So I just plopped down $330.00 for the earlier non-HDMI models on Amazon. If shit goes south and I need to get mine repaired down the line, does anybody think Msoft will be sending out HDMI models in exchange?

@Tristero

Depends how far down the line.

i miss the days when there was only one version of a console

So... are they rolling out the new processors in these things?

I still have a hard time understanding the need for an HD media input version. It is no better in quality than component, not like you're going to get a change in resolution or detail...
In fact if I'm not mistaken, most of the comparisons I've seen tend to make HDMI looked washed out rather than detailed,
Why would anyone buy a new 360 simply for this?

And the Elite version, there hasn't been a ploy to sell a product worse than this since (ironically) the same company called Xbox 2, Xbox 360 to compete with a 3rd version of another product we-all-know-of.

-BUT IT's BLACK!!!11 OMGOMGOMG

Case in point: Your Xbox is fine without HDMI, stop being a glutton.

@ vanpatten MS will not continue the Core sku. They already announced that games in the future will require the HDD; it is a dead console and they know it. It is also plagued with hardware failure, just like the Premium, so expect Microsoft to try to dispose of them as quickly as possible to avoid repeat repairs. They're like the dinosaurs of this generation. As they should be. All they are good for is as a hold-over while yours is in for repair.

@Topcow.. mass execution began little more than a few months after launch. As long as they leave faulty hardware floating around the market, for which they have admitted responsibility and allocated a billion dollar repair fund/write-off, they'll lose more than if they would recall each and every one of them right now. Again, IMO. I could be wrong... I suppose they could be under the impression that this 3 year warranty will suffice. Hopefully they're not quite so naive. But things like this make me wonder. Regardless, I agree that many - if not all - 360s will be intentionally euthanized if word gets out that repairs are no longer repairs. Rather, replacements, with the 0728 lot.

@electro.. are you sure that these new models aren't using the falcon chips? I don't know either way, but my logic (i.e. my two prior responses) tells me that MS would need to be deranged and insane to release newly manufactured models without the 65s. Even if those chips would only provide for a slight improvement. I doubt that the new "enhanced" heat sink will bring the 360's fever down on its own. The system (and Microsoft's reputation) is being sullied by relentless reports of RRoD. MS knows that their future in this industry is hanging in the balance... producing more shoddy, failure-prone consoles would seal their fate.

My solution for MS:
I would respond positively to an announcement that for [range = $0 - $100], your repair could be upgraded to a falcon replacement. 3 year warranty remaining intact, just in case. This way, they recoup at least a portion of their losses, simultaneously avoiding future repair costs, and most importantly, receiving positive PR, as it's crucial that they repair their tarnished image. Anyone agree? Disagree?

Disclaimer: Most everything I have said is opinion based. Facts may have been harmed, abused, or ignored during the production of this post. Also, I assume no responsibility for the actions of idiots.

So, what is the incentive for buying an Elite? Black paint and 100Gb? 120gb Hdd

And you can internalize it too!