I noticed yesterday that I was not logged in when on the Xbox. Checked my router and port #3 was in yellow. Swapped my cable to other ports (#1 has my sons PC on it and #4 has his xbox on it and both were green and still working, #2 wasn't in use). No joy. Tried a couple new cables and still no luck. I am assuming a recent storm has somehow damaged port #3 as well as the NIC on my xbox (I've never had it happen this way, usually it just foils my entire router). WiFi on my router still works as evidenced with my laptop two other PC's, Ipod touch and PS3 and Wii.
I ordered one of the MS original wifi adapters, I know the dual antenna is better, but my router is about the height of my big screen TV away from the Xbox (sits on floor next to TV, xbox on top). I'm hoping this gets that xbox back online.
Anyway, it got me to thinking (and BTW, if you can think of anything for me to try to get the hardwired network goin on the Xbox, I'm all ears). I was looking at the new slim models and saw Amazon has pre order available for a Gears of War xbox with a 360GB drive and two controllers for 399. Same price as the 250GB that comes with kinect. I had a couple of questions for those in the know.
Are there games or accessories that would make having the kinect an advantage? I saw the new wireless 'wheel' and wondered if it was a stand alone controller or required use of kinect. Also, does anyone know if there are other limted consoles on the horizon, such as a BF3 or MW3 edition coming out in the future. I'm more in to those games than Gears, but I'd consider the pre order for the Gears console as my oldest son likes that particular game.
I'm hoping the Wifi gets my xbox back online, I'd take it to my dad's house for the boys to use, he has a wifi only modem/router from SBC.
Electrical surges are known to fry device ports, so that's very understandable. However, it may not have been the only damage done. Keep on eye on your router, and good deals on a new one, just in case it dies.
As of right now, nothing in Kinect's game library interests me. That may change next year, but so far there's nothing Kinect can offer me that justified the cost. If I had young children, I may consider it simply for the upcoming Sesame Street game. That games looks fantastic for kids.
Other than the Gears 3 console, I don't know of any others, but I thinks it's safe to assume there will be. Especially when it gets loser to the launch of the new 'Wii U', I'm sure Microsoft and Sony will be releasing new bundles to hold on to their marketshare.
I don't know much about the new racing wheel. Personally, I would prefer the older model just for the authentic feel. Holding a wheel in mid-air feels kind of silly to me, but that's me.
Got my wifi adapter in yesterday, one of the original models, the white with single antenna. Works like a charm (how does a charm actually work?) Anyway, it works, and I have one less cable. Considering getting one for my sons xbox and then I'd only have his PC using cat 5 to the router.
'Maybe' ethernet is faster, maybe its not. I'm on wireless internet, not quite as fast as DSL. I have had NO lag on my PS3 or Wii, and had none on the xbox last night in my racing game or MW2. I like the peace of mind knowing if I am out of town and a storm comes through, those components won't get zapped through the network.
So far, my router is working fine, just not port 3.