360 hard drive.

[maestro_za]

The question of Xbox Live sub increase, if it happens fine. It's one of the best online experiences on a console today.

It's a uniform platform where the marketplace, game servers and all the other services are accessed in one portal if you wish. All that infrastructure must be paid for, so a sub is a necessary evil.

I buy a pre-paid sub every 13 months which is quite a saving. I think I'll buy another one before the increase so that I can redeem the code when I next have to continue my sub.

The other yadda yadda about Arcades and such is a matter of opinion. MS have streamlined the SKU issue by only manufacturing the Arcade and Elite version. Non-HDD with increasing internal MU, and a HDD one with increasing HDD capacity.

All other versions is left over stock retailers are off-loading on us at a knock down price!

Remember the PS3 SKU policy?

20GB SKU (no memory card slots, no flash card reader, no wi-fi, 4 USB slots and no B/C + Sixaxis controller), 40 GB SKU (no memory card slots, no flash card reader, 2 USB, no B/C & wi-fi incl. + Sixaxis controller), 60 GB SKU (4 USB, Memory and flash card readers, B/C & wi-fi incl. + Sixaxis controller), 80GB version 1 (4 USB, Memory and flash card readers, B/C & wi-fi incl. + Sixaxis controller), 80GB version 2 (2 USB, Memory card slots, wi-fi included, no B/C, no flash card readers, DS3 controller), 160GB SKU (2 USB, DS3 controller, wi-fi included, no B/C, no memory card slots or flash card readers).

That was the 'FAT' models alone. They all had Linux or alternative OS capability.

Now 2 Slim models, 120GB and 250GB SKUs. Alternative OS capability was dropped.

Sure, all these PS3 models weren't locally available at retail level, but the multiple SKU policy is something both hardcore gaming manufacturers in Sony and Microsoft have adopted. Quite confusing for the average Joe

As the consumer you have to do your home work on what features you need and match it with your pocket.

My 0.02c

 

[RPG_Fan]

Yeah, but that makes more sense to me... Think of it as a car... You get a entry-level, mid level and the top end. When you're struggling, you go for entry-level, then as you can afford more, you move up. I think it makes perfect sense. I imagine PS3 sales would've been higher had they considered something like this (not talking about exactly like this ie no hard drive, talking more/less features.)

There is some logic to this but look at it this way, I would rather buy a console of this generation once and then last until the next.
Since you brought out the car analogy, I will adapt. If you buy the current shape BMW, will you in 2 years buy a better model of the same shape? Rather get the model you want and then learn and buy a better model of the new design. That way you do not shell out so much money for so many cars. We tend to be quite impulsive and buy the thing we need finding out that it does not meet our requirements and buy another that is then to our standard. You could have maybe waited and then bought the pro. That way you only needed to spend money on one console than 2 that does the same thing. At the end of the day, you lost and M$ won. They got 2 consoles off of you instead of one.

 

[maestro_za]

There is some logic to this but look at it this way, I would rather buy a console of this generation once and then last until the next.
Since you brought out the car analogy, I will adapt. If you buy the current shape BMW, will you in 2 years buy a better model of the same shape? Rather get the model you want and then learn and buy a better model of the new design. That way you do not shell out so much money for so many cars. We tend to be quite impulsive and buy the thing we need finding out that it does not meet our requirements and buy another that is then to our standard. You could have maybe waited and then bought the pro. That way you only needed to spend money on one console than 2 that does the same thing. At the end of the day, you lost and M$ won. They got 2 consoles off of you instead of one.

*Applause*

The most sense you've made in ages

I agree 100%.

I had the same choice to make Christmas 2007. Xbox 360 Pro, Xbox 360 Elite or PS3. Elite and PS3 wasn't that far apart in terms of price but a bit much even with my bonus.

So I decided on the Pro seeing as a HDD would be needed for Xbox Live as that was the main draw card in me buying a Xbox. I haven't regretted my decision since ...

 

[RPG_Fan]

The question of Xbox Live sub increase, if it happens fine. It's one of the best online experiences on a console today.

It's a uniform platform where the marketplace, game servers and all the other services are accessed in one portal if you wish. All that infrastructure must be paid for, so a sub is a necessary evil.

I buy a pre-paid sub every 13 months which is quite a saving. I think I'll buy another one before the increase so that I can redeem the code when I next have to continue my sub.

The other yadda yadda about Arcades and such is a matter of opinion. MS have streamlined the SKU issue by only manufacturing the Arcade and Elite version. Non-HDD with increasing internal MU, and a HDD one with increasing HDD capacity.

All other versions is left over stock retailers are off-loading on us at a knock down price!

Remember the PS3 SKU policy?

20GB SKU (no memory card slots, no flash card reader, no wi-fi, 4 USB slots and no B/C + Sixaxis controller), 40 GB SKU (no memory card slots, no flash card reader, 2 USB, no B/C & wi-fi incl. + Sixaxis controller), 60 GB SKU (4 USB, Memory and flash card readers, B/C & wi-fi incl. + Sixaxis controller), 80GB version 1 (4 USB, Memory and flash card readers, B/C & wi-fi incl. + Sixaxis controller), 80GB version 2 (2 USB, Memory card slots, wi-fi included, no B/C, no flash card readers, DS3 controller), 160GB SKU (2 USB, DS3 controller, wi-fi included, no B/C, no memory card slots or flash card readers).

That was the 'FAT' models alone. They all had Linux or alternative OS capability.

Now 2 Slim models, 120GB and 250GB SKUs. Alternative OS capability was dropped.

Sure, all these PS3 models weren't locally available at retail level, but the multiple SKU policy is something both hardcore gaming manufacturers in Sony and Microsoft have adopted. Quite confusing for the average Joe

As the consumer you have to do your home work on what features you need and match it with your pocket.

My 0.02c

And the argument to this thread is that a HDD is a pretty mandatory thing. It wouldn't have bite for M$ to include a 20Gig HDD instead of a 512MB to the Arcade. I even think the Memory card is more expensive than the 20Gig HDD? For some the space is not a issue, but owners like saffa, R1000 for a HDD is quite a slap in the face. Rather over deliver to the consumer than let them find out they got screwed because you will rely on their business on the new generation of consoles.
Sony learned that too many SKU's are a problem. So did M$ so they killed the Pro. Now heaven forbid they want to release the "Super" Elite with a 250GB bundle.

 

[RPG_Fan]

*Applause*

The most sense you've made in ages

I agree 100%.

I had the same choice to make Christmas 2007. Xbox 360 Pro, Xbox 360 Elite or PS3. Elite and PS3 wasn't that far apart in terms of price but a bit much even with my bonus.

So I decided on the Pro seeing as a HDD would be needed for Xbox Live as that was the main draw card in me buying a Xbox. I haven't regretted my decision since ...

Haha! I always give me answers a bit of thought!

 

[RanzB]

They got 2 consoles off of you instead of one.

Well, I sold my old one (at a high price - coz the prices of new ones went up), and bought the new one on special, so it didn't really matter.. And if I wanted two, then MS would've gotten 2 off me either way.

Anyway, my point was, I bought the Arcade, and because I bought the console at a lower price and found out I loved it, I was happy. It would've been *** if I saved up to buy the Pro which was MUCH more expensive, then found out I didn't really care for it.

 

[semiautomatix]

There is some logic to this but look at it this way, I would rather buy a console of this generation once and then last until the next.
Since you brought out the car analogy, I will adapt. If you buy the current shape BMW, will you in 2 years buy a better model of the same shape? Rather get the model you want and then learn and buy a better model of the new design. That way you do not shell out so much money for so many cars. We tend to be quite impulsive and buy the thing we need finding out that it does not meet our requirements and buy another that is then to our standard. You could have maybe waited and then bought the pro. That way you only needed to spend money on one console than 2 that does the same thing. At the end of the day, you lost and M$ won. They got 2 consoles off of you instead of one.

But if you can only afford a bottom of the range Citi Golf now, you would like something to drive. However, in two years you get a massive raise and are now able to afford that current shape Golf GTi, should you not now buy it?

In the above analogy you lost and VW won. But you got to drive around for two years instead of taking the bus.

Financial concerns at the time of purchase are your overriding factor. Simply put: if you can't afford it, you can't afford it.

But you have to admit to it: you are going to lose and Sony is going to win with regards to the slim. Many people will buy the PS3 twice, as a result of this decision.

 

[semiautomatix]

The question of Xbox Live sub increase, if it happens fine. It's one of the best online experiences on a console today.

It's a uniform platform where the marketplace, game servers and all the other services are accessed in one portal if you wish. All that infrastructure must be paid for, so a sub is a necessary evil.

I buy a pre-paid sub every 13 months which is quite a saving. I think I'll buy another one before the increase so that I can redeem the code when I next have to continue my sub.

The other yadda yadda about Arcades and such is a matter of opinion. MS have streamlined the SKU issue by only manufacturing the Arcade and Elite version. Non-HDD with increasing internal MU, and a HDD one with increasing HDD capacity.

And you have a choice between SKUs, no one is holding a gun to your head.

All other versions is left over stock retailers are off-loading on us at a knock down price!

Remember the PS3 SKU policy?

20GB SKU (no memory card slots, no flash card reader, no wi-fi, 4 USB slots and no B/C + Sixaxis controller), 40 GB SKU (no memory card slots, no flash card reader, 2 USB, no B/C & wi-fi incl. + Sixaxis controller), 60 GB SKU (4 USB, Memory and flash card readers, B/C & wi-fi incl. + Sixaxis controller), 80GB version 1 (4 USB, Memory and flash card readers, B/C & wi-fi incl. + Sixaxis controller), 80GB version 2 (2 USB, Memory card slots, wi-fi included, no B/C, no flash card readers, DS3 controller), 160GB SKU (2 USB, DS3 controller, wi-fi included, no B/C, no memory card slots or flash card readers).

That was the 'FAT' models alone. They all had Linux or alternative OS capability.

Now 2 Slim models, 120GB and 250GB SKUs. Alternative OS capability was dropped.

Sure, all these PS3 models weren't locally available at retail level, but the multiple SKU policy is something both hardcore gaming manufacturers in Sony and Microsoft have adopted. Quite confusing for the average Joe

As the consumer you have to do your home work on what features you need and match it with your pocket.

My 0.02c

That is the biggest concern, and the reason Microsoft are winning over entry level hardcore gamers.

 

[maestro_za]

And the argument to this thread is that a HDD is a pretty mandatory thing. It wouldn't have bite for M$ to include a 20Gig HDD instead of a 512MB to the Arcade. I even think the Memory card is more expensive than the 20Gig HDD? For some the space is not a issue, but owners like saffa, R1000 for a HDD is quite a slap in the face. Rather over deliver to the consumer than let them find out they got screwed because you will rely on their business on the new generation of consoles.
Sony learned that too many SKU's are a problem. So did M$ so they killed the Pro. Now heaven forbid they want to release the "Super" Elite with a 250GB bundle.

Definately mandatory for anything online, major storage related. I never argued against it. Just felt Saff will have to go the import route if he wants to save on an official MS HDD.

If the sole purpose of buying a console is to play games off-line, then I think that is where the average user went running for the cheap (initial purchase) Arcade.

512MB MU is the same price as a refurb/OEM 20GB HDD ... so in that sense it doesn't make sense ... if I make sense ... lol.

MS was being MS about all this. The latest Live update has rendered the Datel memory card solution null and void. The memory card is an adapter where you slot in a SD card of your choice for added space. Quite cool when it still worked!

I'm eyeing that Super Elite bundle actually once it's released. Need some Jasper goodness even though my Xenon hasn't failed me as of yet

 

[maestro_za]

And you have a choice between SKUs, no one is holding a gun to your head.



That is the biggest concern, and the reason Microsoft are winning over entry level hardcore gamers.

I hear you. What I will reiterate is that consumers have to be intelligent on what they part cash for.

Don't just blindly follow hype and marketing

 

[semiautomatix]

Definately mandatory for anything online, major storage related. I never argued against it. Just felt Saff will have to go the import route if he wants to save on an official MS HDD.

If the sole purpose of buying a console is to play games off-line, then I think that is where the average user went running for the cheap (initial purchase) Arcade.

512MB MU is the same price as a refurb/OEM 20GB HDD ... so in that sense it doesn't make sense ... if I make sense ... lol.

MS was being MS about all this. The latest Live update has rendered the Datel memory card solution null and void. The memory card is an adapter where you slot in a SD card of your choice for added space. Quite cool when it still worked!

I'm eyeing that Super Elite bundle actually once it's released. Need some Jasper goodness even though my Xenon hasn't failed me as of yet

I keep saying my Xenon has yet, in several years, to even show signs of an RRoD.

 

[RPG_Fan]

But if you can only afford a bottom of the range Citi Golf now, you would like something to drive. However, in two years you get a massive raise and are now able to afford that current shape Golf GTi, should you not now buy it?

In the above analogy you lost and VW won. But you got to drive around for two years instead of taking the bus.

Financial concerns at the time of purchase are your overriding factor. Simply put: if you can't afford it, you can't afford it.

But you have to admit to it: you are going to lose and Sony is going to win with regards to the slim. Many people will buy the PS3 twice, as a result of this decision.

If the situation warrants you to buy a car, you really don't have a choice but to buy one. Most will try save and get the car they want and if they can live with the bus until such time, they will. If I wanted a Mazda 3, and could only afford a citi golf, I would wait unless my situation forces me to buy a car. If not, taking the bus is is fine with me. You compare gaming more of a necessity than a luxuary. If you really cannot afford it, DON'T buy it. If you can, make sure you make an informed decision. This goes both with cars & gaming where both are luxuaries until such time you situation warrants it as a necessity. Gaming will never be a necessity. You can live without it!

 

[semiautomatix]

If the situation warrants you to buy a car, you really don't have a choice but to buy one. Most will try save and get the car they want and if they can live with the bus until such time, they will. If I wanted a Mazda 3, and could only afford a citi golf, I would wait unless my situation forces me to buy a car. If not, taking the bus is is fine with me. You compare gaming more of a necessity than a luxuary. If you really cannot afford it, DON'T buy it. If you can, make sure you make an informed decision. This goes both with cars & gaming where both are luxuaries until such time you situation warrants it as a necessity. Gaming will never be a necessity. You can live without it!

Its the analogy we have to work with, even if it doesn't quite fit.

The point is to be able to start gaming today, or save up for what could be several more months and afford the next SKU. Fortunately MS gives us the option of gaming today and saving for several months to upgrade to the next SKU. So basic entry level Arcade gaming is better than not gaming at all.

 

[RPG_Fan]

If the sole purpose of buying a console is to play games off-line, then I think that is where the average user went running for the cheap (initial purchase) Arcade.

And thats where M$'s assumptions are pretty flawed. Purpose, targets & ambitions can change over time. You may say now that you will not play online, but what if in a year Broadband prices become dirt cheap? Now you stuck without a HDD. Most will either migrate to Pro upwards or buy a HDD. But the consumer will probably think twice in supporting M$ for next gen console. Building brand loyalty is just as important as making the sale.

 

[semiautomatix]

And thats where M$'s assumptions are pretty flawed. Purpose, targets & ambitions can change over time. You may say now that you will not play online, but what if in a year Broadband prices become dirt cheap? Now you stuck without a HDD. Most will either migrate to Pro upwards or buy a HDD. But the consumer will probably think twice in supporting M$ for next gen console. Building brand loyalty is just as important as making the sale.

Good gracious man, this is Africa! If you're gonna get high and sprout delusional nonsense go somewhere else!

 

[RPG_Fan]

Its the analogy we have to work with, even if it doesn't quite fit.

The point is to be able to start gaming today, or save up for what could be several more months and afford the next SKU. Fortunately MS gives us the option of gaming today and saving for several months to upgrade to the next SKU. So basic entry level Arcade gaming is better than not gaming at all.

And I have no problem with the Arcade. Just adding a small sized HDD instead of a Memory card can definitely score a couple of brownie points with future buyer of their consoles. Customers such as Randhir can be forgiving, but some will probably not buy an M$ product again.

 

[semiautomatix]

And I have no problem with the Arcade. Just adding a small sized HDD instead of a Memory card can definitely score a couple of brownie points with future buyer of their consoles. Customers such as Randhir can be forgiving, but some will probably not buy an M$ product again.

But increases the price :/

Its a very grey area.

 

[RPG_Fan]

Good gracious man, this is Africa! If you're gonna get high and sprout delusional nonsense go somewhere else!

Yeah, coming from you on the previous post saying getting a MASSIVE raise so you can afford a GTI is just as delusional!

 

[semiautomatix]

Yeah, coming from you on the previous post saying getting a MASSIVE raise so you can afford a GTI is just as delusional!

I was being hypothetical: I would never buy a GTi.

 

[RPG_Fan]

But increases the price :/

Its a very grey area.

Minus cost of memory card? I am sure it won't break your bank. Unless you going to cry about that too?