the serious gamer, since the memory allowance on here is a little overkill!
Coming with a Silver Xbox Live membership, you can download demos and content from the outset. But if you or the recipient of the Xbox wants to play online games, you will need a Gold Membership.This asks an initial sign up price and then periodic payments to upkeep. This can be pricey, but is the only way to enjoy great games like Halo and Gears of War online.