New XBOX 360 rumor - HDMI and 120 GB - worth waiting for?

[Kzanth]

Hey peeps,

I'm contemplating making the jump to the 360, but just as I'm about to buy one, I hear rumors of a new version that may or may not be released in MAY, with an HDMI port and built in 120 GB memory instead of the 20 GB attachable hard drive.

I do have an HD tv with two HDMI inputs. But I'm wondering if I should wait and see if this new version is released, and I'm not even sure if those new options would be worth it.

I mean, aren't the current outputs on the 360 HD already? What's the difference between it's current cable config. and using an HDMI cable (other than fewer cables)?

Anyone have an opinion? Help!

-Chris
p.s. sorry about the 'peeps' thing.

[Toonimator]

Can't go wrong waiting... the worst that can happen is the main system goes down in price, and maybe some of the games you were itchin to try will reach "Platinum" by then and likewise drop in price making it all cheaper if you wait & the 120GB one doesn't show up.

Then again, that's a lot of [insert game title here] playing time you'll miss out on

[Scripe]

Hey peeps,

I'm contemplating making the jump to the 360, but just as I'm about to buy one, I hear rumors of a new version that may or may not be released in MAY, with an HDMI port and built in 120 GB memory instead of the 20 GB attachable hard drive.

I do have an HD tv with two HDMI inputs. But I'm wondering if I should wait and see if this new version is released, and I'm not even sure if those new options would be worth it.

I mean, aren't the current outputs on the 360 HD already? What's the difference between it's current cable config. and using an HDMI cable (other than fewer cables)?

Anyone have an opinion? Help!

-Chris
p.s. sorry about the 'peeps' thing.

Yes the current Xbox 360 is already HD up to 1080i with the component cables. And if your television has VGA inputs you can use a VGA cable for 1080p (if the game supports it). The thing that HDMI was supposed to allow was 1080p. Also your TV has to support a 1080p resolution for that to work. If it doesn't there's really no point in waiting for HDMI. The difference between HDMI and component as well as 1080i and 1080p was so small in my opinion that I couldn't justify waiting just for that difference in performance. The larger hard drive would be cool to wait for though as I will have to buy the larger one separate (if the rumor turns out to be true).

[Scripe]

It's a Rumor no more. The Xbox 360 Elite SKU is due out in April. Can you wait till April? I'll probably pick up the new Hard Drive for Christmas. No rush.

[Kzanth]

Yeah, I saw some of the 'leaked' ads, but still no 'official' word from Microsoft. I wonder if its release will drive down the price of the previous incarnations.

But I'll still get the HDMI 120 GB version regardless. I just hope the 'April' release is accurate!

[Scripe]

No my friend. It is official . http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/13111/Microsoft-Unveils-Xbox-360-Elite/

As previously reported, Microsoft officially announced on Wednesday (or Tuesday, depending on where you are) the Xbox 360 Elite edition; which incorporates a bigger hard drive as well as HDMI functionality. Below is the press release with the announcement as well as the first official pictures:

REDMOND, Wash. ? March 27, 2007 ? Microsoft Corp. today announced the upcoming availability of Xbox 360? Elite, a new model of the video game and entertainment system that will include a 120GB hard drive, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, a high-definition cable, and a premium black finish for the console, wireless controller and Xbox LIVE? headset. Xbox 360 Elite has enough space for a library of Xbox LIVE Arcade games and thousands of songs, as well as downloadable high-definition TV shows and movies available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. The new 120GB hard drive also will be sold as a stand-alone accessory to give current Xbox 360 owners greater choice and flexibility in their games and entertainment experience. Additional Xbox 360 Elite accessories, such as the black Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit and the Xbox 360 rechargeable battery, will be available separately. The Xbox 360 Elite and its accessories are expected to begin arriving in U.S. stores on April 29.


?Today?s games and entertainment enthusiast has an insatiable appetite for digital high-definition content,? said Peter Moore, corporate vice president for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. ?Xbox 360 Elite?s larger hard drive and premium accessories will allow our community to enjoy all that the next generation of entertainment has to offer.?

Distinguished by its black finish and signature metallic detailing, Xbox 360 Elite will have an estimated retail price1 of $479.99 (U.S.) and will come packed with components and accessories for the ultimate high-definition entertainment experience:


Xbox 360 Elite console: The console is equipped with a premium black finish and three powerful core processors capable of producing the best in HD entertainment (up to 1080p), 16:9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound, HDMI output and DVD playback with upscaling capabilities right out of the box.


Xbox 360 120GB hard drive: The 120GB detachable hard drive allows gamers to save their games and store television shows, movies, music, pictures, trailers, levels, demos and other content available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace.3 The hard drive is sold separately for an estimated retail price of $179.99 (U.S.).


Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (black): This award-winning, high-performance wireless controller, now in black, features the Xbox? Guide Button for quick, in-game access to friends and music. It has a range of up to 30 feet and a battery life of 30 hours on two AA batteries. It is sold separately for an estimated retail price of $49.99 (U.S.).


Xbox 360 headset (black): Now available in black, the headset lets gamers strategize or trade taunts while playing games and send voice messages to friends on Xbox LIVE.


Xbox 360 HDMI cable: New to Xbox 360, HDMI allows consumers to get HD video (up to 1080p) and multichannel surround sound, all from one cable.


Xbox LIVE Silver Membership: With this, gamers can chat with friends online, collect achievements and gamerscores, send and receive voice and text messages, and access Xbox LIVE Marketplace content such as game demos, HD movies and TV, as well as the best in downloadable games from Xbox LIVE Arcade.


One-month subscription to Xbox LIVE Gold: An Xbox LIVE Gold Membership provides a complete online entertainment experience. Those who subscribe to this premium service can engage in competitive online multiplayer matches, tailor their matchmaking via feedback and accomplishments, chat with more than one person at a time, and take advantage of unique privileges in the Xbox LIVE Marketplace and Xbox LIVE Arcade.