Bill Gates gives mother of pearl-clad Xbox 360 to South Korean President
By Donald Melanson 
posted May 19th 2008 5:21PM
posted May 19th 2008 5:21PM
Apparently not one to let a tacky trend pass him by, Bill Gates has commissioned 100 mother of pearl-clad Xbox 360s to be used as extra special gifts, the first of which was given to South Korean President Lee Myung-bak earlier this month, prompting a response that we can only imagine to be, "gee, thanks." To be fair, the design by Korean artisan Kim Young-jun is a bit classier than most of the crystal-encrusted gadgets we come across, but the same can't quite be said for the move of bringing a bit of thinly disguised self-promotion to a visit with a head of state. We can also only assume that Gates is dreading the day that the President calls him up and asks him what the red rings on his Xbox mean.
It'll be awesome once he finds out what the RRoD is. Let's hope he doesn't take it as a sign of hostility.
The red rings would compliment the black case and the pearl design.
Tacky? I think this is actually pretty tasteful. Mother of pearl can be used to make some very cool art, unlike simply coating something in Swarovski crystals and selling it for $20K.
TAKE THAT NORTH KOREA..... bastards!
Swarovski crystals are pretty stupid in my opinion. Put a little on anything you can think of, it's all of a sudden idioticly priced high.
@CUBSWILLWIN:
The PS3 was able to do the same thing, but without the crystals.
shiny is taste good
@Low Ranked:
Oh come on... fanning the flames. You really want to start one?
Fine. Aside from the fact that the PS3 was costing them $800 to make and they were selling each one for a $300 loss... PS3 is a better value than 360. And "value" aside, after you add up some of the extra crap you need, the 360 is more expensive. Just adding the cost to play your games online (which I still can't believe they charge for) makes the console price equal. I'd still be primarily a PC gamer were it not for the PS3. I just HATE non standardizations. I would hate having to buy a special HDD that only works in the 360, or forced to buy Microsoft headsets -- not being able to use the BT headset that came with my phone or the USB headset I got for my PC, or to not have my choice of controller (I mean I can buy a 3rd party controller similar to the 360's if I want or use the classic PS style, and I can get cheap 3rd party controllers, plus I prefer K&M for FPS's and I can use any old USB setup or BT), and so on.
I know I'm setting myself up for a bashing, but whatever, I don't consider myself a Sony fanboy per se, they just do a lot of things right by me (this time around--I wasn't much of a PS1 or PS2 fan) while MS does a lot of stuff wrong by me. I'd feel the same even if I only had a 360, actually probably more so because I'd be constantly lamenting over Microsoft's shenanigans. Fortunately for me, most of the games that I really want to play are exclusive to PS3, or on both consoles, or available on PC.
Oh and record-straightening aside, that 360 looks pretty sweet!
TMTR
@lars
Amen.
Isn't this guy at Le Pain Quotidien? Gee. No wonder he can't pose at Starbucks.
Because it's not tacky enough to distract you from the FUCKING HOLT RENFREW SCARF PATTERN THAT EVERY KOREAN MUST WEAR.
Anyways, if someone knows where that dumbass pattern came from, please burn down that place.
The 360 gift by itself is a pretty strange gesture, but it's Gates, so I assume he needs more of user base in that part of the world.
All Gates really had to do was get StarCraft on the XBOX instead.
RROD assure, I like the artwork.
I meant aside not assure, stupid autocorrection.
Seriously Engadget. How many times do you need to hear this? Add a fricken delete button next to our comments
never. they like to torture us :)
"Red Rubies of Depth."
Bill Gates' response to the shiny red lights on the Korean president's Xbox 360.
-APee
Ah, espionage at its finest.
In all honesty, why the gay looking flowers and butterflies?
... because it's better than a pearl necklace?
someone in this thread is a closet homosexual.
He who lives in glass houses...
sinai, I like the way your avatar and comment work together..
How come in your picture you're pounding a gay-looking drink like "X"? I mean, it's pink.
Homophobic frat boys...*shakes head*
Well, actually, what if you're trapped in a glass house? And you have a stone? Throw the damn stone! So really, it's ONLY people in glass houses should throw stones,
providing that you are trapped and have a stone. It's a little longer, but makes more sense.
location location location
@Brad:
Because we ran out of beer and I am resourceful when it comes to alcohol.
Warren, give credit where credit is due right now.
@Warren
whoa my friend just made that same argument in my chemistry class a few days ago, deja vu.
"Because we ran out of beer and I am resourceful when it comes to alcohol."
QED.
Nice gesture... but why does the design remind me of the Arizona Iced Tea Can (Green Tea Flavored)?
because you're a racist bastard and you think all asian-esque art looks the same.
No. cause I drank one for Lunch along with that greasy rice you brought me....
That was you wasn't it?
http://aphs.worldnomads.com/mel_collison/288/phoenix2006122.jpg
yes, thanks for the shitty tip. now i berate you on engadget!
You're the one with nothing but bad stuff to say....
The problem with cutting you down to size is,
30min later I want to do it all over again...
dang Sinai, you just got pwned
oh come on!
"that greasy rice you brought me"
"thanks for the shitty tip"
*WHOOSH*
Best Comment Own Ever.
Kudos to you,sir.
Nice job, Idlemind.
Truly good job. The more we can annoy the idiots away from commenting on engadget, the better.
sinai's Response was great! It's a shame he had to point it out since it was a little hard to follow... oh well.
mob-mentality overpowers logic I suppose
That is a pretty good lloking 360. I like the pattern. So relaxing to look at for some reason.
[/sarcasm]
I figured they'd make it so the "XBOX 360" on the side isn't right in the middle of the design.
Then I remembered, this is Microsoft.
Was it not South Korea that sued Microsoft in some idiotic anti-trust lawsuit?
Is it not South Korea that has such a huge MMO fixation that Gates would love to see flock to the 360?
Now what will happen when they get the Red Ring of Death...
Chances are it's running on a newer 360 with the Falcon motherboard, which is pretty much RROD proof, unless the 360 is mistreated. I should know, I have one.
They'll put in for an RMA, Microsoft will pay for postage to and from repair centre, and the console will be returned in about 4 days. Along with that, there'll be a free 1-month Xbox Live Gold subscription card with their fixed Xbox.
That's what happened to me anyway. Don't know what the RROD fuss is about, Microsoft is being exemplary in customer service.
Ummm r3loaded, Derek wasnt seriously asking what would happen.
LC just because yours didn't die doesn't make falcons 3ROLD proof...plenty of people on ign and xbox scene are getting it with falcons.
it'll get shipped to the RMA center and returned "cleaned"
War?
than MOST of the crystal-encrusted gadgets? show me one that's better looking than this.
I would like to show you the reply button first.
I hope that 360 wont overheat.
Maybe he got one of those new trick motherboards in it.
Does it play Starcraft?
I think that's how they decide the president.
But they're way ahead of us in tech and it makes sense to cosy up to the President. And that is way pretty.
*applauds the excellent use of the "Does it play...?" meme*
See. folks? That's how you make an overused meme appear fresh and witty.
DON'T SEND IT IN FOR SERVICE! They might smudge the mother of pearl off.
Why is old Bill giving "gifts" to the President of South Korea in the first place?
embrace..
In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ..... RROD. They should give one to the NK shorty. That will definitely set him off.
I'm lucky mine hasn't RROD on me yet. But, the DVD-ROM is broken though. If it's not the RROD is the dvd drive. What a ride.
You can slap all the jewelry you want on that sucker and you still can't use it to run your own code.
Sell it, buy 100 PS3's, cluster them, cure some random disease over the weekend.
But has the PS3 Folding@home really cured anything yet? I'm genuinely curious, considering the millions of dollars of electricity bills the "free" service has convinced its users to pay.
When I shut my system off, it turns off. It doesn't sit there charging me about $30/mo in power.
Get a damn computer if you want to run your own code.
Zorque, I'm afraid affordable CBE based desktop machines are hard to come by, or you can bet I would buy one in a heartbeat.
The 360 doesn't have a Cell, dumbass. What's your obsession with them anyway, OH LOOK 8 UNDERPERFORMING CORES BUT 8 IS HIGHER THAN 2 OR 4!
You can't run your own code on it? I am confused. That app I have been writing using XNA has been running on my 360, desktop, and (a scaled down version of it) on my Zune for a while now. But you are the expert, I cannot run my code on the XBOX so I can stop development now.
Thanks for saving me time by bestowing upon me your infinite wisdom!
Zorque, the reason scientists are clamoring over PS3's and not computers with CBE's is because the Cell BE is quite an expensive chip, and buying a computer with that chip costs way more than a PS3, since they sell the PS3 at a loss and computers for profit. And fortunately for them, the PS3 allows you to install whatever OS you want.
Your second comment makes me think that you actually have no insight into technology at all, let alone how the Cell BE works. Plus, calling someone a dumbass while mistakingly thinking they were talking about something they were not, just doesn't look good. Yes, if you want to write any old program, you'd do it on PC. But if you want the most power for your buck (which, again, only scientists really care about), then the PS3's Cell BE is where it's at.
I know the 360 isn't a PS3. I'm saying the PS3 is better.
I'm an end user, but that homebrew thing will mean as much to me as it means to anyone, and I wouldn't ever think of getting a 360 with things as they are.
Really? Things as they are the 360 has lots of good games on it. I guess that's why I wouldn't consider getting one!
ethana2, so you do not want to use homebrew applications written using XNA because you are an end-user. But a homebrew OS (written by Linus in his spare time and started when he was a college student) installed on a platform using primarily homebrew applications makes the PS3 better?
how bad does the RROD get? I've gotten it about a 1/2 dozen times so far and I always just turn off the 360, then back on and it's back to normal like it never happened...[knock on wood]
Looks like an infomercial :p
"Call now, and this xbox can all be yours for the low price of $199999.95, but wait there's more! Order now and we'll throw in another xbox along with our magic hair curler!"
...and so on.
It's an application of Korean traditional art of sorts... called 나전칠기 you can usually find them on old wardrobes and such
I wonder what chipset they have inside?
He gonna get pwned by some north koreans on GTAIV and Halo.....oh wait do they have XBOX 360 on North Korea? well anyways, gov officials from North Korea will own him over at Xbox live.
Nice, I have that same shirt....
Wow, you and the Korean president are pretty close buddies.
Funny how the Korean president and Bush both have a fondness for plaid.
Actually, I assume that is the artist. He is definately not the president. The South Korean president is much uglier.
I wonder if the S Korean president's Burberry shirt is genuine?
you know... in most countries, it would be consider "bribery"... but then again, this is Korea, Samsung President was 'punished' with a little lecture and slight slaps on the wrist.
That bitch will break just like my three did.
Who is the next smart ass with an RRoD joke?
You?
It is interesting the artist entitled it "Peace"... which will last only as long as it is not turned on (vvwhooouuummmm)
Well, isn't this special. Thousands of people dying in Burma and China, and Bill Gates - who has been blabbering for years about retiring so he can devote the rest of his life to helping kids, education and medical science - is touring the world in a private jet, handing out customized Microsoft crapware to world leaders. Why are no media willing to print the simple truth - that Bill Gates is a GLOBAL ASSH*LE?
I've started working on a website that will document Billysoft's crimes at http://www.billysoft.org/. In the meantime, I'm running for public office, making Bill Gates a campaign issue in his own backyard AND I've asked Hugo Chavez to add Bill Gates to his hit list at http://www.viva-chavez.com/Topics/Chavez_vs_Gates/
I know, my project sounds pretty far out, but it's no more bizarre than Bill Gates. What a freak.
And just so there's no misunderstanding, I'm not criticizing this website or the article I'm commenting on. On the contrary, it was a very good article, and I'll certainly be linking to it from Billysoft.org.
Now if you'll excuse me while I run off to vomit...
David Blomstrom
Go do your advertising elsewhere
Dude seriousy, your not getting my vote, and I'm sure your not getting the vote of the millions of other people in western washington employed (either directly or indirectly) by microsoft.
How's this for an idea:
Take your personal Vendetta against Bill Gates and Microsoft elsewhere, preferably down to california and out of our neighborhood!
And while your down there, why don't you go cuddle with Steve Jobs??
I don't understand....you're upset that Bill Gates about the conditions in China and Burma? Am I the only one that sees a disconnect between the two? Is Bill Gates causing the problems in China and Burma? Is he responsible for the actions of those governments? Or is it his duty to follow YOUR pet causes, because he has money and you don't? What does this have to do with you running for office in Washington? Why is it called "Billysoft" - he's not even the CEO anymore? My list of questions seems to keep growing the longer I look at your comment.
And lest we forget, he is the founder of one of the largest charities on the planet, donating more to developing nations than any individual in history, and even outpacing our own government by several fold. On top of that he's a nice, if more than a little dorky, guy. What's your deal?
TRLK wrote, "Go do your advertising elsewhere."
Political activism isn't advertising.
* * * * *
g.ballew wrote, "Dude seriousy, your not getting my vote, and I'm sure your not getting the vote of the millions of other people in western washington employed (either directly or indirectly) by microsoft."
Dude, seriously, I DON'T WANT YOUR VOTE. And for every individual who is employed by Microsoft, there are at least a dozen who have been screwed by M$. Not that I expect to get all their votes, either. But people who are smart enough to see what Microsoft founders Bill Gates and Paul Allen have done to this city might be interested in hearing what I have to say.
* * * * *
"How's this for an idea:
"Take your personal Vendetta against Bill Gates and Microsoft elsewhere, preferably down to california and out of our neighborhood!"
Yes, I have a "personal vendetta" against Bill Gates, just as millions of people have a personal vendetta against Bill Gates' pal, George W. Bush.
"And while your down there, why don't you go cuddle with Steve Jobs??"
Uh, OK...and why don't you go look up Jose Feliciano?
* * * * *
Brad wrote, "I don't understand....you're upset that Bill Gates about the conditions in China and Burma? Am I the only one that sees a disconnect between the two? Is Bill Gates causing the problems in China and Burma? Is he responsible for the actions of those governments?"
I never said Bill Gates personally caused a typhoon or an earthquake. I just think it's a little ironic that a man who claims to have his finger on the planet's pulse is whoring himself over in South Korea at a time when the world's attention is focused on the rather extensive suffering in Asia.
"Or is it his duty to follow YOUR pet causes, because he has money and you don't?"
That makes even less sense than your last comment.
"What does this have to do with you running for office in Washington?"
I'm making Bill Gates a campaign issue - in his home town and backyard. (Didn't I already explain that???)
"Why is it called "Billysoft" - he's not even the CEO anymore?"
Public relations stunt. Microsoft's image was withering as a result of its extensive corruption. So Bill Gates' handlers decided to separate Bill Gates from Microsofst, effectively distancing him from Microsoft's scandals - even though he's actually the root cause of them.
At the same time, they began branding him as a philanthropist - even though the Gates Foundation is an INVESTMENT FIRM. As a matter of fact, it's a pretty corrupt investment firm. I take it you never read the landmark expose in the LA Times?
"And lest we forget, he is the founder of one of the largest charities on the planet, donating more to developing nations than any individual in history, and even outpacing our own government by several fold."
Ah, the INVESTMENT FIRM I commented on above. Isn't it amazing how much of the money he "donates" is used to promote Microsoft crapware?
"On top of that he's a nice, if more than a little dorky, guy."
No, Bill Gates isn't nice. He's actually a pretty twisted SOB.
"What's your deal?"
You go first...what's YOUR deal?
...you're psychotic.
So I just want to make sure I understand your concerns:
1) You don't like Bill Gates. I'd wager you've never met him or spent any extended period of time with him, so your issue with him as a person is really an issue with him as an abstract concept and media representation. That's fine, but lets call a spade a spade.
2) You are outraged by, in your own words, irony. Read that again, take a moment to let it sink in. You. Are. Outraged. By. Irony. I really don't think I have to even comment on that.
3) So you don't like the way Bill Gates conducts HIS charity. You take your pointers from an OpEd piece in the LA Times. That's cool. Did you ever stop to think WHY it was an investment firm? Charities are ALL investment firms. The point is to take money donated, put it into low-risk, low-return investments that will mature over time. That way you can actually build on the wealth, and not just keep asking for money to turn over and hand back out. Charities that don't invest lose money and eventually close down. Do you hate the Red Cross, too? How about Habitat for Humanity? Tell you what, start your own multi-bullion dollar charity, and run it YOUR way. Don't invest in anything. Don't give away millions of dollars of software that the rest of the WORLD uses. Teach kids to use some OS that no one else on the planet uses. That's a great way to bring them into the global marketplace, by alienating them through obscure software. Good call. Ooh! Or maybe you think the food and vaccines are all implanted with Microsoft mind control chips.
4) How do you make Bill Gates a campaign issue "In his own back yard" - say what you will about the guy or his philanthropic endevors, you can't deny the vast amount of wealth and prosperity he's generated for the State of Washington. He employs tens of thousads of people, generates millions of dollars in tax revenue, produces very little pollution, and educates his workforce. If that's something you're trying to stop, I'm not surprised you have to resort to gadget forums for campaigning - you clearly don't understand politics, economics, or people.
What happens if you win? Say all nine of your supporters show up to vote and NO ONE ELSE DOES. What's your solution to the "Bill Gates" campaign issue? New laws that require everyone to call him names? A state appointee to light a bag of poo on his door? Or do you honestly think you'll kick Microsoft out of Redmond? You'd be responsible for the greatest loss of jobs, tax revenue, and prosperity that Washington has ever seen. What a way to leave your political mark.
For whatever reason, I have an image of you in my head stomping your feet and shaking your tiny fists at the front gates of Microsoft, saying "Im coming for you, Bill!" in a tiny voice. I do appreciate the irony that your political goal is to get elected so you can bully one individual, while ignoring all the other responsibilities you'd be taking on. That speaks volumes about your character and personality.
As long as he doesn't abuse that thing, or keep it closed up with no vents, RRoD wont be a problem.
but then again...he is south korean, who knows if he'll listen
Does that mean they'll give North Korea a Uranium-clad Xbox 360?
am I the only one who thinks that the 360 has WON because of red ring? Think about all the people who get a red ringed console (myself included, one time, knock on wood) AND STILL WANT THEIR XBOX BACK! I mean, if it was a crappy system and it broke, why would I bother sending it back? or why buy it in the first place, knowing full well the risks? Because it has the better games, better online service, and only comes with what you need in a gaming system.
The old 3ROD is getting old even by Engadget. I still running the newer Elite with the Falcon Motherboard and BenQ drive and the Falcon's have been running great unless you hear a story of a guy who new a guy who lived next door to a guy who said "Yeah my Falcon died" but failed to mention that the "Falcon" in question was a Freaking BIRD.
Or the Sony Lameboy says my friends 360 died and it was a Falcon type board.
Sorry for the rant but my 17 year old has had his 360 for 2 1/2 years now and it's still running, he says treating it like crap has keep it going strong.
Plus I'd rathing go thru 100 360's than spend another dime on a Sony Delaystion/Cancelstation 3 just for a Blu-ray player. Go Sony and your 10 year life cycle so you can behind again in another 2 1/2 years.
I find MoP very tacky on guitars, but this looks cool
Clearly it this stunt generated some publicity so I guess it was sort of worth it. Not that it will do much to rejuvenate sales of 360 in the far East where they can be best described as somewhere between moribund and terminal.