Xbox 360 Live 4000 Points

10 thoughts on “Xbox 360 Live 4000 Points”

1. Review by Thomas Eck for Xbox 360 Live 4000 Points
   Rating:
   In order to activate the card, you must scratch off an area on the back of the card to reveal a 25 digit code. Unfortunately, when I scratched mine off, five of the numbers came off in addition to the protective coating, thus making the card unusable. I called Microsoft’s Xbox support and after about 20 minutes of going back and forth with an agent and then the “floor supervisor” on it, I was informed there simply was nothing they could do for me. As an IT professional, I found their support agents to be quite unprofessional – a sharp contrast from their enterprise support which strives for 100% “very satisfied” customers.

   Quite surprised by Microsoft’s inability to help, I called Amazon’s customer support, explained the situation and much to my surprise, they immediately provided a replacement card and apologized profusely for the pre-Christmas issue. The replacement was provided at no cost, a return label can be printed from their site, and they even expedited the shipping for me – all without my having to ask.

   Amazon is a top-rate retailer and continues to exceed my expectations with every order I place.

   At the end of the day, there are two morals of this story. First, be careful scratching off your activation code; and second, if you do happen to get a card like mine, don’t bother calling Microsoft – they won’t do a thing to assist you on it. Do what I should have done from the start and deal directly with Amazon instead.

2. Review by Frank for Xbox 360 Live 4000 Points
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   First off, I’m an otherwise very happy Xbox Live Gold member. Instead of buying a points card from a retailer, I made the mistake of buying the points online from Microsoft through the Xbox. I used my gamer tag account and entered my credit card on the TV and I bought 500 points. I got the email confirmation that I bought the points. I then used the points. So far so good.

   Over the next two days, four other Xbox charges totaling $30 mysteriously appeared on my credit card. Someone bought more points and a game subscription using my credit card info. I called Xbox Live support- their answer was “we don’t give refunds.” I explained that it’s not a REFUND if my account is used fradulently. They still said no.

   Note that clearly the security leak was with them, as no other fraudulent charges appeared on my credit card…just Xbox charges.

   I then asked them to delete my credit card info from my Xbox Live account. They said they could not do this. I could not believe this! Given that someone had access to my credit card and they were unwilling to remove my credit card info, I had no choice but to cancel my credit card.

   My advice- buy the points from a trusted source like Amazon. Don’t ever give Microsoft direct access to your credit card info. I hope this helps.

3. Review by Zeph Greenwell for Xbox 360 Live 4000 Points
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   This is a great denomination to release Microsoft points in. Since most games on Xbox Live Arcade are purchased in 400 point ($5) increments this card give you the ability to download ten 400 point games or five 800 point games or some other combination (you get the idea). $50 is also a much more acceptable amount than the $62.50 for 5000 points. Since this is on a card it makes this possible to give as a gift or buy without using a credit card. This would be a worthwhile purchase for anyone with an Xbox 360 and Xbox Live.

4. Review by Patio B. for Xbox 360 Live 4000 Points
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   This is a lot better than doing it through your xbox. For one, no tax. The other reason, for me at least, is that if you put your credit card into xbox live, you cant remove it. You can change it, but it will always have a credit card on file. Buying these points through xbox live would have cost me $54.12. I would rather save that $4.12, thank you.

5. Review by M. Erickson for Xbox 360 Live 4000 Points
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   These reviews show up on the list for all four options, the one, three, and twelve month subscriptions, as well as the marketplace points. Carefully choose the “Size” above, which is where you choose between live “gold” months and marketplace points. Amazon just put all of these different products onto the same page, calling them different sizes.

   There is of course a difference between months and points, as you can spend points without a gold subscription (just use the free included “silver” subscription with every XBOX 360), and you can certainly buy gold months without having to get any extra points. So one is not required for the other. The points get you extra content downloads, and the months get you online play time.

6. Review by A. Thomas for Microsoft Arc Mouse (Black)
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   I like this mouse. Here’s why:

   1. The size. It’s a full-sized mouse, yet it folds up nicely for transportation.
   
   2. The laser is accurate. Finally! A laser mouse you can use on your bed sheets/blankets/pillows without skipping horribly. Does it work on a glass tabletop? Sorry, I didn’t try it, but I would think not.
   
   3. Appearance. Sure, this may not be a big deal to anyone, but it looks good — well, the black one does anyway…
   
   4. Noise. The buttons don’t have a pronounced “plastic click” sound. Some may find this to be a disadvantage, but my wife is thanking me dearly for not keeping her awake when I’m on my laptop late at night.
   
   5. The small USB plug — not quite as small as the Logitech Nano, but close.

   Of course, there are some shortcomings:

   1. Functionality. This is a very basic device — Right click/Left click/Scroll/Back are your functions. That’s it; no browser forward, email, volume, etc. features here. To me, not a big deal. To you, it might be.
   
   2. The browser ‘back’ button is WAY too far down toward the nose of the mouse. I can’t imagine the prehensile anatomy of whoever thought this would be ergonomically viable to us modern-day hominids.

   All things considered, I like this mouse a lot. It could have more features, but what it lacks in that regard, it makes up for in comfort and styling.

7. Review by J. Cramer for Microsoft Arc Mouse (Black)
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   I recently saw some of these posts regarding the problems people are having with the Arc Mouse scroll wheel. I work at Microsoft Hardware, and use the Arc Mouse every day, so wanted to try to help.
   
   After we first shipped the Arc mouse in September 2008, we quickly discovered an issue with the scroll wheel. We fixed it and new mice being manufactured don’t have this issue. (And for people reading this review who have not already purchased a mouse, any new mice you purchase TODAY should not have this problem.) However, there were a small amount of units manufactured that we couldn’t catch in time before they made their way to the store shelf or warehouse.

   If you are using the Arc Mouse, and your scroll wheel stops functioning, you can call this number to get support: (800) 360-7561. (US customers only.)

   We really value your feedback and want to ensure you are satisfied with your Microsoft products. Keep the reviews coming.

8. Review by Lisa L. Munro for Microsoft Arc Mouse (Black)
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   I was looking for a portable mouse to use with the ASUS 1000H. (The trackpad works fine, but I just prefer an actual mouse.) I went to the local electronics store and clicked and held many mice of its an unbelievable variety of shapes, sizes, and features. I kept coming back to this one, so I went for it and am quite pleased with it. I like the pronounced arc shape of it, as it fits in my hand well and comfortably and I can rest my palm on it. I have average sized hands for a woman–people with big hands should try it out before purchasing. I also like the light weight and the fact that it folds up. The USB piece sticks to the bottom of it with a magnet, so people like me won’t lose it. The buttons click softly and easily. The scroll wheel does make clicking sounds, so if you need your mouse to be totally silent while scrolling, you might look elsewhere. As the other reviewer noticed, the “back” button is in a slightly awkward place, but if I just hold the mouse at a very slight angle, my thumb reaches it with no problem and I can still right click. It doesn’t come with software and I’ve found that I have to insert the USB piece before booting for it to work. Once working, its been quite nice, moves easily, and does what I need it to do, both quickly and accurately. Folding it up turns it off, which is a nice feature for forgetful people. Once folded up, it slips into a small black bag that hardly takes up any room at all. Finally, the manufacturers were kind enough to include the two AAA batteries that power the mouse.

   Overall, I’m quite pleased and am thinking of using this with my desktop computer as well.

   Cheers!

   Update: (11/29/08) Bah. I have to change my review a bit. The scroll wheel, like so many have noticed, has stopped working and appears to be unfixable (at least, by me). I’m bummed, as I really liked this mouse. I’ve replaced it with a Logitech V450 mouse, which is okay, but the buttons make a harder click than I like and I have to actually manually turn it off when I’m done using it. I loved that the Arc would turn off automatically when folded. Anyways, if Microsoft fixes the scroll wheel and makes it more durable, I’d definitely buy another Arc.

9. Review by Mr. Jonathan Jouglet for Microsoft Arc Mouse (Black)
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   Just bought this product today at my local retailer in San Diego and it’s perfect for my Black Macbook:

   Just plug the (micro) receptor in a usb port, pull the batteries in the mouse and you are good to go.

   However, to activate the two other configurable buttons, you will have to go on the windows website and download a 10Mb software.

   I configured one button for expose, the other for dashboard.

   And contrary to the mighty mouse, you will not accidentally click the lateral button here.

   I’ve been a Mac Addict since 6 years now but I gotta say that apple mice sucks and that Microsoft one is really really good and handle wells in the hand.

   Thus, I recommend this product to any Macuser, really good portable mouse but with the normal size, really ergonomic, easy to setup and if you have a black Macbook, it’s just PERFECT.

10. Review by J. Rodgers for Microsoft Arc Mouse (Black)
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    I noticed this mouse because it looks so cool, but I was skeptical because I put comfort above all else. When I tried it, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it is. I can palm a basketball and this mouse still fit my hand. I also like how it looks… it’s just cool plain and simple. My wife loves it too! Nice job Microsoft for bringing something new to the world of mice! I plan on giving this one as a Christmas gift as well.

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