So I've been reading through these forums for a few months now. Let me introduce myself first by saying that I am an Xbox 360 and PS3 owner. That said, The Ps3 sees very little use.

Now to my problem. My Xbox 360 Elite RROD after about 18 months. Luckily I bought a PRP at Best Buy. When I called to get the replacement voucher, they told me to just go ahead and keep the hard drive!!! So they will be sending me the replacement cost(399.99). Now that I have my hard drive, there is no point in buying anything more than the arcade for 200$ less. I can spend the remaining 200$ on whatever else in the store I want, so my misfortune actually becomes my fortune.

My question is, what are the newer models(I know Jasper is the newest) and how can you tell which one youre getting? And which one do I actually want?

Lot number/MFG date would be your safest bet.

Also the power supply is another good bet, but not as solid as the MFG date.

What manufacturing dates should I keep my eye on? When did Jasper start shipping...assuming thats the one i want

is a PRP a new console? whats that?

but anyways, don't get arcade. get the pro or premium

lol @ above,
PRP means Product replacement Plan,

there's a 3 year free replacement from Microsoft, there's no need to get a replacement plan. I don't think the new arcade versions have HDMI port, you could buy a special cable though. So if HDMI is not important then get the arcade, if not then get the pro and sell the HD.

Check the interwiki's for when Jasper came in

matt247, the core originally didn't have a hdmi port - the arcade does, but it doesn't have a hdmi cable.

Well Im playing it on a Plasma, so yes, I am interested in HD. I have the HDMI cable. But if no port comes on the arcade then Ill def be going with the 20gigger

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_360#Comparison_of_features - Arcade does have HDMI port

Buy the arcade, then treat yourself to some games or a DS/Wii

Arcade does have hdmi ports and have had for a long time.