QUOTE(SOLE2000 @ Oct 17 2006, 01:16 PM)

Hey all, I'm about ready to move from my XBox to a 360, and will definitely go for a platinum unit. However, I've been trying to read up on internet and especially the forum to make sure I can properly mod, and it seems that the forums pretty much assume that you know the "basics", so I really haven't found the answer. So here goes:
1. What's the difference between firmware modding the DVD drive and chip modding the 360? I've been to Divineo and seen various chips available, but want to make sure I actually need one to play backups on my unit.
2. When I decide how to mod my 360 (assuming that you can do either/or with modchip/firmware) which one is recommended? I don't have soldering experience, but can get someone to do so if necessary.
3. I've found a there are a couple of drives installed in the 360, LG/Hitachis, and Samsungs. Are both moddable, either through modchips or firmware updates?
4. I'd buy my 360 online, probably through a site like amazon. Is there a way to know what drive is coming with my unit, or could there be a site out there (for US) that I can actually choose which DVD unit I can purchase?
5. In the event of a firmware mod, I've seen that I can either take out the DVD unit and install in a desktop pc, or install a chip to do the modding via USB. I would imagine that since the USB option is being offered, it's because the modding of the firmware would be quite often, or is it just a one shot deal and more a way to do the modding simply by connecting a laptop via USB?
Sorry if these seem like almost kindergarden like questions, but just want to be sure. Also, if you can let me know how it's gone with modding your 360 to make a final decision, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thanxs!!
We try not to do hand-holding around here. To give you links to all of the information you requested I would have to do a search. If you're planning on doing all this to your xbox, the least you can do is search for the information like the rest of us would have to do in order to help you.