Xbox 360 "core" ( or "arcade")
Xbox 360 "premium"
Xbox 360 "elite"
Is it just the price of the consoles? or is it something to do with memory/hard drive space?
i dont know much about games consoles, but im buying one as a suprise gift, so any help you can give would be appreciated!
thanks! 
Retail configurations
The Xbox 360 is available in three standard variants; the "Xbox 360 Arcade", the "Xbox 360 Pro" (sometimes shortened to simply "Xbox 360"), and the "Xbox 360 Elite".[11] A discontinued SKU, the "Xbox 360 Core", was replaced by the "Xbox 360 Arcade" in October 2007.[12] The 60 GB version of the Xbox 360 Pro was released on August 1, 2008.
Xbox 360 CoreThe Xbox 360 Core (discontinued)[13] was an entry level Xbox 360. The "Core" is no longer produced, having been replaced by the Xbox 360 Arcade.[11] It was not originally available in Japan, but was later released on November 2, 2006.[14] The Core system came bundled with composite video cables, capable of only SDTV resolutions, but newer models with lot number 0728 or greater have an HDMI 1.2 output. The Core may output HD signals up to 1080p when connected to separately sold HDMI, Component, or VGA cables. It may also utilize a separately sold 20, 60 or 120 GB hard drive. Unlike all other SKUs, it shipped with a wired version of the Xbox 360 controller, instead of the wireless version found in other SKUs.
Xbox 360 ArcadeThe Xbox 360 Arcade[15] is the entry level for the Xbox 360. On October 23, it replaced the "Xbox 360 Core" and maintained the price of $279.99.[16] It was publicly revealed (though it was available in stores far earlier)[15] by Microsoft's president of Entertainment Devices division Robbie Bach to the Financial Times on October 18, 2007,[17] and officially announced on October 22, 2007.[12] It includes a wireless controller, composite AV cable, HDMI 1.2 output, an internal 256 MB memory chip [18] (units released prior to fall 2008 included a 256 MB memory unit), and 5 Xbox Live Arcade titles:[19] Boom Boom Rocket, Feeding Frenzy, Luxor 2, Pac-Man Championship Edition, and Uno on a single disk, which also includes a "Welcome Video" and several game trailers/demos.[20] Holiday 2008 consoles are bundled with Sega Superstars Tennis.[21]
Xbox 360 ProThe Xbox 360 Pro[22] (sometimes referred to as Premium and packaged as simply Xbox 360 with the subheading "Go Pro") includes all the features of the Xbox 360 Arcade and includes a hybrid composite and component cable with optional optical out instead of a composite cable. This model also includes a detachable 60 GB Hard Disk Drive (previously a 20 GB HDD) to store downloaded content, provide compatibility with original Xbox games, and store game data. The included hard drive comes with game demos, video clips and a free Live Arcade game, Hexic HD. In July 2007, this version of the Xbox 360 began appearing with the Zephyr motherboard (the motherboard used in the Elite) which features HDMI 1.2 output and an improved GPU heatsink. Although this package does include an HDMI 1.2 output, it does not come with HDMI 1.2 cables.[23][24] Starting at the end of September 2007, the newest systems were shipped with the new "Falcon" motherboard. This motherboard includes the new 65-nm CPUs, making them quieter and cooler than the older systems.[25] On August 1, 2008, the 20 GB Xbox 360 was discontinued and was replaced by a 60 GB HDD model at the same price. Holiday 2008 consoles are bundled with Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures and Kung Fu Panda.[21]
Xbox 360 EliteThe Xbox 360 Elite is the most expensive variation of the console. It includes a 120 GB hard drive and a matte black finish. The Elite retail package also includes an HDMI 1.2 cable and a controller and headset that match the system's black finish.[26] The initial release price was US$479.99,[27] C$549.99,[27] £299.99, and AU$729.95. The Elite was released in Europe on August 24, 2007, and Australia on August 30, 2007. Early Elite models shipped using the Zephyr motherboard, though newer models now use the Falcon 65 nm chipset instead. These Elites (and other Xbox 360 models using the Falcon) can be identified from earlier versions by a re-designed power connector and a power supply that runs at 175w. The motherboard layout is also different. Holiday 2008 consoles are bundled with Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures and Kung Fu Panda.[21]
powered by Yahoo Answers