It seems like this one's been building steam for quite some time, but it's reached a point where "user error" just seems unlikely. Judging by the seemingly widespread outcry on a variety of forums and review sites, a substantial amount of
Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows customers have essentially ended up with an unexpected paperweight. Put simply, it seems that a number of customers have found this very device to suck the life out of their
USB ports, meaning that all other USB peripherals kick the bucket when this power-hungry gizmo gets plugged in. To make matters worse, these same users are also reporting that
Microsoft's tech support has been anything but helpful in solving the issue, and while you can always shell out even more dough for a powered
USB hub, where's the fun (or justice) in that? So, what's the deal here, folks? Has anyone else been pulling their hair (and subsequently, their other USB devices) out over this thing?
[Thanks, Jamie P.]
Read - NewEgg reviews
Read - Amazon reviews
Read - NeoWin discussions
Read - Xbox.com discussions
posted Aug 24th 2007 1:25AM
i used it for probably a good 20 hours beating bioshock and replaying a couple other games and the USB ports are still working perfectly. haven't even heard of this problem myself.
Maybe Microsoft should do a little more R&D on their products before rushing them out the door. I was looking foward to using this on my computer. Alas.....
R&D != QA/Testing
I had the same problems as described with 2 adapters & 2 different PCs. Nothing I tried could make it work at all. Returned to store & gave up!
I'm sorry...but can Microsoft ever do anything right? Does anything they design or build just work right out of the box? Ever? No..whether its the Zune (software set-up?), Vista, 360 (steering wheel issue, heat issue, scratch disk, etc)..there is always some problem that Microsoft doesn't address and doesn't care about. That is until enough people start talking about it..then maybe...just maybe...there is a response. Oh..one more thing...god forbid their customer service be worth anything. That's it..done.
Ever use their Mice, Keyboards, Mics, etc?
They are pretty damn good. Sometimes even better than Logitec's stuff.
Also last I heard the 360 controller is regarded as one of the best controllers, if the the best controller ever for gaming. I don't remember the Pippin controller making any lists or anything.
Of course Apple is so godly they can throw a Laptop keyboard, hocky puck, or broke "two button" mice in with their computers with everyone calling it a revolution in computing and a break away from "the man"
I sometimes feel horrible knowing that I use OS X. It seems like every other Mac user out there has to lick Job's ass and bash every other company for no apparent reason.
I'll admit that Microsoft needs some work on their software. And they need a lot of work on the 360 (43% death rate IIRC. That's bullshit on their part), but I don't see how they always do things wrong.
Rock on Miles! Well said. Not bad on your part either Eric, maybe the two of you should conspire together and we will all get a company where they produce good hardware without any ass licking anywhere. :p
Miles..
"Ever use their Mice, Keyboards, Mics, etc?"
Yes I have. I bought a Microsoft mouse once. In less than 2 months it was broken..
Yeah, I *really* don't get the love some people show for MS keyboards and mice. Have you guys ever even used anything else? Logitech doesn't count - you're comparing junk with junk.
Compare an MS keyboard to an older IBM or Northgate keyboard, or any of the several manufacturers still making copies. You know, keyboards used to be $300 peripherals and there was a good reason for that. You can't build a decent keyboard for $50, even today. MS keyboards may be decent compared to other keyboards in their class, but in both an absolute sense and compared to a really *good* keyboard, they're cheap rubber dome junk.
Mice have received more real advancements in technology over the years, but I have had more problems with the scroll wheels on my MS mice than any other brand I've used. I now have a (surprise) IBM Navigator Pro that I've been using for about 5 years and it has never let me down. And it's an optical 4-button mouse (with an LED-backlit scroll-wheel!), so it's not like I'm just stuck in the past.
MS is like the Chevrolet of hardware manufacturers. Yeah, if you're gonna compare their stuff to a Yugo, then sure, it's better. But that doesn't mean it's "good" hardware in an absolute sense.
I have been using my Logitech Wireless keyboard for 4 years now and it is a good as the day I bought it, and the keys are responsive, nice travel, feel sturdy and the wireless signal is instantaneous. In fact it is the only keyboard I have used that is comfortable to type on.
Logitech mice are also great, the only letdown is the recharchable batteries in newer models can't be replaced.
So before you start calling a keyboard junk just because is doesn't cost hundreds of dollars, answer me how much does it cost to mould some plastic and soulder some wires. As long as it is well designed and manufactured to a high degree, and works fine, which Logitech products do, then I don't care how little it costs.
I use a Model M and if it built extremely well.
But for current hardware I still find Logitec and Microsoft to be on top.
They actually make rubber dome keyboards that I can type on.
I use a G7 and it's the best mouse I've ever used.
Hasn't broke yet.
On my grandfathers computer he has a Microsoft Laser Mouse 6000 or something, and it's pretty damn comfy.
But this all boils down to personal opinion. So, to each his own I guess.
Why the hell do you need a backlight scroll wheel?
. I now sit at home with the brand you call "crappy", logitech, and im happy whare im at, the keyboard ive got (G15, yes, I actually make full use of the G keys and LCD), and i freakin love my G5 (middle click is the second most important button in 3DS, or even sketchup, it controlls your view, my side button is maped to it, so the left/right scroll tilt is no issue, try it some time). ive put this setup through intense gaming, and it hasnt failed at all, my G5 has all the paint worn off the bottom (logitech was happy to ship a new one, yay), and my keyboard had a deadly encouter with an old 1.4Gb IDE 1995 harddrive that knocked a key out and scratched off enough plastic for light to shine through, Logitech was happy to replace the entire board, Logitech has replaced many things for me with little questioning, almost to the point whare i feel they actually cared about me, but still my money (dented cones in X530 cheep-ass 5.1, shipped out 2 brand new ones no questions asked, nothing shiped back, what a happy event). Ive had other crappy keyboards, like the prepackaged Mouse and keyboard that came with my HP a735w, mouse stoped responding, and i had to switch to a crappy cheep Dynex $5 optical, man was that a fun experiance, my mouse would glitch every now and then and spin my view around in circles, was freakin hilarous when i was in a tank. optical isnt very good tech, get a laser mouse, and ditch the mousepad, thats quality, my G5 works on freakin glass tables, carpet, and kitchen tile, its laptop friendly :)
I've had PLENTY of problems with my one of these. Aside from the fact that it didn't work at all with the original software (upgrading to 1.3 helped), if I unplug the receiver, I have to reboot before it will sync to it. It HATES being moved from one PC to another, so much so that it no longer works on my media centre PC at all. The controller just will not sync, and when you finally does, no input is registered on the PC from the controller.
I can't plug it into the USB ports on my keyboard either, it doesn't have the power to drive it.
I transfer mine from one machine to another with mine with no problem.
1.3??? I only can find the Dec 2006 1.1 drivers for this porcupine. I swear, when it works it's awesome (except for the fact that the controller registers the two triggers as one axis -lame- unless you are playing a PC game that uses the specific 360 interface calls). but I have to go through voodoo majik of restarting/unplugging all my usb shit/reinstalling drivers to get it to work again. Otherwise I get the typical: try to sync... get flashing 4 green lights on the controller.
This is totally unacceptable at this time in the USB game. This thing dies instantly when I plug any MS mouse into my USB ports (all from the mobo fyi) It hat usb keyboards and it doesn't work half the time when I don't have ANY usb shit plugged in.
But I keep it because I'm hoping for some awesome driver update that makes it work, and when I do get it working it is the best for playing Flatout on my projector. :)
Haha and we have all these xbox 360 fanboys
I'm glad I got my ps3 wifi was built in I also didn't have to pay $179 and $100 for wifi and a form of hd dvds
And your calling us fanboys....
This has absolutely nothing to do with the topic at hand...
Yes, but I am not forced to have those features. I'd never use WiFi, Ethernet is much better. And, I don't have an HDTV. And if I ever want them, I can always get them, it costs a little to have that luxury, but it's not being forced on me.
Inside the PS3 fanboys head: "... Ohh, this looks like a prime time, for me, the Evil Dr. Playstation Fanboy User28738392392202889823 to preform my most diabolical scheme to date!" *typing* "Haha! This message will show those Xbox 360 fanbots kahahahaha! 'lol 360 sux im glad i hav ps3!!111' Muhahahahahahaha hahahahahaha hahhahahahaaaa!"
(Read with dramatic, fast paced piano music playing.)
Wake up!
http://www.intelco.com.br - rede
What an annoying topic. The facts are that the box is much less cost effective, and the station has no games whatsoever.
Is anyone shocked that this cropped up here though?
people still defend microsoft as one of the greatest companies ever. my question is why?
i've met more people who are unhappy with vista than satisfied with it.
i've got 10 friends who own an xbox 360 8 of them had red light units.
come on microsoft i dont like you as a company at all but how can you even compete?!
I can say I've met more people who like Vista than dislike it.
I can also say I have much more than 10 friends with a 360 and no one has had RRoD. The only 360 that died was in a flood.
As far as the hardware issues go, how easily we forget the problems of other manufacturers when they entered new industries. For example, I know several people whose PS2's bricked with a DISC READ ERROR that Sony would not do anything about.
However, just because MS is still relatively new to the gaming industry that isn't a good excuse. Do you honestly think they chanced it? I don't think the company would ever intentionally put themselves in this position.
If the issue is a widespread problem it will eventually be addressed. It is too bad they won't act faster. At least they have shown that they are willing to back up their products with the 3 year RRoD warranty.
I am not saying MS is a saint, but when you are on top people are always criticizing you. They aren't doing that bad of a job.
Wow I don't know a single person with RRoD and my adapter has been working perfectly in multiple computers for about a year now.
As far as Microsoft being a bad company read:RootDisk and/or Sony being the only major computer manufacturer to not upgrade their customer's Windows Media Center computers to version 2005 when it came out.
Microsoft does a pretty good job of what they do and these problems are less widespread than they seem. You just think that they are huge problems because websites like this constantly make reference to them. I personally love engadget by they blow things out of proportion the same way as all media.
One outlet reported that RRoD failures are about 33%. That's a 3/10 chance of getting a Xbox 360 which POTENTIALLY could cause a RRoD error. The disk scratch issue was on a single batch of Xbox 360 consoles which was fixed long before the media came arond to claim blood and the only reason you hear more about failures than sucesses, is because people don't report when a product is working correctly, but they complain when it goes wrong. A LARGE MAJORITY are happy with MS products and the only people who would disagree are people who still use "M$" as an insult.
My friend had his 360 over four months prior to me getting mine. He treats his 360 like shit compared to mine. His is completely covered in VHS cassettes in a dirty, dusty room (which he smokes in quite often). He's a good friend with a dirty room that has a working 360 at all times.
On the contrary, my 360 is externally immaculate. I dust it occasionally, lay it flat and keep it in a well ventilated area. It died 5 months after I got it (drive stopped working suddenly). 3 weeks later got it back only for it to die 2 weeks later with the RRoD. At that point Microsoft held it for 6 weeks during which the warranty was extended to 3 years.
Maybe I have bad luck?
I've used mine with both my laptop and desktops usb ports for about a year now and I haven't had any problems, guess I lucked out.
I bought one of these at launch and its been plugged in, and fully operational on my pc ever since. I can use wireless mic, and controller, and my usb keyboard, mouse, printer and mp3 hooked up all work just fine.
You people having problems need to buy new computers, not blame MS. This product works. I even know 2 people who have them and didnt have problems either.
For reference, im running a p4 2.4 ghz 1 gb ram and my computer is 5+ years old now. Running Vista Ultimate.
Well, I for one haven't had a 360 break on me yet, and mine was manufactured December 2005. Also, I really like Vista, except I don't do much gaming because I have a laptop. And I do have this adapter and I haven't had a problem with it on my XP laptop or my Vista laptop.
Oh big whoop, it's a product from the XBOX360 team. What do you expect? Functionality? I THINK NOT.
Someone construct additional Pylons on J. Allard's face plz.
I had issues with mine connected to my main gaming rig. I have 2 internal USB HDTV tuners (essentially a USB HDTV tuner which connects to the USB header on the motherboard)... as soon as I disconnected them, it worked.
I've had no problems using the wireless receiver on my laptop, however.
Meh, my computer can't even handle Halo 2 for Vista. That's what my 360's for, and that works perfectly. So, I won't ever need this. (Plus, I have a wired controller that I bought to use without using my battery pack)
Mine has worked perfectly for over 6 months now.
This sounds like slow news day MS bashing.
This sounds like a power problem as in MOBOs can't send enough power through them to their usb headers and/or people need bigger power supplies.
what is the purpose of buying a game for the pc when ur gonna use a 360 game pad anywayz? this removes the problem entirely.
Some of us have our PCs hooked up to an HDTV.
I bought a wired 360 controller for this purpose. That really didn't get anywhere though, since it has the worst drivers you could possibly get.
No deadzone?
Thanks, I like to run around when my thumb isn't on the stick.
Also it must've been a stroke of genius to make the triggers work on one axis!
BRILLIANT.
@Miles
I agree. I can't use the trigger to shoot in any games because, well why in the world would you want to use an axis to shoot? BECAUSE THE FREAKING AXIS IS MY TRIGGER BUTTONS DAMMIT
balls
i just bought this a few days ago. hopefully i don't have any problems.
also,
enough with the microsoft bashing. not everything they make is candied christ but they do a pretty darn good job overall.
I have had this exact problem in the past, and I had no clue that the receiver was the issue. Thanks!
This thing been out for a while along with that "overheating" racing wheel never heard of this problem .Why all of a sudden ? Will tommorrow Engadget find 6 people in MS forums complaining about the HD-DVD player and report its a widespresd problem?
//Not a 360 fanboy I love my Wii
OMG, people are defending M$
360 30% fail rate (obviously the people responding here are the 70%)
360 Wireless Driving Wheel that smokes when the main adapter is plugged in.
360 Disc Scratching problems.
360 Wireless Receiver problems.
If your 360 hasn't died, I am sure the thought has crossed your mind as to how much longer will it last.
Clearly there are some inferior production/design issues.
Interesting how people pull out that ps2 thing of the past. Clearly this is no excuse for M$.
1. Cite your 30%
2. That racing wheel has been out for how long without anyone saying anything. That is a total precautionary move. Have you ever used a Sony battery before?
3. Don't move it when the DVD is in there. If you take those we would probably be able to count the cases with our fingers.
4. Are there? Engadget even wrote the subject as a question mark. Several people have posted already who have it. 1 has had some trouble, another has had some problem but is hooking up quite a few things via USB at once, and the rest have been problem free.
5. Let us know any of these products you own. My guess is zero. Therefore, your input is totally useless.
Funny that the majority of people who actually use these items on a regular basis continually state how they haven't had problems. How dare they answer a question posed by Engadget...
Absolutely nothing is flawless in life. To expect it is ridiculous. The RRoD issue is more than what consumers should expect with a product, which is exactly why MS added a 3 year warranty to stand by their product. In some exceptionally rare cases the steering wheel may smoke, so they are going to make it right.
I never said that the PS2 disc read error, (or the million other defective products I could cite) are excuses for Microsoft. I am pointing out that quite a few of you certainly have a double standard. Sony has established themselves in the market now with their third console, and it seems to be quite reliable. Their first two had their fair share of problems. Microsoft is on their second console. These problems are nothing new, just a different name and day.
Sure, I will get cranky if something breaks. If it gets fixed I will be alright as long as the next time around they release a new console they address those problems, and they will.
These seems like a fairly limited problem. Most probably are overtaxing their USBs power. Some probably have a real issue, and I hope MS does something about it.
I'm not going to just sit here and listen to people whine about MS like this is the first and only company to ever have a problem with something, especially when the majority of it comes from those who don't own the products they whine about.
I've had one on my 20in Intel Imac since they first appeared on the market. Under both windows (vista) and OS X, I found the wireless receiver to work perfectly. I own this and 2 360's and a wireless wheel and never had any issue's (touch wood). With all this bad news for M$ I am very concerned for my purchase's. Would I buy a XBOX 720 (XB mark 3) in a few years? Thats something I'm not sure of.
I just bought this 2 days ago and so far there hasn't been a single issue yet. I really don't see how this thing can pull more power than my optical gaming mouse with LED's, Keyboard with led's all over it, or anything that charges off a USB port. Wonder if it's only on people with weak PSU's to begin with or if some of them are shorting out internally, causing this problem.
Don't have any trouble with mine. Had it about 2 months.
I've used it for a while, along with the G15 and Razer mouse. What I do is unplug the keyboard/mouse, plug in the adapter, then re-plug in the keyboard and mouse. No problems then...
Still a big pain to do though, especially for a product enhanced for Vista...
my receiver works flawlessly, i never even knew there was an issue
I bought one about a year ago, and it works perfectly, I have no problems with any of my other USB devices and I have never had a single sync or signal loss problem ever.
I also agree with the opinion that problems get reported on and complained about than do properly working problems. I'm not defending MS, in my opinion, no company is perfect. People like to beat up big companies like Microsoft, Sony, and Apple because these organizations have made so much money off of consumers, there's this simmering thread weaving through everyone's minds that these companies owe them something.
Most people will argue that they paid money, they should get a product that works, and I agree with that, but don't lump the company over the head when it's clear the problem isn't widespread. Even when it is across a signifigant cross-section of users, it's hard to deny that these companies have taken steps to appease those who were burned by poor product quality.
Maybe I'm lucky, but I have a 1st gen iPod mini that still holds a charge for a week on standby, I have a 1st gen PS2 that still works fine, I have a 1st gen 360 that has been through the wringer and works like the day I bought it. I've had Vista Ultimate running any program I've thrown at it with flying colors on a 5+ year old computer.
Like I said, maybe I'm lucky, but it looks like people try to find reasons to berate the very same companies their wallets help to support. I get the feeling that if one were to compile hard data in regards to fail vs. non-fail ratios for various hardware products, the results would point out the majority of products would be highly reliable. But like a couple posters said above me, it's only the bad cases that get publicity.
not that i wanna start a flame war or anything, in a flaming topic already
but vista is a greedy sob
my laptop runs cs:s at 30fps with vista
and 60fps with xp installed.
all updated drivers and everything
50% performance loss = ALOT for me
wtf are they doing, the only people who need vista are people who are attracted to shiny things
I bought one and tried it out. It seems to work. And it's cheap.
But really it's not very compelling, and I don't see why I need to install special software when USB supports a standard called HID that would make this just work.
BTW, if you try to use it with the wireless racing wheel, be prepared to be extra disappointed. It only supports the wheel in "combined brake/throttle" mode.
Decent idea. Good price. But I don't recommend it to my friends, just get a decent wired controller.
I've had this problem happen to me within the last 3 days. Microsoft has not responded to me at all, and the xbox.com forums are of no help either...it does however, work on my mom and dads computer!
We have three of these in my household and they all work superb.
Sounds like a couple people registered a valid complaint and all the usual MS-haters came out of the woodwork to echo it. Then again, we have three XBox 360's and all have worked fine too, so perhaps Bill Gates just loves us.
This is totally, absolutely and utterly shocking!
I am not interested in ridiculous 'fanboy' arguments but how can Microsoft defend themselves? I find it hard to believe that a company of Microsoft's size can have so many problems with their products. Something is VERY wrong with their production procedures.
It is apparent that cheaper products have been rushed to market in order to increase market share in various areas. But it is also apparent that cheaper dos'nt necessarily mean better. They appear to malfunction. To break. To not work.
So here's a question for you. If you are a Microsoft devotee (I too have several of their products), how long is it until you say enough is enough? Believe me, various governing bodies and law institutions will be getting extremely busy before long.
Furthermore, i've noticed many arguments discussing the RRoD issue with Microsoft's XBox360. Please do not spin a 3 year warranty into a thread about how Microsoft cares. If they did, would'nt the products have been designed and built properly in the first place to prevent the consumer from going through the endless hassle of repairs, and also having to buy a new console?!
A 3 year warranty and $1 billion set aside is not a token gesture of caring. It is basically a re-call.
And a re-call is not caring? Taking a big financial hit in order to provide people with working hardware is a sign of not caring if your customers are satisfied?
I agree that the RROD hardware issues are shameful, but this is nonsensical. According to your logic, nothing they can do to remedy it would be a sign of caring.
Anyway. Back to your first question. When is enough enough? When I'm seeing a trend that the Microsoft stuff I buy is consistently breaking. I know that Engadget wants you to believe otherwise, but so far, that point isn't on the horizon yet.
Phil, I'll consider my stance once something of mine actually stops working.
It's ridiculous to set MS apart from other companies. I don't feel like bringing up anymore mistakes by other major corporations but there are many. Even so this place is becoming a MS b*tchfest and the majority of people are whining about stuff they don't even use.
Why didn't they recall it? How come so many 360's still work? Why are people so incompetent to think that MS actually didn't try to release a product problem free? They could have done nothing.
Are you honestly suggesting that governing bodies have had the final straw with the wireless receiver, which the problem is cited solely by forum posts? This could totally be a software issue for all you know.
Yes, you're right the RRoD is a hassle, and if MS's next console has any problems like that I hope people throw them at Bill Gates. What exactly is MS supposed to do? They released a product they thought would have no problems and it has problems. They'll fix them and make sure the next time around the problems don't happen. At least they won't leave the consumer stranded, which several other companies have in the past. I don't know why anyone would buy another console if their's could be repaired.
You bring up the issue of caring and making everything right the first time. It comes with experience and (insert thousands other examples of problematic products from other companies here) many others have made the same mistake and not done anything about it. Microsoft is just the latest of many to have this problem, and the majority of their issues are blown way out of proportion because of the size of the company.
Call me a fanboy or whatever you want but if you are going to hold MS to this standard you better sure as hell hold every other corporation to the same standard. I'll go check some other recent Engadget stories to see if you are b*tching up a storm about other defective products as well.
Oh yeah, you best not buy anything until at least its third generation. Product testing only goes so far as compared to real world scenarios.
@ Fred - I'm commenting on the article in question, that is all.
@ Evan - Good grief calm down sunshine. Noone is 'b*tching up a storm' as you put it. I was meerly commenting on this article for goodness sake. Grow up!
PS Evan - I am not the only 'Phil' on this forum!
Phil, sorry for the flame, but when you call people out they respond. Also, it didn't help that I disagreed with basically everything you wrote. Also the MS b*tchfest I was referring to was not specifically this article but the compilation of ridiculous posts that come up any time a MS article is posted on Engadget, regardless of whether it was supposed to be positive or not.
I do feel bad about being overly aggressive in responding, but you might want to read what you wrote again and realize that you weren't simply posting on the article. You didn't even mention the wireless receiver.
Phil, sorry for the flame, but when you call people out they respond. Also, it didn't help that I disagreed with basically everything you wrote. Also the MS b*tchfest I was referring to was not specifically this article but the compilation of ridiculous posts that come up any time a MS article is posted on Engadget, regardless of whether it was supposed to be positive or not.
I do feel bad about being overly aggressive in responding, but you might want to read what you wrote again and realize that you weren't simply posting on the article. You didn't even mention the wireless receiver.
Evan
Point taken, and i've read your other posts on this topic. You make some good points.
I'm angry at any company that puts flawed hardware on to the market. Be it MS, Sony, Apple, whoever. I'm not trying to start anything. I like the debates on this website, though I don't always agree with them. Granted, I have my favourites, don't we all? But I would never systematically praise them. Credit where credit's due and all that.
PS - I haven't been posting on here for long, so you'll most likey see me getting angry with other manufacturers in the future! lol
Mine's fine.
I've got a 360, old xp media center pc (damn you yanks it's spelt centre) and this wireless receiver you speak of. I've had no real problems with it.
The 360 works, xp works as can be expected, the receiver works. I did need to download an update as the supplied disc didnt do the job. That was annoying but well, if you want total out of the box functionality because you haven't got the sense the debug and fix on your own, then get a mac.
For any product: If a customer pays over €400 (as 360 STILL costs here) then the product should bloody well work!!!!! nuff said.
a) that comment has nothing to do with the topic and
b) as mentioned a million times on this page, MS has extended warranties and offers free repairs for the reported bugs. What more do you want really? Get a grip.
"The point is, Microsoft ONLY increased the warranty, as the unit was crap.
Who wants to send their console back every couple of months, for it to be fixed?"
Ah yes, because obviously they aren't installing new heatsinks in new and repaired consoles to combat this very issue.
Selective reading. It's fun!
What the hell are you talking about?????
People pay 30,000+ for cars and those break down all the time, and it can be in a greater degree than these things (You obviously dont drive American cars, so you dont know our plight). Houses can have roof's cave in, and those are worth hundreds of thousands.
In the end, the logic of saying "paying over 400 for something, it should work, is flawed". The price of something does not signify how well made it is, nor how resistant it is to failure. This isnt the 70's any more.
The point is, Microsoft ONLY increased the warranty, as the unit was crap.
Who wants to send their console back every couple of months, for it to be fixed?
I wonder how many upset Halo fans will be sending consoles back on the day of release?
2,500 a day in the UK, curently.
http://www.360-gamer.com/news.asp?id=1143
As with most USB devices requiring substantial power draw, it should not be used on the front USB ports of desktop PC. I have mine in the back and it seems to work fine on my SFF PC running along side my Zune and myriad of other USB devices hooked to the 6 rear ports.
Typical faulty Microsoft hardware.
Have they ever made any hardware that's not a pile of crap?
Typical lynch mob irrational, reactionary responses you'd expect from the internet here. When somebody says something you don't like you cut them out with a LA LA LA response.
Products are released every day that probably shouldnt be yet they are. This is life. Deal with it! When it comes to PC's they are by their very nature totally unpredictable. Everybody has different hardware set ups, there's no way any testers can account for everything. Yes, it's a pain in the arse but it's hardly a big deal.
I'm even willing to bet that most of the people moaning about how evil microsoft are using illegal copies of windows.
I couldn't care less about fanboys. Life's too short frankly. Most people, particularly those that don't post on or read these threads just want to get on with their recreational gaming after a hard day at work.
Cars, toys, food. Everything has problems. This is just life. As great as it would be for everything to work first time after being released this isn't always the case and it's nothing new.
When there is a problem and they offer a solution to fix it you have to at least acknowledge that they are trying to do the right thing.. Which is more than can be said for many manufacturers.
If you all really hate microsoft that much, stop moaning about it and stop using them, get a bloody retro console that you "know" works and play away to your hearts content.
It's really that simple so get over yourselves. If the wireless receiver doesnt work, take it back and get wired pad as all I am hearing is WAH WAH WAH WAH WAH.
How about people stop plugging in USB 2.0 devices into USB 1.0 ports?
That's what it sounds like to me, and also if you are having problems, a powered USB hub is like $5.00
Exactly my point. People are stupid, and then they go and blame it on the company. In the handbook, It clearly states you need a USB 2.0 port.
Had mine for months now(use it for Need for Speed games regularly) and I've Zero issues with...and I've even changed PCs since buying/using it.
Guess I'm just lucky?
I haven't had a single problem. I have a USB Flash Reader onboard into which my recharging plug is connected. From the back USB ports: the 360 wireless adapter, a USB fob for my Logitech MX Revolution, a Canon Scanner, a connector to a 4port Dell Monitor hub. From the Dell monitor I have: a G5, a Seagate 200GB external drive, and my Axim dock plugged in. Everything has worked flawlessly from day one. I also got the 360 controller for a song at $30 including the wireless adapter.
I've had one since March and love it after having used marginal PC-specific controllers. No problems on my end, but then again I've been connecting it into an external powered hub (c'mon you're not a techy unless all your internal PC USB ports are filled to the brim, right?). I do occasionally get some weird problems with the controller blinking all four LEDs instead of being steady on one of them, but removing and then inserting the receiver seems to clear up that issue.
I have one and it really sucks. It's not a hardware failure problem, though, it's the driver that sucks.
I have a Logitech MX5000 wireless keyboard and mouse and the Wireless Receiver DOES bug with it. I have to reboot my PC to use the receiver, with the bluetooth dongle unplugged. This way I can have a wireless controller but no wireless keyboard/mouse.
I've heard it's a software compatibility problem with the wireless receiver driver and logitech setpoint, but with setpoint closed, just the bluetooth service initialized, both the controller and the bluetooth dongle stop working. Even unplugging one of them it won't make the other work again, only a reboot to make it work.
The problem might be BLUETOOTH + Wireless Gaming Receiver, but it's strange, the receiver uses RF, while bluetooth uses a different frequency, approved by FCC.
The irony is that my bluetooth kit (MX5000) works in RF mode (without any drivers installed, in RF mode it acts just like a normal usb wireled kit) with the receiver normally, in linux AND in windows.
I had an issue like this with kensington wireless keyboard and mouse. When I plug the receiver in the kb and mouse would not respond I brought it back the same day and got the wired 360 controller which is having no issues at all
i never had any usb problems, mine is actually a problem with the damn thing no syncing to my controllers, it was only 20 bucks so i didnt make a big fuss about it and figured i was just waiting on a better driver update.
I have one. It worked perfectly when i was on my old PC, which was a S478 variant. I built a new one with a 680i, and when plugging it directly into the motherboard, the receiver would never pick up any of the controllers. I had discovered a hack in which i would leave the controller on as the computer was booting, and more times than not, it would pick it up and work while it was on. It would work quite perfectly.
I was playing around with some of the garbage that was connected, and for some reason, i unplugged it from the MB and into a USB hub i had there. It has since worked without a single issue. It must have been a power issue. Mind you, i have all 6 rear USB ports in use on my PC, so i could see it lacking enough power to run properly. Since my USB hub is self powered, it has plenty of juice to power all the devices (which is also full. I need less accessories).
The receiver works perfectly now. Best purchase ive made when it comes to game controllers for my PC, and it doubles as a second controller for my PC. Worth the 49 i paid for both (on sale when it was first released in Canada).
And a word to the wise to those who use these problem posts about Microsoft as an outlet to reveal every thing they have done wrong. FUCK OFF.
Did you really have to put that last comment?
I thought you made some good points up until that.
What a let down.
OH COME ON!!!! The problem with the steering wheel is being taken care of, prior to anyone possibly being hurt by it. And now i see it listed in the "list of errors made by microsoft", as if its destroyed peoples lives like the RROD. Thats a little excessive. And i can assure you it will spread like a wild fire, as people now make up stories that they have been hurt by the device, and others will mention that they work at best buy and say that over 1 out of 3 of them come back because they burnt down someones house.
"Did you really have to put that last comment?
I thought you made some good points up until that.
What a let down."
GOOD!!! Im glad you were let down. Im not here to impress you.
Jeez, someone get this guy some medication.....
Ha ha ha! Oh gosh that's funny! That's really funny! Do you write your own material? Do you? Because that is so fresh.
Forgot to quote Stewie...
In the end, the receiver is fine. Its people that are stupid and fuck up their devices. Knowing people in IT, and having an uncle who RROD his 360 by having both the power supply and the system inside an enclosed cabinet (all 6 sides, glass on front), not to mention his 2 ps2's that died because he didnt get it when i told him putting it on carpet is bad, its clearly users that are the cause of problems, and its those same users with the loudest voices. I put little to no blame on microsoft for these problems.
Blah
It wasn't meant to be funny. I'm serious. You obviously need help.
Reading all of your overly aggressive posts and insulting language tells me what a sad individual you are.
Grow up or shut up.
Thanks Dr. Phil. Your as much of a loser as the TV personality. Go sodomize yourself.
Keep digging that hole Blah
Honestly, your a pathetic blogger. You have added nothing to this discussion except unnecessary comments like:
"Did you really have to put that last comment?
I thought you made some good points up until that.
What a let down."
and
"Jeez, someone get this guy some medication....."
and
"@ Evan - Good grief calm down sunshine. Noone is 'b*tching up a storm' as you put it. I was meerly commenting on this article for goodness sake. Grow up!"
You merely attack someones comments, instead of bringing anything of substance to the conversation. You are a pathetic loser who quite frankly exhausted any knowledge on the issue, instead releasing useless rhetoric that only insults the commenter, rather than providing a meaningful comment. You are whats wrong with these blogging sites.
I would not have to insult you if it werent for your unnecessary need to provide only an insulting reply, rather than information that attacks what someone writes.
You should grow up. You should take some medication. And quite frankly, follow my advice and go sodomize yourself.
Blah
It's hilarious how you keep coming back to this article.
Everything you said was a contradiction.
You throw insults around at people that you don't even know and you say i'm the insulting one?
Here are some of your posts:-
"And a word to the wise to those who use these problem posts about Microsoft as an outlet to reveal every thing they have done wrong. FUCK OFF."
"What the hell are you talking about?????"
"Maybe your laptop is a piece of shit. According to this, theres only a 17% loss: http://planethalflife.gamespy.com/View.php?view=TechCorner.Detail&id=37. And from other people i know, ive heard 7fps loss, 10fps loss, but quite frankly, never from 60 - 30 fps. I would assume your doing something wrong, or your laptop is indeed shit, because i trust the people i know more than you. Vista is fine."
"Go sodomize yourself."
Right, so it's clear who does the insulting around here, right? It's not a difficult question. It's you. You and people like you are what is wrong with sites like this.
Furthermore, you conveniently forgot to mention that my discussion with 'Evan' came to a civilised conclusion. It's called agreeing to not agree as we all have our own opinions.
Au revoir Blah. :-)
Honestly, if you didnt give a horseshit of a comment like:
"Did you really have to put that last comment?
I thought you made some good points up until that.
What a let down."
and
"Jeez, someone get this guy some medication....."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
(Lets not forget who was the first to insult in our discussion, you prick. Telling someone to FUCK OFF is not an insult, nor is indicating that their laptop is shit. Claiming someone has mental problems and needs medication is.).
I would have ended this conversation a long time ago.
Quite frankly, that first comment didnt need a reply from the likes of you, as it added nothing to the conversation. When i was responding to the person with the laptop, i was merely questioning how he lost 30fps because thats quite a bit. As well, that last line in the first comment i made was in reaction to the irritating comments that people use bad news about Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, etc. to act as an outlet to further degrade their image, bringing in false information, lies, etc., which in turn brings nothing to the conversation at all. I am well aware that this post in itself brings nothing to the discussion about the receiver, however, your irritating and leech-like nature deserves counter.
"It's hilarious how you keep coming back to this article."
You dont seem to let go, either.
Ciao, Dr. Phil.
The only thing I've done wrong is buy Microsoft for years like some kind of sheep. 'Blah' you loose all credibility when you come out with the 'F' word at the end of a post or at any other point. 'Phil' was right, don't let yourself down, chill ya boots a bit. Microsoft do a lot right, they do very well, sell cheap products to the masses, me being one of them. It's ok, their build quality is usually bad, not all the time say 20 percent of the time, I've had my share of both good'ish and bad. You said it, Vista is ok, yep Microsoft is ok. I like a bit more than ok myself. This receiver looks ok, no, actually its looks real bad but it might work ok, or not. 360 looks cheap, but works ok (well mine melted but that's another story). Yep that's it Microsoft is ok, never great, never good, just ok.
Blah.
You take yourself way to seriously.
Yet more insults I see.
In the case of this receiver, its one of the first times that a company ported a console spec item directly to the PC, meaning that the wireless unit is taken from the console, sharing all the calls, and being completely compatible with existing console hardware, and attempting to work seamlessly on a PC. Besides those PS2-USB, N64-USB, etc. this is the first if im not mistaken. And it shares most of the features available on the console, and puts them in PC gamers hands.
It no doubt will have its share of problems, but there are a large number of cases where it was merely the user not following directions, or doing something incorrectly (like me not making sure my MB had enough power to power the device) that causes failures. Granted, it should work as soon as you plug it in, and we have come to expect that from USB, but the variables in the PC world will assure that no matter how much QA microsoft does, there will always be problems.
I have just never agreed with taking one, two or three events spoken loudly by the few, and carving that as the legacy of a company who caused those events. Its very dirty, and it is used all the time in the political arena.
Every electronics goods have defected units. I had a Sony dvd player die in two months and a sonny Grand Wega TV die on me after 3 months and my girlfriend went through 2 iPods that died. I think MS has just been targeted more by the press. More 360 died then they should have and it's been blown to crazy proportions. There are millions among millions of MS products out there there is bound to be a good share of defective units. Granted MS does have a tendency to rush stuff out but that's what they are used to being a PC company. Its' almost a common standard in the PC industry to put out anything and everything developed, good or bad.
Also I think in many,not all,situations the problems is coming from individuals with older machines and user software. I've have problems with hardware and software in my older computer that are non existent in my new updated computer.
With this receiver plugged in my USB Skype phone, also plugged into the motherboard USB ports, does not receive enough power to control the phone speaker correctly. It makes it sound as if the speaker is blown out. If I move the Skype phone (DualPhone USB) to the USB ports on my monitor, or unplug the 360 wireless receiver, the phone works correctly.
I had that problem with my reciever. When I plugged it in, my mouse, USB headphones, and flash drive would not power if they were plugged into the same controller.
To get the thing to work I had to throw a 4 port USB PCI card in my machine, and stick the reciever onto that.
The thing just draws too much power for some devices.
@ Christian: I have a 2 year old machine with a 600W power supply. It's a X2 machine, ASUS A8N-SLI motherboard. Not exactly new, but not exactly older or underpowered either.
I can play Bioshock with no problems on my PC, but plug that reciever into the normal USB ports, and watch out, it kills everything.
Said many, not all. In your case it's not that old so you under the "not all" I mentioned. Looks like some motherboards handle it better than others.
>shell out even more dough for a powered
"Even more dough"? Please, Engadget as a drama queen. A powered USB hub costs a couple dollars.
My wireless controller works great. Those I know personally who have had troubles with it are those routing through an *unpowered* hub, not into the machine itself, which definetly, but not surprisingly, makes for trouble brewing.