I just bought a 360 Premium and it didn't have HDMI. I realized that the manufacture date was July 06. It was new, but how concerned should I be? I know they've made changes to the cooling and components since then. Also, the papers in the box gave the warranty as 3 months. Am I correct that the warranty is automatically changed to a year except the three red light issue which is three? I guess its got me a bit concerned when a salesman at Gamestop told me not to run it for more than an hour at a time due to heat, never use it vertical or it will melt the laser etc. Not the best source, but it got me wondering.

Thanks

I guess its got me a bit concerned when a salesman at Gamestop told me not to run it for more than an hour at a time due to heat, never use it vertical or it will melt the laser etc. Not the best source, but it got me wondering.



Amazing what some people believe and say.

I've had a launch 360 for a good while with zero issues.

That being said - if I were buying one brand new right now - I'd be sure to get a new one with HDMI (look for "Zephyr" on the UPC sku thinger on the box). I'd take it back and find one with HDMI personally.

I've had a launch 360 for a good while with zero issues.

That being said - if I were buying one brand new right now - I'd be sure to get a new one with HDMI (look for "Zephyr" on the UPC sku thinger on the box). I'd take it back and find one with HDMI personally.Ditto

Cant you just return/exchange it?

Return it and get a new one with HDMI.

Pick up an Elite, much better value IMO.

If you'll actually use the HDMI, by all means bring it back and find one with HDMI (it will actually list it on the box). Otherwise, as long as you keep it well ventilated you shouldn't have a problem. Mine was built in November of '05 and is still running like a top. I also use an open-air A/V rack, though.

If you'll actually use the HDMI, by all means bring it back and find one with HDMI (it will actually list it on the box). Otherwise, as long as you keep it well ventilated you shouldn't have a problem. Mine was built in November of '05 and is still running like a top. I also use an open-air A/V rack, though.

I've kept several 360s very well ventilated and they still died.

If return/exchange is easy, go ahead an do it. If not, it isn't the end of the world. If it breaks MS will repair it for free.

I just bought a 360 Premium and it didn't have HDMI. I realized that the manufacture date was July 06. It was new, but how concerned should I be? I know they've made changes to the cooling and components since then. Also, the papers in the box gave the warranty as 3 months. Am I correct that the warranty is automatically changed to a year except the three red light issue which is three? I guess its got me a bit concerned when a salesman at Gamestop told me not to run it for more than an hour at a time due to heat, never use it vertical or it will melt the laser etc. Not the best source, but it got me wondering.

Thanks


First of all, congrats on getting a 360; its an awesome gaming system and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. As long as its in a reasonably well ventilated area you can play your new 360 to your heart's content, either horizontally or vertically. Besides, given MS's 3 year warranty for the red ring of death, you're covered until late 2010.

The only potential "issue" is the lack of an HDMI port; if you want to get 1080p then your only option is VGA as very few TV's support 1080p over component. If that doesn't bother you then keep it; otherwise try to exchange it for a newer model or trade up to the elite.

Thanks. I honestly don't know what I'd do to need a 120 gb drive. Game patches and addons (ie Shivering Isles and KOTN for Oblivion, PGR car additions etc), but don't see myself downloading movies or tv show episodes. I'll have DirecTV on Demand for that.

Right now, I have the console in an entertainment center, there is no door in front, and it's open in the back. The XBox is the only thing in that section, and there is room on all sides. This honestly is a big change for me, I stopped console gaming after the original NES until I recently picked up a Wii, then the XBox.

Thanks for the feedback.

By the way, I was kind of disconnected from the lastest news about the 360, so I'd like to know if M$ already fixed the red light issue.

Congrats on getting a 360, but if I were you I would exchange it for a HDMI one, if you cain't then ENJOY it...!!!

...and the GS employee that checked you out is a total dumbass. That's got to be some of the most ridiculous statements I've heard to date from a sales person.

unless you need HDMI you should be fine with the one you have. all the warranties were upgraded anyways

HDMI is not that great IMO, and not noticeably better or worse than using a VGA cable in-stead.

Don't worry about it, because you have the automatic warranty extension for ring of death anyway.:)

Don't worry about it, because you have the automatic warranty extension for ring of death anyway.:)[/QUOTE]

That's right, got mine on launchday, and am now playing on my 4the 360, 3 died on me.
But Microsoft gives good service.

October 5th 2005 born date on my 360.
NO ISSUES.
congrats on your new 360. the best next-gen gaming console period.
what type of display are you using? do you realy need HDMI?

sounds like that sales guy had his head up his ass.