Xbox 360 Chatpad and headset hands-on, impressions
By Ryan Block 
posted September 4th 2007 1:11PM
posted September 4th 2007 1:11PM
- Blister packs suck. Microsoft, we're sick of 'em.
- The Chatpad is a little difficult to get on and off, but once engaged it fits perfectly on the controller (duh), and feels like a seamless extension. Unfortunately there are two awkwardly placed screw holes on the underside, but you'll learn to ignore 'em.
- Players with longer fingers may be annoyed, this thing kind of prevents finger-wraparound.
- The keys are nice and tactile. And with the keyboard sounds the 360 makes in text entry you can be sure your typing is getting through. Still, thumb touch-typing on this is going to be almost out of the question for most, the thing is basically a straight up button grid.
- The shift / caps / alt green and amber buttons were kind of wonky and took some getting used to. No big deal though.
- It feels light at first, but after not too long it really starts to affect the balance of the controller, and could weigh you down a little. We suggest removing it when you don't need it.
- The headset now has an inline mute / volume switch (with clip), so now you have move your hand off the controller mid-play to adjust the audio. Super lame.
- The Chatpad headset can be used on the controller without the Chatpad, but why would you want to? The old style headset is more efficient (see above) and sounds just as good.
- In fact, while we're on the topic, the original headset doesn't use those two data paddles either -- so we have no idea why the Chatpad didn't just skip bundling a second headset and instead include a port that could accept the original kind. We suspect this was to raise the consumer price of the package without raising Microsoft's cost much more. Either way, it's sucky.
Same here. I went to CC and BB and neither even had a spot on the shelf/rack.
Does anyone think Engadget is doing serious editing and banning of Users saying something that they don't like?
If nobody does, then I am probably alone here. Damn!!
I'm wondering how does this affect battery life? Does it take too much battery power?
Since the keys aren't back lit...the power drain should be quite small.
But the keys ARE backlit. . . http://www.gearlive.com/thegallery/image_med/610/
oh yeah and a console will only cost you a few grand less than a good computer so yeah def go out and buy the computer dumbass
Rayy, you are a bit late on the reply with that one. The cost argument, however, isn't valid and he was probably baiting you anyway.
Does it work on a PC ?
I'll ditch my wireless keyboard pronto if it does
Are they coming up with a browser also? I would love to surf and check emails on my XBOX. Let's hope...
They don't need a browser. All MS has to do is give us Remote Desktop back to a PC on a network.
FULL PC control
No need to keep adding useless junk to the box. Make the PC be the PC, not my 360. Of course, users may still need a mouse..
what next webcams built in key boards
I already ordered mine. Cant wait to use the backlit beauty. I dont need to worry bout the headset seeing how I use a wireless one. Brett, they already have a "Webcam" called the Vision. Even though it would be cool, I doubt they will release a browser... but they have surpised us in the past...
I think it's not useful
I wish Microsoft would replace the QWERTY keyboard in the dashboard with an alternative (and maybe beetter) text entry method (e.g. http://tinyurl.com/2o9t55) in their dashboard instead letting me pay 30$ on a messenger kit.
Has anyone tried this with the wireless adapter that allows you to use XB360 peripherals with Windows? I'm thinking that this would be a nice solution for a car computer keyboard.
this thing is only worth it if it works with Final Fantasy XI