Xbox 360 Elite brings more news than just the black colors and the main features of the Microsoft’s updated video game console are the HDMI support and the 120GB harddrive. Other rumors have stated that Microsoft has used the new 65nm version of IBM’s tri-core PowerPC processor, but that’s not the case; it’s still the good ol’ 90nm circuit. At Engadget they’ve taken a closer look at Xbox 360 Elite and compared it to Microsoft’s original Xbox 360. Many were hoping for a quieter and cooler machine, but that doesn’t seem to be the case as the fans are just as loud, as is the DVD player of the Elite model.
They also investigated the quality of the HDMI support and in theory an entirely digital signal should be better when playing HD games and watching HD DVD with the external Xbox HD DVD player, but according to Engadget the difference between it and the analog component signal is pretty much negligible. So to summarize, the news with Xbox 360 Elite are far from revolutionizing, but the good news is that everyone who invested in the first generation Xbox 360 can relax.
“Basically, unless you are seriously eagle-eyed, have a massive friggin screen, or for whatever reason need to use HDMI because you’re all out of component inputs, your investment in the first-gen Xbox 360 is probably safe. Do yourself a favor, just buy that 120GB drive if you need the space, the HDMI really just doesn’t justify replacing your whole console for a new $480 unit.”
