Does anyone know if the newer "Elite" version of the XBox is improved for the overheating/RRoD issues?

And, if so, does MS offer an "upgrade path" to an Elite rather than replacing your existing RRoD-failed unit?

Well, being a two year old Elite didn't help mine from a RROD, and it wasn't heat related.

They sent me a refurb unit instead of returning mine to me. I guess that mine went to the "fix" pile, and one from the "fixed" pile was sent to me. Either way, so far so good with the replacement.

I don't believe that there is an upgrade path, but would advise that you call the support line and ask to be sure.

If I had to do it again, I'm not sure that I'd pony up for the Elite, though I do prefer the look of everything black. Pretty minor I guess, but I do like it.

The last time I looked into it, there wasn't any sort of upgrade path.

I think the newest Jasper units have actually addressed the issues (fingers crossed), though I haven't done a ton of in-depth reading. I don't think the Elites have the Jasper chipset yet (again, this is just my impression, not having really researched), though there are rumors of a new bundle to include Halo 3 and Fable II which I imagine will have it. I guess the way to know whether you're buying one with Jasper is to look at the power spec, which should be 12v.

I don't think there's an upgrade path, aside from buying a bigger hard drive for an old system. The systems have got a bit more dependable, but that's down from a really high fail rate before. I keep finding the disc drawer going before anything else.

The only xbox 360 version that I am aware of that has fully addressed the RROD issues are the new Jasper units.

BTW recently there was an announcment by Microsoft that anyone suffering from the E74 error will be covered under the 3 year RROD warranty as well.

Well this will get sent in for repairs then.

Thanks for the responses guys... I really appreciate it!

Good luck! Call and tell them you want something free for all of the trouble. I got a free game twice and a free wireless controller for all of the trouble during my 3 repairs.

I think that the newer (i.e. last 1 1/2 year) use a smaller die for the chips which produce less heat. I haven't had a problem with mine but it shure produces a lot of heat anyway!

Meh, just buy a PS3. They don't break.

hee hee, awaiting the roaring fires of backlash.

Well, I'm not really much of a gamer.

I play a Ghost Recon game and Tiger Woods Golf mostly, but I wouldn't want to move to a new platform and lose (or have to re-buy) what I have. The fact that I don't use my XBox much makes it more annoying that it dies with little use, yet I can live without it for a month or two and it's no big sacrifice.

Joyce told me over the weekend that she wants a Wii, because several friends were discussing how much they like Wii fit. She's on the treadmill everyday, so I know that "working out" thing is not a passing fad like it would be for me!

I know nothing about the Wii, but will probably get one this week anyway.

That'll leave me with two out of three, Murph, with the PS3 the only one I WON'T have!

Wiis are a blast. I'm thinking about adding one to the PS3. Like you, the Wii Fit is of interest to my wife so it's slowly passing the WAF test. Slowly....

The PS3's failure rates fall within industry standard. It is a well designed machine and certainly reliable. There are some that have had trouble with their PS3 but these cases are rare.

Has anyone played MLB 09: The Show? That is the one game I wish was available on the 360. I want to play it so so badly, it looks sick.

Yes. So far, I like it a lot. It is challenging, but not impossibly so. . .and it feels like baseball. I don't like the arcade style baseball games where home runs are as prevalent as bags of peanuts.

My all time favorite baseball game is High Heat 2004. Not the best graphics-wise, but it really nailed the pitcher/batter interface. You earned hits, and could work the counts for fastballs. MLB 09 gets very close to High Heat.

It is that realistic type gamplay that has attracted me to the game. No other baseball game can compete on the 360. With baseball season under way and watching my Blue Jays playing so well makes me want to play this game so much. This is the one PS3 exclusive I want to play more than any other.

hmmm.. i might have to check it out.. I haven't really played any baseball games since RBI baseball on the NES