The problem is that out of the box the xbox isn't that useful, for $179 all you get is the hardware. At the minimum you'll need a mod chip which will run you about $50 + shipping, so the price is now up to $229. Also, you'll need more than the one controller that comes with it (unless you like playing with yourself!) so thats another $30 a piece. And if you want to play any games on your liberated xbox thats another $50 * # of games. The real price is much closer to $250 - $300.
The problem is that out of the box the xbox isn't that useful, for $179 all you get is the hardware. At the minimum you'll need a mod chip which will run you about $50 + shipping, so the price is now up to $229. Also, you'll need more than the one controller that comes with it (unless you like playing with yourself!) so thats another $30 a piece. And if you want to play any games on your liberated xbox thats another $50 * # of games. The real price is much closer to $250 - $300.