Seen the new Slim X-box?
Checking out the features on the new Xbox 350 IGN according to Engadget, Joystiq, Gizmodo, and others, this system was redesigned to address 2 specific issues.
1. Heat - Issue has been resolved with the new single 45nm chip, in addition to better heat sinks and fan
2. Noise - All reviewers are saying that this unit is much quieter than any other 360 on the market.
The new system also comes with a wireless controller, wifi, and a 250GB HDD.
You can also supplement your 360's memory and make it more portable now with a nice chunk of USB memory now but it's a good idea to get a fast performing reliable USB flash drive.
Microsoft has confirmed the Xbox 360 will be receiving USB hard drive support in a system update available on April 6. As detailed in a leaked report from last week, the update allows users to store "profiles, game saves, demos and more," according to the announcement.
Once the update is installed, you'll be allowed to insert any USB hard drive into the console, however, the drive must first be configured. The system will then conduct a one time "performance and integrity check" to confirm the drive is working properly.
Users can then set how much space they want to use on the drive, but only up to 16GB each. The remaining space can be accessible by your PC or Mac computer. USB flash drives are also compatible with this update, which Microsoft's Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb suggests you use instead of a standard hard disk drive.
"I highly recommend using flash based instead of spinning media like a hard drive…it's just going to give you a MUCH better experience," he said.
Users can connect up to two drives at one time, allowing for a total of 32GB, and drive configuration must be done manually through the menu. It will not be automatic. The two options are: "Configure Now (Format and Configure the Full Device), or Customize (you can choose how much memory you want configured for Xbox 360 from the free space on the device.)"
Microsoft is also partnering with SanDisk to release a Xbox 360 branded flash drive in May that comes pre-configured.
Looking at this chart for instance the patriot dash looks like a nice choice at 16Gig:
