Most of you know by now that I'm a huge proponent of the 360. Since launch, I have been constantly impressed by the performance and game selection that Microsoft has offered. Although I bought a Wii at launch, I do not feel as strongly about it. I believe that the 360 has better games in terms of looks, length, and quality.

The recent announcement of the 360 Elite model leaves me in quite a pickle. I don't really care about the color of my system (I'm more interested in what it can do), so the two major differences are the 120 GB hard drive and the inclusion of an HDMI port and cable. The debate has been raging in the forums as to whether these changes warrant a $479 price tag. I've decided to offer up some of my thoughts on the matter, since I will undoubtedly be taking the plunge sooner or later.

The 120 GB hard drive is an indisputable improvement. Anyone who has connected to Live and downloaded content understands the limitations of the 20 GB hard drive. 120 gigs should afford enough room for saved files, downloaded games, and HD content. 20 GB's has not proven to be enough for most hardcore gamers and Live users.

The inclusion of HDMI is a little bit more disputed. Many argue that HDMI is a better quality than component off the bat because component cables require a transfer from analog to digital signals, while HDMI transfers data digitally to begin with. I really don't know if I believe that this effects image quality or not. What may effect image quality is the resolution you can achieve with your TV through these various inputs. Component cables can only carry 1080i signals. Currently the VGA cable is the only one available for the 360 that can carry 1080p signals. The problem with this 1080p signal is twofold: games are upscaled from 1080i instead of being native in 1080p, and many HDTV's don't accept 1080p signals through VGA cables. I'm supposing that the HDMI cable will allow for an image upscaled to 1080p to be produced on most 1080p televisions. Whether the difference between 1080p and 1080i is substantial, especially when the signal is upscaled and not native, is entirely up in the air.

All of that considered, I'm not sure that the Elite system is really all that Elite for current 360 owners. Sure, the 120 GB hard drive is a huge plus, but you could buy that a la carte and deal without the HDMI. The HDMI might not even produce such a huge difference, since 1080i upscaled to 1080p might not be such a huge difference. So really, the hard drive is the only Elite part of the system. It does not seem too Elite to me...

Personally, the decision is pretty simple. Once Microsoft solves all data transfer issues, I will probably upgrade to the Elite system. I have a few reasons for this that apply only to me, and I think it is important that you do your own research when making your decision! My current 360 (which has survived without problem since launch) sounds like it is developing a problem with its disc drive. If I am going to have to replace the system, I might as well get the Elite one. Also, my HDTV's inputs are a major consideration. My Samsung ln-s3251d only has one component input, but it has 2 HDMI inputs. Currently I do not have any HDMI equipment. If I get this HDMI enabled 360, I can use my only component port for my Wii, which desperately needs any help it can get in the graphics department. If I can sell this 360 for a couple hundred dollars, the Elite system will be worth the difference to me.

I am somewhat annoyed that Microsoft didn't get everything right the first time. This better be the last souped up model of the 360 that they release. That being said, as long as they can work out the data transfer issues, I will probably get the Elite system.