What can I turn an Xbox 360 (with a dead DVD drive) into?
October 23, 2008 6:57 AM Subscribe
What can I do with an Xbox 360 that has a dead dvd drive?
I've got an urge to tear apart an Xbox 360. I can purchase one with a dead DVD drive for really cheap. I'm curious what kind of things the creative people at MetaFilter can come up with.
I'm even open to really creative (possibly destructive) ideas.
I've got an urge to tear apart an Xbox 360. I can purchase one with a dead DVD drive for really cheap. I'm curious what kind of things the creative people at MetaFilter can come up with.
I'm even open to really creative (possibly destructive) ideas.
Best answer: I would experiment with the numerous hacks that exist out there, If you are ready to give up on it why not try and see what exciting things can be done.
http://www.yikers.com/video_full_tutorial_on_how_to_hack_your_xbox_360.html
posted by Ponderance at 7:39 AM on October 23, 2008
http://www.yikers.com/video_full_tutorial_on_how_to_hack_your_xbox_360.html
posted by Ponderance at 7:39 AM on October 23, 2008
Use it to play some of the absolutely awesome Xbox Live Arcade titles that are out. And you can watch movies and TV shows through the console now.
/kinda obvious but worthy of attention
posted by slimepuppy at 7:45 AM on October 23, 2008
/kinda obvious but worthy of attention
posted by slimepuppy at 7:45 AM on October 23, 2008
Come November you'll be able to use it as a Netflix-watching box. Just like the Raku.
Be aware that this thing is an electricity hog, so if you're going to use it as a replacement for something else, you may end up paying more in the long run
posted by GilloD at 7:55 AM on October 23, 2008
Be aware that this thing is an electricity hog, so if you're going to use it as a replacement for something else, you may end up paying more in the long run
posted by GilloD at 7:55 AM on October 23, 2008
We turned ours into a really nice night light :) No really, it's pretty cool. It has a clear cover and blue lights inside.
posted by iconomy at 8:19 AM on October 23, 2008
posted by iconomy at 8:19 AM on October 23, 2008
I've heard from my friend that you need to find a DVD drive that's either identical to your current one, or buy a different drive and flash the firmware. It sounds like a somewhat difficult process, but you seem up to it. Try your luck on eBay.
Also, my roommate once opened his Xbox 360 to try to fix something, and it took him a long time to get inside. He wanted me to hold it open while he worked on clipping open the tabs, and he had done it several times before, so you may want another set of hands. Not too user friendly. Of course, if you can do something cool with it, it's all worth it. You could probably install a hacked firmware and do some cool things after you get the drive. Even the official stuff sounds pretty fun. I'll be watching this thread closely, as a friend is offering to sell me an Xbox 360 with a dead DVD drive, too.
posted by mccarty.tim at 8:29 AM on October 23, 2008
Also, my roommate once opened his Xbox 360 to try to fix something, and it took him a long time to get inside. He wanted me to hold it open while he worked on clipping open the tabs, and he had done it several times before, so you may want another set of hands. Not too user friendly. Of course, if you can do something cool with it, it's all worth it. You could probably install a hacked firmware and do some cool things after you get the drive. Even the official stuff sounds pretty fun. I'll be watching this thread closely, as a friend is offering to sell me an Xbox 360 with a dead DVD drive, too.
posted by mccarty.tim at 8:29 AM on October 23, 2008
The 360 is a great media center. Note that Netflix requires Xbox Live Gold, which is something like $60/year. I believe that the arcade titles require Gold as well, though I'm not sure.
posted by mkultra at 8:42 AM on October 23, 2008
posted by mkultra at 8:42 AM on October 23, 2008
@Mkultra: If the Xbox 360 and a computer with Windows Media Center (Vista Home Premium or better, Windows XP Media Center), you don't need LIVE for Netflix. You can use vmcNetflix, a plug-in for Windows Media Center, and use the Xbox 360 as a Media center extender. Granted, this does involve a computer, so you may want to go for LIVE anyway. If you get games working, you'll probably want LIVE anyway, because online gaming seems to be one of the Xbox's biggest draws.
posted by mccarty.tim at 9:33 AM on October 23, 2008
posted by mccarty.tim at 9:33 AM on October 23, 2008
Right! Forgot about that. Unfortunately I've got a Mac, and Connect360 doesn't support that...
posted by mkultra at 9:47 AM on October 23, 2008
posted by mkultra at 9:47 AM on October 23, 2008
Response by poster: Thanks for all of the input. If I get the Xbox, I'll definitely try some of these suggestions.
I'm still open to other suggestions.
Does anyone have any good resources on running a completely different OS, or software on the 360?
posted by HC Foo at 10:26 AM on October 23, 2008
I'm still open to other suggestions.
Does anyone have any good resources on running a completely different OS, or software on the 360?
posted by HC Foo at 10:26 AM on October 23, 2008
Can the system use an HD-DVD drive instead? I see the XBOX 360 HD-DVD add-on drive for sale really cheap all over the place.
posted by MonsieurBon at 11:44 AM on October 23, 2008
posted by MonsieurBon at 11:44 AM on October 23, 2008
XBox Live Gold is cheaper than $60/year. You just need to google a bit.
posted by longdaysjourney at 11:48 AM on October 23, 2008
posted by longdaysjourney at 11:48 AM on October 23, 2008
I believe that the arcade titles require Gold as well, though I'm not sure.
You can buy stuff from the marketplace with a Silver (free) account. It's just online multiplayer you need Gold for.
posted by EndsOfInvention at 2:32 PM on October 23, 2008
You can buy stuff from the marketplace with a Silver (free) account. It's just online multiplayer you need Gold for.
posted by EndsOfInvention at 2:32 PM on October 23, 2008
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posted by Inspector.Gadget at 7:08 AM on October 23, 2008