This has been a huge problem with the X-Box 360s, especially with the initial release. I've done repairs on 11 X-Box 360s (and have two sitting in the room with me right now); the 3RLoD is the most common issue, but also an easily fixed one if you know what you're doing. I've made a killing on them by offering to repair them for $100 (much less than MS' fee), getting them shipped to me (or picking up, in two local cases), and repairing them same-day. I get $100 for two hours of work, they get their X-Box 360 back completely fixed for less than MS would charge and about 3 months and three weeks earlier. win-win. Don't let it dissuade you from picking up a 360 now though, the ones on the shelves now have, for the most part, had the issue resolved (weak/bad/unskilled/lazy chip soldering).
