Ok my friend told me today that Microsoft Support agent claimed that his optical drive failed because he had it plugged into a surge protector. Said agent also claimed the 360 external power brick is a surge protector and that the 360 should be plug directly into the wall.

Quick search of the internet seems to indicate that M$ support is telling this to quite a few people.

I personally am in disbelief, of these claims and that a device meant to protect your expensive electronics is destroying them. Can anyone here clarify the validity of these claims, either with some documentation or some engineering/electrical expertise?

Also would it at all be possible for the Escapist staff to contact Microsoft and get some clarification out of them, my mind is boggled by this. there asking $139 plus shipping to repair or refurbish my friends 360 all because of a surge protector....that just seems fishy to me.

ultracheeser:
yup

...Was it really necessary to dig up a post from 2007 just to respond with "yup?"

I've heard this, too.