XBOX 360 R-I-P 04/06/06

[sku_u]

Well consider me a big kid. I'd rather have extended guaranteed service on a new product. I do realize though that some peoples wallets are tighter than others. It's all good.

 

It has nothing to do with the tightness of one's wallet. If a product is made to last, it should last beyond 2 years. If you do not have faith in it's viability, why are you even wasting your money on it? Let your money do the talking. If these megacorporations catch on that people are unwilling to spend $$$ on an inferior product, they will make sure that product will stand the test of time and actually build it to last. Look at the 2600. How many are still working almost 30 years later? Compare that with the 360 which is less than a year old and failing 20% of the time.

 

If you're the kind of person who researches the reliability of a product before buying it and checks out sources like Consumer Reports, you can relate to me. If you are the kind of person who sees a hot chick in a car commercial then runs to the car dealership to buy that car without researching the car or at least get a loan preapproval prior to showing up to buy a car, you will not relate to what I am trying to say.

[moycon]

You make a good point but I just like to protect investments.

Call me overly cautious. I like to prepare for the future and new technology is always flakey. Believe me, the product will meet my expectations or it will be returned and they will make it right I just don't want any hold up or hassles if it happens and less than $30 a year for that peace of mind is fine with me.

[+remowilliams]

Actually according to the internet the failure rate is now officially 100%

 

If you think you are an owner of a working 360, you should stop deluding yourself and give in.

[sku_u]

You make a good point but I just like to protect investments.

Call me overly cautious. I like to prepare for the future and new technology is always flakey. Believe me, the product will meet my expectations or it will be returned and they will make it right I just don't want any hold up or hassles if it happens and less than $30 a year for that peace of mind is fine with me.

 

Point taken. For me, it is a matter of principle and also a matter of over the past 6 years I bought 2 new cars, a washing machine, a dryer, a pricey microwave, 2 refigerators, a dishwasher, a stove, and a heating system. Chances are good nothing would fail on any of them after the initial 90 day warranty. The chances of all those products going wrong are non-existent. I would have spent nearly $500 on extended warranties on them that would have been wasted money. I wouldn't have been able to buy the 2nd fridge for the basement had I been overly cautious.

[sku_u]

Actually according to the internet the failure rate is now officially 100%

 

If you think you are an owner of a working 360, you should stop deluding yourself and give in.

 

According to what reliable source? According to reliable news sources (not message boards which are bad sources for news), the failure rate is nowhere near 100%. If you are going to make an outlandish accusation, back it up with some reliable facts.

[bjk7382]

Every 360 in the store displays in my town have Out of Order signs on them. So obviously there is something really wrong with it, or maybe the stores aren't doing anything to get them fixed.

[sku_u]

Every 360 in the store displays in my town have Out of Order signs on them. So obviously there is something really wrong with it, or maybe the stores aren't doing anything to get them fixed.

 

If they do have a high failure rate, Microsoft better buck up and issue a recall or they will in all likelihood have a lot of pissed off fanboys on their hands.

[NovaXpress]

I'm with sku. If a console breaks through no fault of my own within two years and I don't get a free replacement, I'll choose to not do business with that company again. I take care of my toys so any problems means a shoddy product.

 

I'm pretty sure that remo was making a sarcastic joke. But he 360 does seem to have a higher failure rate than most electronic items which means that MS needs to establish a fast, effective and free method of taking care of their customers before the autumn console wars begin.

[sku_u]

I like to prepare for the future and new technology is always flakey.

 

Why not wait until it is not so new? You'll not only save a lot of money as the market stabilizes, but you will end up with a new technology you know is not going to go the way of the Betamax, 8-track, Laserdisc, and PSP and will actually have its kinks worked out. I will in all likelihood purchase all three of the new generation of systems but will not do so until a few years have passed and each product has established itself. In the interim, I have about 10,000 videogame options for other systems that have proven themselves that will keep me more than happy and gaming.

[Hyper_Eye]

Actually according to the internet the failure rate is now officially 100%

 

If you think you are an owner of a working 360, you should stop deluding yourself and give in.

 

You need to back that up with a reliable source. Otherwise, stop making rediculous statements.

 

As I have said... I have a launch day console and it works FLAWLESSLY. I don't understand why fanboys feel good when they tear something down. I will feel good about my investment based on the quality of the product I receive and how well it fullfills my needs. I don't base it on what company makes it nor do I have to make myself feel better about my investment by tearing down the products competing with the one I purchased. I hope the 360, PS3, and Rev do well because competition will ALWAYS be good for the customers.

[moycon]

Point taken. For me, it is a matter of principle and also a matter of over the past 6 years I bought 2 new cars, a washing machine, a dryer, a pricey microwave, 2 refigerators, a dishwasher, a stove, and a heating system. Chances are good nothing would fail on any of them after the initial 90 day warranty.

 

Yep, I dont get warrenty's on appliences or even TVs. (Altho I was tempted to on one of the two HDTVs I bought recently just because of the cost of it.) Probably because (knock on wood) never had any issues with appliences before I felt I got my money's worth. If my $80 CD player last a year, I dont even mess with it, I go get another.

 

Cars...Always. Probably because when I bought my used Trans Am I also got the extended warrenty (for about $1200) and wound up using it to the extent of about $3000. Not only that but I can still remember when I was a kid and had old piece of crap cars that were always having issues. I always buy used cars, and it's nice to know the second I have an issue I can take it in and say fix it. On somthing that important I get the best dealership warrenty and let them deal with the car. It's a gamble for sure, maybe nothing will go wrong with the car. I don't care.... Like I said peace of mind.

[moycon]

I like to prepare for the future and new technology is always flakey.

 

Why not wait until it is not so new? You'll not only save a lot of money as the market stabilizes,

 

Believe me often I do. I picked up a Gamecube off ebay for like $260 shipped...It came with like 26 games, 3 controllers, Memory card.... the works. I bought my xbox the limited edition Halo verion for like $160 2 or 3 years after the launch. I did pick up the PS2 launch day and it sat around in my living room for a year, with one game in it Time Splitters. It was a ho-hum experience at best. I can't help it, the 360 really is awesome to me. I have to schedule chores around my playtime. It's like being a kid again LOL Trust me it's worth my $30 a year for the peace of mind to keep the feeling going. If Sony and Nintendo come out with something similar (The arcade, The points, the acheivements) So be it....and to be honest I doubt I'll get the extended warrenty on those products, because at that point, if one of them breaks down it will probably make my life easier anyways (Less decisions on what to play)....right now this is all new and great fun and I wanna insure it keeps up.

[NovaXpress]

I always buy new cars (after months of pouring over Consumer Reports and the like) so the warranty comes as part of the package.

 

Face it, warranties are insurance. When you buy a plan, you are betting that you'll need a replacement which would cost you more than then warranty price. The company is betting that the total value of replacements comes out to be less than the total income from extended warranties. I don't like to bet on needing a replacement. I'd rather eat the cost and boycott the company in the future. That's just the kind of consumer I am.

[moycon]

Yep two different consumers do things differently hu? The issues I have with new cars is if you paid $23,000 (Thats pretty damn cheap for a new car these days I know but work with me) for a car and then turned around and sold it that day, you'd probably get $18,000 for it. Not to mention the warranties on cars are usually like to 36 months, 36,000 miles aren't they? Toyota's are anyways. I drive the hell out of a car. I dont want or need a new car every 3 years. I got like the Gold dealership extended warranty the Toyota Carrola I have to drive to work can break down anywhere between now (like 58,000) miles and 100,000 miles or 5 years..... I have no worries.

 

I paid $6,999 for it about 2 years ago and in fact it's been paid off for months. (Actually I paid off the home equity line I put it on shortly after I bought it since I can write off the interest) I don't think I've had a car payment for about 8 or 9 months now in fact. The $1200 was built into the original financing of the car. Call me a sucker for getting the extended warranty...Just makes sense to me. Just curious....How much do you pay a month for your car Nova?

Edited April 13, 2006 by moycon

[NovaXpress]

I paid the fucker off with one of my year-end bonuses, so I'm sitting fine right now. I was dropping almost $400 a month on it. I am totally ignorant on car repair, so used cars are too much hassle for me. For someone who knows basic automotive maintenance and repair, a used car seems very sensible. I will pay more just to avoid occasional repair stops. I have road service as part of my 10-year 100,000 mile warranty and since I work from home, I'll sell this car long before the warranty runs out (I'm already sniffing around).

[moycon]

Good deal.

Not having a car payment is one of the best things in the world. Takes a load off the brain anyways....the "peace of mind meter" goes way up after the pink slip comes.

 

My year end bonus and tax return is still in the bank minus the $$ I spent on Xbox 360. Lets just say I want to make sure as much of it stays there as possible and it's worth the less than $30 gamble a year that I wont have to spend $75+ later especially with the "issues" surrounding the Xbox 360.

Edited April 13, 2006 by moycon

[NovaXpress]

We have different goals and we're each doing the right things for ourselves.

 

I would truly be more pissed about paying a 12% warranty tax than I would be about throwing the whole damn system in the trash, telling Bill Gates to screw himself, and returning to my 7800.

[sku_u]

Yep two different consumers do things differently hu? The issues I have with new cars is if you paid $23,000 (Thats pretty damn cheap for a new car these days I know but work with me) for a car and then turned around and sold it that day, you'd probably get $18,000 for it. Not to mention the warranties on cars are usually like to 36 months, 36,000 miles aren't they? Toyota's are anyways. I drive the hell out of a car. I dont want or need a new car every 3 years. I got like the Gold dealership extended warranty the Toyota Carrola I have to drive to work can break down anywhere between now (like 58,000) miles and 100,000 miles or 5 years..... I have no worries.

 

Even though we've gotten completely off topic here:

 

I always buy my cars new. The last two I purchased, I bought based on gas mileage, reliability and customer satisfaction reports (the most important things to me when buying a car). When I buy a car, however, I hold onto it until it is so far gone that the junk yards don't want it. My last car I sold for $150 for parts as it was a 1986 Escort with over 100,000 miles on it. My wife's Rav 4 currently has 200,000 miles on its original clutch and is still going strong.

[Atarifever]

Actually according to the internet the failure rate is now officially 100%

 

If you think you are an owner of a working 360, you should stop deluding yourself and give in.

 

According to what reliable source? According to reliable news sources (not message boards which are bad sources for news), the failure rate is nowhere near 100%. If you are going to make an outlandish accusation, back it up with some reliable facts.

I believe remo is being sarcastic. Isn't he an xbox fan?

[SomeGuyWithDSL]

I got the red ring of death when I first plugged in my 360 on launch night (at about 1:30 ). EEEK!!! Then I realized I didn't have the video cable plugged all the way in.

 

I had exactly the same experience. Freaked me out. Fortunately, mine has worked flawlessly since then.

[sku_u]

Actually according to the internet the failure rate is now officially 100%

 

If you think you are an owner of a working 360, you should stop deluding yourself and give in.

 

According to what reliable source? According to reliable news sources (not message boards which are bad sources for news), the failure rate is nowhere near 100%. If you are going to make an outlandish accusation, back it up with some reliable facts.

I believe remo is being sarcastic. Isn't he an xbox fan?

 

I'm not familiar with who's a fan of what system here, so if he is, awesome. If not, back up the statement.

[GrizzLee]

Back on topic here.....

 

Update 04/12/06 (yesterday afternoon):

 

I received my XBOX 360 shipping box today. It arrived a couple days sooner than the week that I was originally told.

 

Excitedly, I package it up per the enclosed instructions (see attachment) and call UPS for pickup (see line 8 of the instructions).

After being on the UPS hold line for a few minutes I was told that MS would not pay for the onsite pick-up by UPS. I explained the instructions as stated in line 8 of my attached instructions from MS. No dice.

 

Line 8 reads as follows:

“ 8. Contact UPS at 1-800-743-5877 to arrange a pick up. Indicate that any pick up service fees (if applicable) should be billed back to the original shipper.”

 

So, I call into MS support again (my 3rd call). After waiting for ~10 mins I get a gal named Simran (I ask here to spell out her name to me). I explain my situation and she puts me on hold. Approx another 10 mins pass and finally another lady, Juwire speaks to me (heh, I’m not making up these names up… again, I asked her to spell her name out for me). I explain to her that I am trying to follow the instructions that MS provided regarding the packaging. She stated that was a mistake on their part. I asked if I could get them to honor their bargain here. She put me on hold for another 10 mins (I assumed that she was going to bring a manager to chat with me). She came back and stated that they were not going to do anything and that I had to pay for the pick up myself (UPS quoted me $10). I asked to speak with here superiors and she stated that no managers were available at this time (I began my call at 4:30 pm PST) and if I didn’t have any other questions she would hang up on me. Again, I asked about a refund. She stated that I could return it to where I bought it (yeah right!.. Frye’s told me to deal with MS support). When I began to ask if she could have a manager call me back, she hung up on me. I looked at the clock and it was now 5:30 pm PST. So I was on the line for an hour and no resolution. A multi-billion dollar corporation refused to help me with a defective product after all of the money I have spent on their products. This has been more than a very frustrating experience so far.

 

I guess I will take the next steps and file with a consumer advocacy group and the better business bureau here in Washington. I want folks to know what they can expect when their expensive MS product breaks. I wish there was another customer support line I could call at MS. However, I suspect they all go to India and getting someone who cares is an improbability.

 

Again, I have nothing but praise for their Japanese competition who reside on the other side of the road from MS. They have always been friendly and provided a personable approach to consumer support. MS doesn’t make me feel at like they are a caring corporation. You’d think with the billions that MS invested in this market that would get a clue as to whom and why folks buy their products. They don’t, and their arrogance is going to bit them in the arse someday.

 

-Lee

Edited April 13, 2006 by Lee Krueger

[Hyper_Eye]

I have never called the XBox Live support and not gotten an American. Try calling them and see if they can route you to the right place.

[vdub_bobby]

On topic? What?

 

Anyway, to get back off-topic-on-topic, you don't have to know basic automotive repair to buy a used car.

 

Just buy used cars that are less than 3 years old - then you have an essentially new car but without paying the worthless new-car premium.

 

And furthermore...to say you avoid used cars because you can't perform repairs on them is silly unless you buy a new car every 1-3 years, since after 2 years you've just become the owner of a used car.

[MCHufnagel]

Back on topic here.....

 

Update 04/12/06 (yesterday afternoon):

 

I received my XBOX 360 shipping box today. It arrived a couple days sooner than the week that I was originally told.

 

Excitedly, I package it up per the enclosed instructions (see attachment) and call UPS for pickup (see line 8 of the instructions).

After being on the UPS hold line for a few minutes I was told that MS would not pay for the onsite pick-up by UPS. I explained the instructions as stated in line 8 of my attached instructions from MS. No dice.

 

Line 8 reads as follows:

“ 8. Contact UPS at 1-800-743-5877 to arrange a pick up. Indicate that any pick up service fees (if applicable) should be billed back to the original shipper.”

 

So, I call into MS support again (my 3rd call). After waiting for ~10 mins I get a gal named Simran (I ask here to spell out her name to me). I explain my situation and she puts me on hold. Approx another 10 mins pass and finally another lady, Juwire speaks to me (heh, I’m not making up these names up… again, I asked her to spell her name out for me). I explain to her that I am trying to follow the instructions that MS provided regarding the packaging. She stated that was a mistake on their part. I asked if I could get them to honor their bargain here. She put me on hold for another 10 mins (I assumed that she was going to bring a manager to chat with me). She came back and stated that they were not going to do anything and that I had to pay for the pick up myself (UPS quoted me $10). I asked to speak with here superiors and she stated that no managers were available at this time (I began my call at 4:30 pm PST) and if I didn’t have any other questions she would hang up on me. Again, I asked about a refund. She stated that I could return it to where I bought it (yeah right!.. Frye’s told me to deal with MS support). When I began to ask if she could have a manager call me back, she hung up on me. I looked at the clock and it was now 5:30 pm PST. So I was on the line for an hour and no resolution. A multi-billion dollar corporation refused to help me with a defective product after all of the money I have spent on their products. This has been more than a very frustrating experience so far.

 

I guess I will take the next steps and file with a consumer advocacy group and the better business bureau here in Washington. I want folks to know what they can expect when their expensive MS product breaks. I wish there was another customer support line I could call at MS. However, I suspect they all go to India and getting someone who cares is an improbability.

 

Again, I have nothing but praise for their Japanese competition who reside on the other side of the road from MS. They have always been friendly and provided a personable approach to consumer support. MS doesn’t make me feel at like they are a caring corporation. You’d think with the billions that MS invested in this market that would get a clue as to whom and why folks buy their products. They don’t, and their arrogance is going to bit them in the arse someday.

 

-Lee

This is complete BS on MS's part. I would call again and raise hell with them. Call at a different time to talk to a manager. Tell them that since they sent you instructions that they are paying for shipping, they are obligated to pay for it. Does MS have a website you can go to to bitch about this poor service?

 

As much as I didn't believe that there were excessive X360 problems, maybe there are if MS has decided to quit paying for shipping after getting all of those instructions printed up.

 

My decision to be a cheapass and wait to buy a new console has once again been vindicated.