I Shop and Tell

So… my Xbox 360 got the ‘Ring of Death’?

I got it a months ago and, to my great surprise, I didn’t miss it that much. I was busy at school and I didn’t really have any time for recreation, sadly. But now Christmas is approaching and games is one of the many things I enjoy receiving!

So… I saw this deal on GAME for an Xbox 360 Elite (hard-drive, pad, headphone, you name it), and two games – which, by sheer chance – I actually want for Christmas… all for £200! I personally think it’s an amazing deal. Now, my mum didn’t bother getting warranty on my 360 (even though I told her to, numerous times, might I add).

So, what I want to know is, how much would Microsoft charge to repair my 360? Would the cost be cheaper, or end up more? Bare in mind that I want the two games that come with the Elite, so it’s really £100 for the Elite with all the accessories.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated and welcomed. (:

The “Rings Of Death” are caused by a production issue. Basically in the solder flow process and Microsoft are all to aware of the problem. When the machine gets hot as processors do the poorly soldered areas start to expand and this is what causes the fault. There are various “Tricks” posted on the web. None better than sending it back or paying £40 to get it done properley buy a pro. Type XBox repair into Google.

Darren Perry – Ableton Game Pad Control – Grain Delay

eDimensional Wireless PS2 Gamepad NEW IN BOX Playstation 2 Force Feedback $6.99

Rumblepad 2 Logitech USB Gamepad w/ Dual Vibration Feedback Controller PC Mac $36.34

Macally iShock II USB Programmable Force-Feedback Gamepad $10.00

LOGITECH WINGMAN STRIKE FORCE 3D GAMEPAD USB FORCE FEEDBACK 963191-0403 $29.95

Two vibration feedback motors universal USB dual shock game gamepad controller $13.45

Macally Dual Shock Feedback Gamepad – Game pad – 13 button(s) ISHOCKX $34.99

MACALLY DUAL SHOCK FEEDBACK USB CONNECTED CONTROLLER JOYSTICK GAMEPAD FOR PC MAC $34.99

MACALLY DUAL SHOCK FEEDBACK GAMEPAD USB VIDEO GAMES CONTROLLER FOR MAC & PC. NEW $36.99

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Logitech Rumble Gamepad F510 $30.56 Vibration feedback lets you feel every hit, crash and explosion in your PC games. No matter what your game, you’ll have control for every race, battle or tournament. You can feel every hit, crash and explosion—dual vibration feedback makes your games more realistic and immersive. All the controls are just where you expect them to be thanks to the standard button layout of this gamepad….

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Macally iShockX Dual Shock Feedback Gamepad for Mac & PC $20.77 Macally iSHOCKX is a USB digital/analog game controller with dual shock feedback motors to bring you the thrilling experience of every hit, explosion and crash controlled by the game software. System requirements: Mac OS X 10.4 to 10.5 (Please Note: Currently iSHOCKX is not supported in Max OS 10.7, 64 bit mode — Please use 32-bit mode). Windows XP/Vista….

Frisby PC Computer Laptop USB 2.0 Game Controller Pad Dual- Shock $9.92 PC Computer Laptop USB 2.0 Game Controller Pad Add a thrilling dimension to your PC games with dual vibration feedback motors. Experience every bone-rattling crash and blind-side hit. Feels great in your hands and gives you all the controls you need to dominate the competition. The Frisby game controller for PC, Computer, Laptops makes your games more realistic that you will feel every crash, hi…

Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2 with Vibration Feedback (Black) $39.99 Experience the freedom and eliminate the clutter with the Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2. Logitech developed 2.4 GHz Cordless Freedom technology specifically for gaming 30 feet of freedom with no lag. With its two vibration feedback motors, you’ll experience every turn, bump, dip, and crash. And it feels great in your hands with its familiar button layout and all the controls you need to dominate….

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Logitech Dual Action Game Pad $21.99 1 1 Year 1 x 4-pin Type A Male USB 1 x 8-way D-pad 12 x Programmable Button 2 x Mini-sticks 4 x Trigger Button 963292-0403: FCC Feel the precision with two analog joysticks with digital buttons and smooth 360-degree action Enjoy the action with the comfortable feel of the grip Plug and Play PC: PC with Pentium processor or compatible 64 MB RAM 20 MB of available hard disk space CD-ROM drive USB port Windows 98, 2000, Me, or XP Mac: USB port Mac OS 9 or Mac OS 10.x or higher Profiler Software for PC: Customize button and force feedback functionality Double the number of buttons with the shift-button Quickly switch between game controllers Includes profiles for hundreds of popular games Easily download new game profiles Print out profiles for quick reference It is the ultimate precision instrument, whether you’re going for the tackle, the kill, the gold, or the finish line. The comfortable grip keeps you at the top of your game for hours of play, and the familiar design and layout of the action buttons and triggers will have you dominating in no time. Cable Dual Action Dual Action Game Pad Gaming Pad Logitech Mac PC RoHS USB Yes www.logitech.com

Mad Catz 200 Series Game Pad $9.99 200 200 Series Game Pad Sony PS One Sony PlayStation 2 The Mad Catz Game Pad controller has everything you need for superior control in all your favorite PS2 games. Experience improved game play with vibration feedback technology and optimized analog action buttons and joysticks. The signature grip area allows you to easily execute complicated moves. Action Button Gaming Pad Mad Catz Mad Catz, Inc Mini-sticks PS one PlayStation 2 mws582160-04-1 www.madcatz.com

Xbox 360 Game Pad – Black $24.99 Mad Catz Xbox 360 GamePad is officially licensed by Microsoft for use on the Xbox 360 gaming console. The Xbox 360 GamePad features analog triggers and joysticks. Licensed vibration feedback technology immerses you in the game letting you feel all the action. Product Features: Official licensed Mad Catz product Analog triggers, & joysticks Features vibration feedback technology PC USB compatible To purchase this product in CHILL, click here. Extras: TeamXbox.com – November 19, 2005Mad Catz GamPad Pro Review – Rating: 9.2 / 10… a must-have controller… – C�sar A. Berardini – Cesar TeamXbox.com – November 16, 2005Mad Catz Xbox 360 GamePad Pro Interview

Zero Gamers Mat $19.99 Gamer mouse pad with double sided mousing surfaces, gamers can adjust the zero gamers mat for speed or accuracy depending on game play

Logitech F710 Gaming Pad $45.99 1 Year Limited 1 x USB 10 x Programmable Button on Game Pad 2 x AA 2 x Mini-sticks on Game Pad 2 x Trigger on Game Pad 4 x Action Button on Game Pad 8-way D-pad on Game Pad 940-000117 F710 Gaming Pad Software CD User Documentation Plug-and-Forget Nano-receiver 2 x AA Batteries Range-extending Receiver Cable Operating Systems: Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Others: USB Port CD-ROM Drive Vibration feedback lets you feel every hit, crash and explosion in your PC games-with no cords to get in your way. Back Button on Game Pad F710 F710 Gaming Pad Gaming Pad Logitech PC Start Button on Game Pad USB Wireless Wireless – Radio Frequency Yes www.logitech.com

Mad Catz Cleveland Browns Wireless Game Pad Pro $34.99 108″ Cable 2 x Analog Control 8-way D-pad Impact resistant materials Comfortable size and tactile rubber grips for improved handling Powered by state of the art Mad Catz engineering, Mad Catz Xbox 360 GamePad Pro lets you upgrade your next generation gaming experience to a higher level. Now you can control the game with our official NFL Cleveland Browns licensed team controller. The responsive trigger geometry, next generation vibration feedback technology. Cable Cleveland Browns Wireless Game Pad Pro Gaming Pad Mad Catz Mad Catz, Inc NFL-CLB047261/04/1 Trigger USB Xbox 360 Yes www.madcatz.com

Mad Catz Denver Broncos Wireless Game Pad Pro $34.99 108″ Cable 2 x Analog Control 8-way D-pad Impact resistant materials Comfortable size and tactile rubber grips for improved handling Powered by state of the art Mad Catz engineering, Mad Catz Xbox 360 GamePad Pro lets you upgrade your next generation gaming experience to a higher level. Now you can control the game with our official NFL Denver Broncos licensed team controller. The responsive trigger geometry, next generation vibration feedback technology. Cable Denver Broncos Wireless Game Pad Pro Gaming Pad Mad Catz Mad Catz, Inc NFL-DEN047261/04/1 Trigger USB Xbox 360 Yes www.madcatz.com

Belkin n52te Tournament Edition Game Pad $79.99 1 x USB 8-way D-pad Adjustable soft-touch wrist pad for maximum comfort and endurance Easily toggle between 3 keymap states Programmable 8-way thumb pad with removable joystick Nonslip rubber pads grip in place for aggressive fragging 15 fully programmable keys built for complete customization and speed Enhanced tactile feedback and button responsiveness for rapid key presses Backlit keypad and scroll wheel for total control in dark conditions PC Mac Operating Systems: Windows XP/XP 64-bit, or Windows Vista/ Vista 64-bit Mac OS X v10.2.8 or above Windows XP/XP 64-bit, or Windows Vista/ Vista 64-bit Mac OS X v10.2.8 or above USB port CD or DVD drive 35MB free hard-disk space DirectX compatible video card n52te Tournament Edition Game Pad Quick Start Guide Nostromo Array Programming Software (Powered by Razer) Nostromo Whether your passion is rooted in FPS, MMORPG, or RTS games, Belkin’s n52te is built to dominate with swift execution. Gain a competitive edge with fully customizable keys, portable player profiles, cool blue backlighting, and Razer’s killer performance tools. Bring on all challengers and see why your n52te won’t be the only thing that’s lit up. Belkin Belkin International, Inc Cable F8GFPC200 Gaming Pad Lifetime Mac Mini-stick Button PC USB Yes n52te n52te Tournament Edition Game Pad www.belkin.com

CET Domain 10200301 Wireless Game Controller Joypad Pad for Xbox 360 $65.81 Wireless Controller for Microsoft XBOX 360. Two analog pressurepoint triggers two vibration feedback motors and one eightway directional pad. 2.4 GHz wireless technology with 30foot range. Adjustable vibration feedback for longer battery life. XBOX 360 Guide button allows you to keep track of your friends access your games and media. CONTENT. 1 x Wireless Game Controller for Microsoft XBOX 360. This item takes between 721 days to ship/arrive because it ships out of Hong Kong or China.

Gamecube Game Pad 200 Series $9.99 Gamecube Game Pad 200 Series

Innovations / GENESIS GAME PAD / 230312 $18.29 Innovations – GENESIS GAME PAD – 230312

Innovations / NES GAME PAD / 7-38012-48713-6 $17.31 Innovations – NES GAME PAD – 7-38012-48713-6

Mad Catz Green Bay Packers Wireless Game Pad Pro $34.99 108″ Cable 2 x Analog Control 8-way D-pad Impact resistant materials Comfortable size and tactile rubber grips for improved handling Powered by state of the art Mad Catz engineering, Mad Catz Xbox 360 GamePad Pro lets you upgrade your next generation gaming experience to a higher level. Now you can control the game with our official NFL Green Bay Packers licensed team controller. The responsive trigger geometry, next generation vibration feedback technology. Cable Gaming Pad Green Bay Packers Wireless Game Pad Pro Mad Catz Mad Catz, Inc NFL-GBP047261/04/1 Trigger USB Xbox 360 Yes www.madcatz.com

Nyko 87095 Gaming Pad $36.99 20 ft 87095 87095 Wand+ Game Pad Experience the most advanced Wii Remote alternative in the world with the Nyko Wand+. The Wand allows for complete control of all compatible Wii software and menus and features full accelerometer control support, vibration feedback, and built-in speaker as well as Nyko’s new Full Motion Technology. D-pad Gaming Pad Nyko Nyko Technologies, Inc Wii Wireless Wireless – Bluetooth Yes www.nyko.com

dreamGEAR DGPS3-1391 Gaming Pad $20.99 3 x AAA The Radium Wireless Controller for PS3 is designed for the player who demands the best in wireless gaming. It utilizes the latest 2.4 GHZ wireless technology for latency free game play and dual rumble motors for force feedback. Radium Wireless also features turbo function and ergonomic design for comfort. DGPS3-1391 DGPS3-1391 Radium Gaming Pad Dreamgear net, LLC Gaming Pad Metallic Blue PlayStation 3 Turbo Button Wireless Wireless – Radio Frequency Yes dreamGEAR www.dreamgear.net

dreamGEAR DGPS3-1392 Gaming Pad $20.99 3 x AAA The Radium Wireless Controller for PS3 is designed for the player who demands the best in wireless gaming. It utilizes the latest 2.4 GHZ wireless technology for latency free game play and dual rumble motors for force feedback. Radium Wireless also features turbo function and ergonomic design for comfort. DGPS3-1392 DGPS3-1392 Radium Gaming Pad Dreamgear net, LLC Gaming Pad Metallic Red PlayStation 3 Turbo Button Wireless Wireless – Radio Frequency Yes dreamGEAR www.dreamgear.net

dreamGEAR DGPS3-1393 Gaming Pad $20.99 3 x AAA The Radium Wireless Controller for PS3 is designed for the player who demands the best in wireless gaming. It utilizes the latest 2.4 GHZ wireless technology for latency free game play and dual rumble motors for force feedback. Radium Wireless also features turbo function and ergonomic design for comfort. DGPS3-1393 DGPS3-1393 Radium Gaming Pad Dreamgear net, LLC Gaming Pad PlayStation 3 Silver Turbo Button Wireless Wireless – Radio Frequency Yes dreamGEAR www.dreamgear.net

dreamGEAR DGPS3-1394 Gaming Pad $20.99 3 x AAA The Radium Wireless Controller for PS3 is designed for the player who demands the best in wireless gaming. It utilizes the latest 2.4 GHZ wireless technology for latency free game play and dual rumble motors for force feedback. Radium Wireless also features turbo function and ergonomic design for comfort. Black DGPS3-1394 DGPS3-1394 Radium Gaming Pad Dreamgear net, LLC Gaming Pad PlayStation 3 Turbo Button Wireless Wireless – Radio Frequency Yes dreamGEAR www.dreamgear.net

Microsoft Game Pad $38.99 1 x USB PC Microsoft XBox 360 Gaming Console C8G-00004 Cable Game Pad Gaming Pad Microsoft Microsoft Corporation PC USB Xbox 360 Yes www.microsoft.com

Sniper Rifle with Rumble Feedback for Wii (White) $38.99 HighlightsAuthentic looking sniper rifle with rumble feedback for the Wii provides realistic feel and sizeLightweightSniper scopeRumble feedback (requires 2XAA batteries) provides realistic feedback while used in gamesCable slot and top cover to easily organize your cables wireEasy C and Z button access on the Wii Nunchuk controllerPull trigger to push B button on the Wii RemoteSniper scope and front barrel stand for cosmetic appeal (not for game accuracy)SpecificationColor: WhiteDimensions (cm): 48.5 x 15.5 x 12Weight (Kg): 0.675Package Contents1 x Sniper Rifle for Wii

Samsung / Samsung SPH-A620 Game Pad Controller / AET171GSEC $16.42 Samsung – Samsung SPH-A620 Game Pad Controller – AET171GSEC

Steel Series / STEELSERIES GAME MOUSE PAD / 63005 $21.7 Steel Series – STEELSERIES GAME MOUSE PAD – 63005

T-Base Pad for End Game Standard $171.83 T-Base pad for end game standard.

CET Domain 10300104 White Game Joystick Controller Pad for Nintendo Gamecube Wii $26.78 Joystick pad Controller for Nintendo GameCube GC Wii. Compatible with Nintendo Wii and GameCube Console. With this Joypad Controller you can enjoy the incredible control and vibration feedback. Features include dual analog joysticks fully analog pressuresensitive action buttons and Dpad. Durable portable and light. Comfortable hand gripping. Special design for GameCube GC NGC Wii Game console. 4 Fire Buttons. CONTENT. 1 x Joystick Pad Controller for Nintendo Wii Gamecube. This item takes between 721 days to ship/arrive because it ships out of Hong Kong or China.

Game Standard Protective Pad $85.83 For use with our Econo Game Standard. 2″ polyurethane top padding for extra safety. Covered wtih a reinforced vinyl for longer life. Strong hook and loop strap keeps pad fastened together. Square padding size is 20″ W x 24″ L x 4″ H. This pad will cover the game standards completely, lessening the chances of injuries. Stocked in red, green and blue.