I was wondering how long it would take for him to start trolling here.
Gimme a break. You guys have problems, I gave you an answer that would solve these problems. Thats not Trolling, thats genuinely trying to assist. You're like a women who keeps being beaten, and asks for advice, but refuses to listen to the most obvious, simple and effective one - "Leave him".
Not to make too big a deal of this, but you do this too often, and it's starting to colour my perception of the your other posts, which I don't want. At present, the 360 is a better value, with better games, for some people. Bear in mind that I did not just make a blanket statement there. Not everyone will agree, however you must at least recognize that many people see advantages to the 360 over the PS3.
Also, some folks just have both and therefore don't have to show constant blatant favoritism in defense of their purchase. (poke)
Therefore, when a thread opens up asking about recommended care for a sensitive electronic device that the thread owner has already purchased, totally disregarding the question and dropping the blanket statement, "Buy something else," isn't helpful.
And when it's *me* accusing someone of being unhelpful in a thread, that person should know that they have been burned. It'd be like Hayden Christianson calling you a hack.
We get it, you can't afford both systems and/or don't see the value in the 360. Your opinion, however, is not the popular one. Most of us can enjoy the merits of both and don't feel the need to drop a "Mine's bigger" line every time someone states that they might be enjoying a particular console.
- J
If I can offer my services, I'll translate tiredinnuendo's rational discourse into a language ultrajoe is more comfortable with:
360 RULZ!!!! ANYONE WHO DOESN'T THINK SO IS A TERRORIST!!!!11!!
I was wondering how long it would take for him to start trolling here.
Gimme a break. You guys have problems, I gave you an answer that would solve these problems. Thats not Trolling, thats genuinely trying to assist. You're like a women who keeps being beaten, and asks for advice, but refuses to listen to the most obvious, simple and effective one - "Leave him".
Not to make too big a deal of this, but you do this too often, and it's starting to colour my perception of the your other posts, which I don't want. At present, the 360 is a better value, with better games, for some people. Bear in mind that I did not just make a blanket statement there. Not everyone will agree, however you must at least recognize that many people see advantages to the 360 over the PS3.
Also, some folks just have both and therefore don't have to show constant blatant favoritism in defense of their purchase. (poke)
Therefore, when a thread opens up asking about recommended care for a sensitive electronic device that the thread owner has already purchased, totally disregarding the question and dropping the blanket statement, "Buy something else," isn't helpful.
And when it's *me* accusing someone of being unhelpful in a thread, that person should know that they have been burned. It'd be like Hayden Christianson calling you a hack.
We get it, you can't afford both systems and/or don't see the value in the 360. Your opinion, however, is not the popular one. Most of us can enjoy the merits of both and don't feel the need to drop a "Mine's bigger" line every time someone states that they might be enjoying a particular console.
- J
If I can offer my services, I'll translate tiredinnuendo's rational discourse into a language ultrajoe is more comfortable with:
360 RULZ!!!! ANYONE WHO DOESN'T THINK SO IS A TERRORIST!!!!11!!
Me... i treat it like any other Microsoft peice of equipment I own.
When it stops working abuse it until it starts working... that or give it more valid reason of why it is broken. usually it is a 'it doesn't work because it has been dismantled/destroyed' excuse on some of my other microsoft made equipment.
I've had my current 360 for 6 months (had one arbitrarily stop reading discs after a year) and she's been working like a dream. Basically, hope nothing happens. If it does, grit your teeth and call tech support. Not much else you can do. Other than treat her like a goddess, but that may give her a prima donna complex.
Nothing special, really, that I haven't done with my other electronics.
I don't move it while it's in operation (which is something you should avoid doing with anything with a disc in it... unless it's designed for portable play) and keep it in a stable and well-ventilated media cabinet. I keep mine horizontal more out of convenience (it fits better in the cabinet that way) than anything else. And I keep the power brick well away from the console to keep each part's waste heat from affecting the other.
Mine worked perfectly for a couple years, then my brother went to Uni and paid me for my half of the console.
It then bricked.
My shiny new one seems ok, so I'm just hoping the gods of microsoft are on my side. Overall though I think it's just the roll of a dice if it'll brick or not.
I've had my 360 for just over a year. A friend of mine had his a few months longer. In both cases we have them sitting on shelves along with every other console we've owned since 1988 (for those of you who talk about "special treatment"). I've heard anecdotal evidence from people I don't know regarding 360 failures, but from personal experience and those of friends I've come to the conclusion that everyone else must be jamming peanut butter into their's or something.
I'm on my third 360 right now, and I can honestly say there isn't much you can do to prevent it from bricking. I've always kept my 360 in open air, never played too long, kept is dust free, and I don't handle it.
There are obvious things though, keep it away from liquids, don't put it in a hot room, give it plenty of room to "breathe", don't move the console while a game is spinning - all common sense things. It would be great if these alone could guarantee that your console will never break, but that's just not the case.
I think 90% of the RROD errors are caused by manufacturer defects, if Microsoft says different then they're full of it. Luckily their phone support people (at least the ones I've spoken to) are courteous and you can usually get a new 360 for free.
I was wondering how long it would take for him to start trolling here.
Gimme a break. You guys have problems, I gave you an answer that would solve these problems. Thats not Trolling, thats genuinely trying to assist. You're like a women who keeps being beaten, and asks for advice, but refuses to listen to the most obvious, simple and effective one - "Leave him".
Not to make too big a deal of this, but you do this too often, and it's starting to colour my perception of the your other posts, which I don't want. At present, the 360 is a better value, with better games, for some people. Bear in mind that I did not just make a blanket statement there. Not everyone will agree, however you must at least recognize that many people see advantages to the 360 over the PS3.
Also, some folks just have both and therefore don't have to show constant blatant favoritism in defense of their purchase. (poke)
Therefore, when a thread opens up asking about recommended care for a sensitive electronic device that the thread owner has already purchased, totally disregarding the question and dropping the blanket statement, "Buy something else," isn't helpful.
- J
If it really is as big a problem as people keep claiming, in that even after taking mounds of precautions, it still locks up, then the thing is not worth the effort. A good game you can never play is worse than a mediocre game that you can play whenever the mood strikes you. I state this, and this somehow has to do with my preferences? Fine. If your 360 bricking is a constant problem, use a gaming PC, happy now?
Indigo_Dingo: If it really is as big a problem as people keep claiming, in that even after taking mounds of precautions, it still locks up, then the thing is not worth the effort. A good game you can never play is worse than a mediocre game that you can play whenever the mood strikes you. I state this, and this somehow has to do with my preferences? Fine. If your 360 bricking is a constant problem, use a gaming PC, happy now?
Ignoring what I actually said and falling back on hyperbole isn't considered a valid argument in most circles. None of what you just said changes the fact that you answered a "Any tips on how to use my penis" question with "Mine's bigger."
That said, the average user will experience minor if any problems with the 360, but as you and I both know, it's the vocal minority that gets heard. It isn't as big a problem as one would make it out to be. In general, everything is fine. In something like 1 out of seven cases, there's a few glitches, possibly even one major one, and then you call Microsoft, and then they fix it for free, and then you're fine.
That's roughly the average troubled 360 owner experience. There are special cases, to be sure, but by and large the minimal effort I've had to put into maintenance for my box has been worth the joy I've gotten from it. I get that you don't like it. We all do. But when I see this thread's title and instantly think, "Man, I bet there's a post from Indigo saying the PS3 is better," there's a problem. You're getting to be something of a broken record on the issue, which is a shame because when we aren't talking about the 360, you can make some pretty good points.
If you'll look at what I said, I answered the people who are saying "woe is me, my console continues to break, please heap your pity upon me" with the reply "If Microsoft continues to dissapoint you as you point out, then you should just change". This wasn't me saying the Ps3 is better, rather saying "Suck it up, bitches - if its that big a problem do something about it instead of complaining". If you read my posts with that in mind, they'll make more sense. Kay?
ive had mine since day 1 (yep i was one of those people who waited all nite outside a shop) mines stood upright-ish (it leans a bit) on a carpet with its back as close to the wall as it can go, its less than a cm away from my pc which i dont turn off ever. on the other side is the cooling box thing and my games colection all covered by a small table (which has always been used as a foot stool nothing else has been put on it)it has never been cleaned or dusted and people smoke aroun it all the time, several liquids have come into contact with it and has stayed in the same place since i got except for one time when it was droped down some stairs (it bounced off all 26 of them) which was only to change the carpet it was on dont look at me like that i didnt drop it my girlfriend did (and yes i have one she is a real girl ive checked shes one of those rare girls who look good but are gaming nerds aswell in a way that puts you to shame in front of your fellow gaming nerds) we were upset to say the least.
ive never changed it or sent it off anywhere and ive never seen any red lights on it not even after the fall its loud sumtimes but my solution to that is to turn the sound up. (im never going to turn it on again now because i KNOW that it will melt or something after saying all this)
ps. i bought a ps3 once it broke, i got my money back..
i know alot of you people won't believe this, but i'm still on my first xbox, and its still running fine(ish) i've had it for a couple of years and its only died once when i went on a 2 day rampage on samurai warriors 2 empires and it over heated. other than that time and the fact the disc tray sticks every so often, its working fine. i'm hardly careful with it either. i carry it in a back pack to my mates house every so oftern, ironically becuase his is dead
TheGhostOfSin: ive had mine since day 1 (yep i was one of those people who waited all nite outside a shop) mines stood upright-ish (it leans a bit) on a carpet with its back as close to the wall as it can go, its less than a cm away from my pc which i dont turn off ever. on the other side is the cooling box thing and my games colection all covered by a small table (which has always been used as a foot stool nothing else has been put on it)it has never been cleaned or dusted and people smoke aroun it all the time, several liquids have come into contact with it and has stayed in the same place since i got except for one time when it was droped down some stairs (it bounced off all 26 of them) which was only to change the carpet it was on dont look at me like that i didnt drop it my girlfriend did (and yes i have one she is a real girl ive checked shes one of those rare girls who look good but are gaming nerds aswell in a way that puts you to shame in front of your fellow gaming nerds) we were upset to say the least.
ive never changed it or sent it off anywhere and ive never seen any red lights on it not even after the fall its loud sumtimes but my solution to that is to turn the sound up. (im never going to turn it on again now because i KNOW that it will melt or something after saying all this)
ps. i bought a ps3 once it broke, i got my money back..
You were believable up to the attractive female gaming nerd thing.
Indigo_Dingo: If you read my posts with that in mind, they'll make more sense. Kay?
Takes a Sony fanboy to know a Sony fanboy, eh?
For heavens sake... Look. The way I see it, if the system freezes up with such great regularity, and requires as great amount of precautions as people keep claiming, then they would be better off with simply ditching the 360 in favour of another console. If the console cannot function properly, then a good catalogue of games is a moot point. If it bricks at intervals far shorter than the average gamers play length, it is not functioning properly. If they don't want to take this advice, they are either being idiotic, or the problems are not as severe as they are claiming, and they are just complaining to get attention.
TheGhostOfSin: ive had mine since day 1 (yep i was one of those people who waited all nite outside a shop) mines stood upright-ish (it leans a bit) on a carpet with its back as close to the wall as it can go, its less than a cm away from my pc which i dont turn off ever. on the other side is the cooling box thing and my games colection all covered by a small table (which has always been used as a foot stool nothing else has been put on it)it has never been cleaned or dusted and people smoke aroun it all the time, several liquids have come into contact with it and has stayed in the same place since i got except for one time when it was droped down some stairs (it bounced off all 26 of them) which was only to change the carpet it was on dont look at me like that i didnt drop it my girlfriend did (and yes i have one she is a real girl ive checked shes one of those rare girls who look good but are gaming nerds aswell in a way that puts you to shame in front of your fellow gaming nerds) we were upset to say the least.
ive never changed it or sent it off anywhere and ive never seen any red lights on it not even after the fall its loud sumtimes but my solution to that is to turn the sound up. (im never going to turn it on again now because i KNOW that it will melt or something after saying all this)
ps. i bought a ps3 once it broke, i got my money back..
You were believable up to the attractive female gaming nerd thing.
i didnt say attractive i said looks good as in better that you would expect some1 like her to look (yes im cruel but shes evil so i could say worse about her)
TheGhostOfSin: ive had mine since day 1 (yep i was one of those people who waited all nite outside a shop) mines stood upright-ish (it leans a bit) on a carpet with its back as close to the wall as it can go, its less than a cm away from my pc which i dont turn off ever. on the other side is the cooling box thing and my games colection all covered by a small table (which has always been used as a foot stool nothing else has been put on it)it has never been cleaned or dusted and people smoke aroun it all the time, several liquids have come into contact with it and has stayed in the same place since i got except for one time when it was droped down some stairs (it bounced off all 26 of them) which was only to change the carpet it was on dont look at me like that i didnt drop it my girlfriend did (and yes i have one she is a real girl ive checked shes one of those rare girls who look good but are gaming nerds aswell in a way that puts you to shame in front of your fellow gaming nerds) we were upset to say the least.
ive never changed it or sent it off anywhere and ive never seen any red lights on it not even after the fall its loud sumtimes but my solution to that is to turn the sound up. (im never going to turn it on again now because i KNOW that it will melt or something after saying all this)
ps. i bought a ps3 once it broke, i got my money back..
You were believable up to the attractive female gaming nerd thing.
it was believable when he said he dropped it down a flight of stairs? I call shenanigans.
i didnt take the time to read the rest of it, but i bought a cooling unit that attaches to the back of it, ive had it for almost 2 years and no trouble whatsoever!
{EDIT} you're looking at around say....30-50$, but its worth it ;) (canadian prices)
TheGhostOfSin: ive had mine since day 1 (yep i was one of those people who waited all nite outside a shop) mines stood upright-ish (it leans a bit) on a carpet with its back as close to the wall as it can go, its less than a cm away from my pc which i dont turn off ever. on the other side is the cooling box thing and my games colection all covered by a small table (which has always been used as a foot stool nothing else has been put on it)it has never been cleaned or dusted and people smoke aroun it all the time, several liquids have come into contact with it and has stayed in the same place since i got except for one time when it was droped down some stairs (it bounced off all 26 of them) which was only to change the carpet it was on dont look at me like that i didnt drop it my girlfriend did (and yes i have one she is a real girl ive checked shes one of those rare girls who look good but are gaming nerds aswell in a way that puts you to shame in front of your fellow gaming nerds) we were upset to say the least.
ive never changed it or sent it off anywhere and ive never seen any red lights on it not even after the fall its loud sumtimes but my solution to that is to turn the sound up. (im never going to turn it on again now because i KNOW that it will melt or something after saying all this)
ps. i bought a ps3 once it broke, i got my money back..
You were believable up to the attractive female gaming nerd thing.
it was believable when he said he dropped it down a flight of stairs? I call shenanigans.
I think 50/50 is a bit high. I'm pretty sure the failure rate is about 1 out of 3. Which is still ridiculous, but not quite as bad as 1 out of 2.
An independent study showed that the failure rate was about 16%. That's about 1 in 7 consoles.
You must have missed this part of the article:
SquareTrade also say that because their sample numbers don't include customers who returned their consoles to Microsoft, the actual failure rate is probably higher than 16%.
I try to keep my 360 clean and make sure that it's in a well ventilated area. Also, I never keep my 360 turned on for longer than four hours. If I want to keep playing a game after the four hour mark, I'll turn the system off and let it cool down for about a thirty minutes before I resume playing.
I'm lucky enough to be able to say that my box is a launch console, and it still hasn't bricked a single time. I don't do anything to prevent it, it has sat on the carpet for 6-7 hours at a time, has been stacked on top of other 360s for lannage, and has fallen down my stairs twice. Still, after all those beatings...it works like a charm. It loads things slightly slower than my friends' newer boxes...but oh well. I don't know, it seems more like a chance thing...though I'm sure that there are some precautions you can take. Good luck. Course, Karma's going to kick in because I posted this.
MichaelH: I thought this thread was going to be about wearing condoms before getting intimate with one's 360. I was duped.
Thats just silly. But try to make sure nothing is covering the power boxy thing. Keep it laid flat. DO NOT TOUCH IT! it doesn't like that.
While we're talking about the power boxy thingy -- I'm no electrical engineer, just a humble caveman, but am I the only one who thinks the 360's DC converter is ridiculously large? Like...putting-out-enough-radiation-to-mutate-my-RNA large?
Yeah, I got my xbox 360 for christmas, and after I finished nerdgasming, I promptly dropped the big fuck off DC converter on my foot... DON'T DO THAT
Honestly (and I'm not trying to start a console debate) this is why I didn't buy a 360. When it came out, 3 out of 7 friends that had one had already returned their systems. Where I work now, pretty much everyone has a 360 (guess what industry). Without exception, EVERY SINGLE member of my team with a 360 has had to return it. That's SIX people. And one guy is on his FOURTH one. Unacceptable.
Jimmyjames: Honestly (and I'm not trying to start a console debate) this is why I didn't buy a 360. When it came out, 3 out of 7 friends that had one had already returned their systems. Where I work now, pretty much everyone has a 360 (guess what industry). Without exception, EVERY SINGLE member of my team with a 360 has had to return it. That's SIX people. And one guy is on his FOURTH one. Unacceptable.
So do you agree that suggesting that based upon the systems unreliability, that suggesting switching consoles is not a console rant?
I think there is an alarmingly high ratio of people who are unwilling to admit that they are extremely heavy handed with their machines (with their big ham hands) and can't go for half an hour without lighting up a cigarette and then breathing the foulness directly into one of the air intakes.
As I said in my Amazon review, I bought my 360 Elite on 27/12/07, and so far have had absolutely no problems whatsoever with it. I work for an electrical goods store, and the Premium model we have running on our display there has been there since the day the console was first released, and that has not developed any problems either.
The thing both these machines have in common is that they are given plenty of room to breathe, and by that I don't mean "make sure you don't stack other electrical devices on top of it", I mean they both have a lot of clear space around the intakes. One of the technicians I've spoken to reckons the majority of the time he examines a machine with the Red Ring Of Death, the guts of the machine come out looking like ashtrays. Is that Microsoft's fault? No.
Do NOT smoke around electrical devices. Especially not ones that have fans designed to draw in cool, smoke-free air.
The primary cause of system bricking in just about any electronic equipment is breaking of soldered joints under repeated thermal stress. Like most substances, solder expands as it heats and contracts as it cools, and often faster than the more solid traces it holds together. This eventually causes hairline cracks that result in mysterious intermittent failures as the gaps begin properly carrying signals only intermittently, and eventually complete failure when they stop carrying signals at all.
Some things you can do to avoid bricking:
Never bump or disturb the component, especially in the five minutes after it's been turned on (or off in frustration). Don't kick it, throw controllers at it, hurl it around the room, grab it and shake it around like a pit bull on a side of beef, and so on. Yes, I've watched gamers actually do all these things, and then insist afterward that they never did anything of the sort and their consoles just stopped working all by themselves.
Don't turn them on and off repeatedly in rapid succession. Heat isn't usually the culprit unless you let it get hot enough to fry the chips, the thermal stress of changing temperature is what more often causes the failure.
Don't smoke around them, and try to keep your environment as dirt and dust free as you can. Bits of dust and dirt act like tiny wedges all around any cracks that develop in the solder, widening them rapidly once they start to form. No, you aren't going to be able to stop cracks from forming, any more than you will be able to keep your living room dust-free to industrial "clean room" standards, but basic cleaning will make the difference between a system lasting 60 days and one lasting 60 years.
If I can offer my services, I'll translate tiredinnuendo's rational discourse into a language ultrajoe is more comfortable with:
360 RULZ!!!! ANYONE WHO DOESN'T THINK SO IS A TERRORIST!!!!11!!