With my love of Rock Band, and the coming release of Rock Band 2, I get more and more despondent about the PS2 version's lack of downloadable content, and the likely lack of RB2 for that console. Thus, I am getting more and more tempted to get an Xbox, but I am kind of clueless about a few issues. Since I know a lot of you have them, I was hoping for some guidance. Here goes:

How much hard drive capacity do I really need if my main use will be downloading Rock Band (and I guess Guitar Hero) tracks? Will 20 GB do, or will that fill up too quickly?

Am I correct that it does not have built-in wireless, and I need to spring for the network adapter, which seems to me to be kinda overpriced?

Once it has wireless capability, how good is its reception? My router is currently on the top floor of my house, and the xbox will be in the basement, and the signal down there is kinda weak. I know I could relocate the router, but if this proves to be a problem for other users in my house, what would be my least expensive options to boost the signal if I need to?

Thanks for any and all advice!!!

another option from the wireless, although I'm not sure how well it will work going from the second floor to the basement is to use one of these:
SlingLink Turbo PowerLine A/V Ethernet Adapter Kit

This will allow you to use your power outlet for a network jack. I use one to connect my Internet radio receiver without buying a wireless bridge that required me to turn off wireless security.

It depends on what else your going to use the console for. Xbox can be pricey

( this is from Ebgames.com )

Xbox 360 =$299.99
Wireless = $99.99 ( they are 3rd party wireless for xbox 360)
Rockband = $109.99

My recommendation is to look at the xbox games library to see if its worth the investment

As for the 20 gig hard drive it should be more than enough for the songs

Fox is trying to get mine to go wireless atm... will let you know how it goes!

And you should totally get the XBOX. It rules. Period.

And check ebay for cheaper prices. That's where I got ours. I think I ended up paying around $180 and it came with all the goodies.

And check ebay for cheaper prices. That's where I got ours. I think I ended up paying around $180 and it came with all the goodies.

Yeah, I was thinking of doing that, but I'm a bit nervous given the stories I heard about xbox 360 failures. Or is that all in the past now?

You've gotta put your behind in your past.

some ebay sellers have the extended warranty you can purchase for like $20.

20GB is fine, although if you were going to buy a new one you should probably just own up and get the xbox elite, it's going to come with everything you need.

The wireless is pretty good on it, I could never find the third party one so had to drop the $100 on the official version. It's only 802.11b though, so you need to make sure your router is producing that.

I got the Pelican Wireless Network Adapter, works ok ( for under 70 canadian)

It plugs into your ethernet port

Sapph has the official version and it works with the Super Duper Uber Router that her work provided for her at home.

In the ten minutes I was fiddling around with it, it seemed to be a little slower than the wired version. The menus loaded a little slower but the downloads seemed to come in at around the same speed.

The most important part is that the 50 foot bright blue ethernet cable no longer has to be run from upstairs to downstairs! :)

I pulled the trigger yesterday. So far I really like it, but I haven't had much time to play and I have only Orange Box and the Aerosmith Guitar Hero. Still haven't figured out how to get online; I moved my router and cable modem to the main floor of my house (my computer is upstairs and the xbox is in the basement) so if I go the wireless route, I'll have a decent signal in the basement. I suppose I could also get a huge-ass ethernet cable. I'll let you know when i'm on xbox live!

Thanks for all the advice!