Re: [OT] Xbox 360

["Paul Robinson" <ukcueman@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Are its fans as loud as the xbox?

----- Original Message -----
From: "Sean" <thunderchilduk@xxxxxxx>
To: <ukha_d@xxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, December 03, 2005 2:52 AM
Subject: [ukha_d] [OT] Xbox 360


OK so I'm sure I'm not the only one with one (sorry if you never got
yours).
I got a 360 premier bundle which has the HD with it.

So After playing with for a bit what have I found out?
Its 1080i output is 60Hz where my Samsung rear projector is 50/100Hz (Hmmm
how do I break I need a new big telly to SWMBO)
It runs HOT - but mine has been on since 4 and not crashed (make sure ALL
the vents are clear even the one on the PSU)
I looks nice although not that much smaller than an old xbox.
The DVD play back is nice and crisp and the supplied remote can turn on and
off the xbox.

The media extender works well although I can't test all its features until
I
get XP Media Ed (Hmmm "Dear to go with the new Telly how about a new
PC")
I have set it up to play Mp3s from my XP machines and browse Pictures (both
could do with a bit of a tidy to deal with larger collections). It can't do
video without a media Ed PC.
iPod (USB versions) and other players just plug in and you can even use
thier playlists (it charged my iPod nicely while it was connected as well).
The built in add to playlist feature I'm sure will be good at parties and
the interface is intuative enough that people could browse your collection
(searching doesn't appear to be there - yet)

It plays games and they look damn nice and very fast. You don't have to
create a new profile for each game.  SOME old xbox games are supported but
even some MS titles are not, I tried Halo (worked OK) and Mech Warrior (no
support as yet) tonight.

You can't help feel when you use the xbox that someone was listening in on
all the niggles that plagued the old xbox.
The wireless controlers can power the xbox up and down.
The controlers have an indicator to say what "port" they are
connected to
(useful as mine switched them self round at least once tonight)
2 USB ports at the front and one round the back.
HDTV support as standard
Optical out on the cable supplied with premier system
Decent cable lengths to get the machine away from the TV
It looks good next to the rest of your kit.

Downsides
The market place is going to be worse than ikeas, You can buy top up
credits
(you might even be able to earn them if what I am reading is right) and
spend them on themes, songs, demos, games & Pictures (and Apps/plugins
in
the future I'm sure) - there has even been a suggestion that you could buy
a
new car for PGR (so much for unlocking new content)
Live is always on when you are networked, sure you can knock your self off
line and even mark yourself as busy but how long till you forget to turn it
off and half way through a DVD or pre recorded TV prog a pop up appears
inviting you to some one on one action (in Half life of course) leaving you
wondering whether to play or watch.
The wireless controlers use AA batteries and the recharge kit costs £15.
I hate shoulder buttons...... bring back the black and white I say, I am
going to plug my old chunky controler in to the USB port at the front and
see what happens.

Overall I like it a lot so far, I have been using XBMC for quite a while
now
on the old xbox and it shows that MS have been as well. There are still
some
things missing but I'm sure it won't be long before we see RSS feeds and
weather reports on it, It has some great HA potential some folk have
already
got Media Ed PCs to send games and Apps to the xboxs screen allowing for
basic web browsing (its not streamed fast enough for big games or video
though). It strikes me that this is a family console and MS may yet succed
in puting a computer in every living room. Now what to do with the front
rooms xbox..... put it in the car?

Sean






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