XBOX360....purchase from Target?!?!

i use my existing wifi router, just have to run a ethernet cable from the 360 to the router

I have not bought an Xbox from them, but I did purchase and iPod at one time. I opened it, tried it out, then returned it for another color. They just inspected it to make sure it was all there, and I didn't have any problems. I am sure you wouldn't have any trouble returning the Xbox if something was wrong with it.

I would ask them about their return policy just to be sure. It might even be on their website?

I don't mean to be Captain Obvious here, but to me it seems like you've already made your mind up about Target, and are looking for justification to buy one from there anyway. If you have some doubt, get it somewhere else. If you have a Target, then you most likely have a Worst Buy or Walmart or similar store nearby. If you REALLY have doubts about the 360 itself buy the extra warranty that comes with it and when it RROD's on you (and it will) you won't have to mess with Microsoft at all. Just return it and get a new one.

The Falcon chipset uses a 65nm processor, which theoretically is supposed to create less heat, use less power and ideally create less RROD. Combined with the new heat sink they started putting in around late March 2007, it is supposed to have helped the rate of failure.

According to one site, this is the way to tell if it's the one you want:

"How to find a Falcon model 360 in stores

A Falcon model Xbox 360 MUST BE:
Lot #0734 (Halo 3) or later (all SKUs)

Manufactured on or after 8/24/07(An HDMI Premium manufactured on 8/19 has been reported as 65nm.)

How to find Lot and Team info:
There is a white sticker on the side of the box with the lot # and team. In order to find the manufacturing date without opening the box, there is a flap on the side of the box that allows you to peek inside and see the manufacturing date on the console itself."

So, I assume that your gift cards are adding up for a Premium, which is what I would turn to. On the side of the box you should see if it lists HDMI as an input, and then check to make sure that it'll have the falcon chipset with the instructions up top. That should take care of most of your worries.


As for Target, I can't say that I've firsthand had a bad experience with them. But since the only glaring problem you have to worry about is the RRoD, Xbox has a built in 3 year warranty with all 360's now with no extra charge. That essentially cuts Target out of your warranty and return issues.

mrsollars said:

went to the local target today to purchase.
the 20gb sets that they had, had the correct (later) manufacture date. (jan.08)
they were in the correct Lot#08xx

my question. there was no HDMI listed in the 'included in the box' information.
i was told that there would be HDMI with this 'up to date' model.

anybody have any idea??

ps. i still haven't seen ''Premium'' on any of the boxes they have.

thanks
matt

Click to expand...

They changed the name of the 20gig "Premium" to the "Pro". (The Core becomming the Arcade, and the newest being called the "Elite", which comes in standard black with 120gigs of memory)

http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/spot-the-hdmi-enabled-xbox-360-premium-at-retail/

this might help

http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/02/05/how-to-spot-a-falcon-65nm-360-in-the-wild/

and this

Why don't you just ask if you can open it an check before you buy it? I'm the manager of the electronics department at a Target and we do it all the time. If your Target is worth anything (they aren't all made equally unfortunately) they'll go to great lengths to keep you happy ... unless your rude, then they'll make it as hard as possible.

They do offer a 3 year extended warranty which, from reviews I've read, seems to be pretty good. The only caveat is that if there is something wrong you have to ship it in to the warranty company. If they can't fix it they'll give you a store credit for whatever you paid for it.

Also, they're return policy isn't any worse than Walmart or BestBuy. Target seems to have this reputation for a crappy return policy because they were one of the first to start cracking down on scammers by making the return policy more strict. People try to rip the stores off daily. Seriously, it's pathetic. If you pay in cash or with gift cards and keep your bloody receipt you'll have NO PROBLEM returning what you buy and if you pay with anything else they'll be able to look it up.

[edit]Thanks bokdol. That'll save me and my team from opening up numerous boxes

I bought my XBOX 360 in early 2006 (i think?) from Target and everything was fine. I actually bought it because of the craze surrounding the xbox and Target was the only store in my socal region that had one.

I purchased both my XBOX Core with HDD (launch) and Elite (Last April I think) from Target. The Core is still ticking and when the Elite's DVD drive gave out 3 weeks after purchase, Target took it right back and gave me a new one. They take just about anything back, so if you don't get what you want.. I wouldn't sweat it.