Xbox Question...

[sonuvabum]

How capable is an Xbox system when hooked up to an internet ready network?

I know there is live gaming, that's the main purpose.

How far can one go with PM's, IM's, and text messages to phones? I know you can talk to other gamers, but what about beyond that?

How about email access? Is there a way to use an Xbox to send or receive email messages to either a computer or a phone?

And what about internet browsing? I'm told there are no Xbox ready browsers now but that they are likely on the way.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

G-

Edited for clarity...

 

[DraXxus1549]

You can't send PM/Text's to cell phone or anyone other than another Xboxer. As of now you can't email nor browse the web. You can go on things like facebook and twitter. You can also access your netflix instant queue as well as renting movies from zune.

 

[DirtyDave]

You can't send PM/Text's to cell phone or anyone other than another Xboxer. As of now you can't email nor browse the web. You can go on things like facebook and twitter. You can also access your netflix instant queue as well as renting movies from zune.

But you have to pay for xbox live first if I'm not mistaken. 30% defect rate, that's all I'm sayin'.

 

[tmoney2007]

You can't send PM/Text's to cell phone or anyone other than another Xboxer. As of now you can't email nor browse the web. You can go on things like facebook and twitter. You can also access your netflix instant queue as well as renting movies from zune.

But you have to pay for xbox live first if I'm not mistaken. 30% defect rate, that's all I'm sayin'.

So? Things cost money.

The 30% defect rate isn't the case anymore, so it isn't really worth mentioning at all.

 

[DirtyDave]

Yup, things cost money, it's up to you weather you want to spend it. But it is worth mentioning that to do anything online with Xbox you have to pay. Other systems don't make you pay for some of their online services.

As for the defect rate, I guess I was high. It's down to 24%. LINKY You may have had a different experience, and that's great, but the fact remains that the 360 is the most defective console system on the market. I'm not trying to bash it, just give info.

 

[NASTY]

I own both a PS3 and a 360 and my online gaming experience on 360 is second to none. Yeah, you pay to play online but what's the alternative? Play online for free and experience lag in games and glitches that players take advantage of---no thank you! 360 is the best online gaming system out there. I had this current 360 for a long while now and no problems.

 

[DraXxus1549]

The xbox problems are pretty rare now, and xbox live is only $40 a year (price from Newegg.com) Thats like $3.33 a month. Not really a huge deal. Also for me the thing that influenced my decision to get an xbox the most is that fact that most of my friends have xbox's I don't know if your looking into a console for online gaming, but get what your friends have, its way more fun playing with friends that random people.

 

[Shamrocker]

I own both a PS3 and a 360 and my online gaming experience on 360 is second to none. Yeah, you pay to play online but what's the alternative? Play online for free and experience lag in games and glitches that players take advantage of---no thank you! 360 is the best online gaming system out there. I had this current 360 for a long while now and no problems.

Yeah, there's definitely a trade off... one you have to pay for, but you'll likely get more reliable service from the subscription-based provider. I imagine you'll probably get less abusive/inappropriate chat etc. on Xbox Live since if enough people complain about them, they might get their subscription canceled and their xbox black listed on the network. (Note: this is speculation and hearsay on my part... I only have a PS3)

 

[sonuvabum]

Just to be clear, I'm not looking to buy. This is just a parent trying to get some straight answers on what is possible with one of these units.

I don't understand the need for a webcam on an Xbox. I'm just trying to protect my kids and I can't do that without good intel.

Thanks for any help.

G-

 

[DraXxus1549]

There is absolutely no reason for a webcam with an xbox, I don't think any games make use of it other than being able to put your face into a game other than that they are useless. If or when you chose to purchase a console you really get go wrong with the Xbox or PS3 both are very good at what they do.

 

[Gavin]

There's no need to get a webcam at all as long as you can wait til the holidays when Project Natal comes out (hopefully). A webcam will of course be part of that.

Edited to add Linky

 

[KayakinBoy]

The xbox problems are pretty rare now

I've red ringed twice in the past 6 months. After getting a fan mod, I've been told this should work.

There's no need to get a webcam at all as long as you can wait til the holidays when Project Natal comes out (hopefully). A webcam will of course be part of that.

Edited to add Linky

I don't know about Project Natal, but if you have a camera and go into Uno (on Xbox Live Arcade), there's a good chance you'll see boobs. I bought Uno as just an unwind game, and 15 minutes in, I figured out, it's just a peep show.

 

[bfisher88]

The xbox problems are pretty rare now

I've red ringed twice in the past 6 months. After getting a fan mod, I've been told this should work.

There's no need to get a webcam at all as long as you can wait til the holidays when Project Natal comes out (hopefully). A webcam will of course be part of that.

Edited to add Linky

I don't know about Project Natal, but if you have a camera and go into Uno (on Xbox Live Arcade), there's a good chance you'll see boobs. I bought Uno as just an unwind game, and 15 minutes in, I figured out, it's just a peep show.

Good to know. Anyone need anything while I run to Wal-Mart? :thumbs: :thumbs:

 

[NASTY]

My co-worker allows his 12 year old son to play online but he can't use the headset. There is a lot of abusive and explicit language going on regardless of what platform you get. With the 360 you can submit a complaint on any person you choose and they'll have their account suspended eventually but it's just better banning the use of the headset :laugh: