The 60GB @ $250, the Elite 120GB @ $300, or the MW2 bundle 250GB @ $400.  I honestly do not think I will need that much HDD space, I already have one wireless controller from an older system I sold a year or so ago, so I don't really need the two that come with the MW2 bundle, and I will be buying MW2 when it releases.  Also, are the refurbished 360s on eBay a good deal or just a RROD waiting to happen?  Thanks!

Just get the 60GB one.

Go with the Elite.  The extra space is nice when you install games onto your HDD (makes the system run A LOT quieter).  Hopefully they will allow you install all DVDs of a multi-disk game and just keep one disk in the DVD tray.

If you can find an elite that's a Jasper model, get the elite.

Depends.  Are you planning on installing games onto your HDD?

I have the Elite and even though I don't download many Arcade titles, I only have about 30 gigs left. I would either get the Elite or the 250GB harddrive

" Depends.  Are you planning on installing games onto your HDD? "

Make sure it's a Jasper. They seem more reliable.

I have burned through half of the space on my Elite after owning it for a couple of years. I'm not storing movies or music on it. That is purely game-related storage. If I had a 60GB, I would already be in trouble. Take that for what you will.

" The 60GB @ $250, the Elite 120GB @ $300, or the MW2 bundle 250GB @ $400.  I honestly do not think I will need that much HDD space, I already have one wireless controller from an older system I sold a year or so ago, so I don't really need the two that come with the MW2 bundle, and I will be buying MW2 when it releases.  Also, are the refurbished 360s on eBay a good deal or just a RROD waiting to happen?  Thanks! "

I had a Pro (which had hardware failure and MS wouldn't repair -- long story) that came with a 20gb model. I bought an Arcade unit to replace it and used the HDD on it. 20GB has been PLENTY for me up until recently. In fact I ordered a refurbished MS 120gb hdd (sans transfer cable -- which I already have from a friend) from HKofferhouse for less than $70 earlier today.
 
I think 60 GB would have done me FINE for an additional year or two if I had gotten one when I got my 360 -- all depending on how the digital distribution goes. I'm a proponent of DD. Fuck a disc swap, I say.
 
Do you plan on downloading full games via Games on Demand? How about installing games? Renting HD movies on demand? If not, you'll probably be fine with the 60 gb model (if you can find one).
 

DEFINITELY DO NOT GO WITH AN ARCADE MODEL UNLESS YOU PLAN ON BUYING AN HDD SEPARATELY.

" @CitizenKane said:

" Depends.  Are you planning on installing games onto your HDD? "

Yes, but I figured I could uninstall the older games from my HDD...this doesn't effect saved games, does it? "

Nope, Game Installs are separate from Game Saves.  Still, it's nice to have 4-5 of your latest games currently installed, ready for play whenever you want. "

Alright, thanks for the responses everyone...it looks as if the Fall 2009 Elites being sold on Amazon are Jasper models, so I will take a look at those...the only thing I really plan on loading my HDD with is game installs...unless Netflix streaming somehow uses the HDD.  Thanks again.

Wait, the Elite is only $300 now?
 
I think its worth the price throwing in the extra $50 dollars for the Elite, if it has the Jasper chip. The extra HDD is nice once you start expanding your gaming library. I'm already stretched with my memory when I thought 60 GB would be enough.
 
Though if you want to go hardcore you can get the MW2 bundle instead. The 250 GB is pretty huge and it comes with the game and a extra controller. Its a good deal, though it just seems steep having to pay $400 for it rather than say spend $300 for a Elite and paying $60 later for a extra controller then $70 for a new game like Modern Warfare 2.

" @Andorski said:

Nope, Game Installs are separate from Game Saves.  Still, it's nice to have 4-5 of your latest games currently installed, ready for play whenever you want. "

But it's really no different from using a disc nowadays, since you have to have the disc in the drive and games are usually optimized for disc reading vs HDD reading. Unless you're talking about buying the games off XBLM via Games on Demand. In which case, I couldn't agree more.   Once COD:MW2 makes the jump to offering the MP component via digital download, EVERYBODY else will follow. "

Get the Elite, if you want it cheaper. They have that rebate program going now anyways. I have a 60gb from when they were new last year, and I'm always running low on space. If you can afford the extra $100, that MW2 bundle is a pretty sweet deal for the cash. $60 game plus extra $50 controller plus 130 extra gigs for 100 bucks. If I were in the market for a new 360, I'd be buying that. You'll likely never complain about having more controllers if friends come over. It happens for me just with the people in the household.

I guess the Elete cause $50 for an extra 60 gigs is probably going to come in handy. I've got a measly 20gig HD and I am always having to delete and re-download stuff cause I'm always running out of room.

1080p on-demand video steaming = no need for large HDD

yes

Elite, and if I'm not mistaken, there's a discount going on with a coupon to get it for $250? Am I wrong about that? Either way, even for 50 dollars more its a good investment, I'm on the verge of needing a new Hard Drive, and considering the price, I'm almost leaning towards buying a new Console (Elite), and then have my 2nd console serve as my backup/system-link console.

" Elite, and if I'm not mistaken, there's a discount going on with a coupon to get it for $250? Am I wrong about that? Either way, even for 50 dollars more its a good investment, I'm on the verge of needing a new Hard Drive, and considering the price, I'm almost leaning towards buying a new Console (Elite), and then have my 2nd console serve as my backup/system-link console. "

Here is the $50 rebate for the Elite.  It ends October 5th, so hurry!

" Here is the $50 rebate for the Elite.  It ends October 5th, so hurry! "

This thread makes me regret buying an arcade and 120gb unit instead of elite. Oh well.

i would say get the $250 60gig one. if u are really desperate and want to buy one on ebay make sure that it works, maybe has x-clamp mod. x-clamp is suppose to stop rrod. if a person does sell it with that then the warranty for the 360 would be void.  maybe look for one that has only been played for a little bit or something.

Get a fresh $299 Elite. There's a $50 mail in rebate going on with the Elites, I believe, effectively making the Elite $250.  In the long run, the Elite is the best deal for your money. I completely regret buying an Arcade and upgrading from there.
 
Edit: Did a quick google, and I can confirm that the mail in rebate is going on until October 5, for US customers only.
 
Edit, the sequel: Damn, someone beat me to it.

Elite.