hey guys,

i wasn't planning on getting a 360 even if i had the extra cash to blow, but to my suprise someone has purchased a 360 for me. it is the cheaper core version without the hard drive and other stuff, though...but i plan on getting a harddrive for it ASAP.

now i haven't been keeping up to speed on all the 360 info in the past months since i wasn't planning on owning one myself...so naturally i have some questions.

it seems like everyone here wanted the premium package over the core..why is this?
what advantages does the premium 360 package have over the core system with the optional hard drive besides the additional accessories? willl my 360 still be backwards compatible, and will i still be able to play games over xbl? i've read that you won't be able to play over xbl or have backwards compatability with the core systems...or is this just true for those without the hard drive?

sorry if these are really stupid questions.