My Xbox 360's Untimely Demise: The Red Rings of Frustration
I'm not doing anything right now. I'm not playing Guitar Hero on my Xbox 360. Why? Since my Xbox 360, which I bought less than a year ago, is no longer functional. I fired it up one day last week and saw the Rings of Red Light, which I abhorred. And though what that first makes me want to do is greet it with the awful Kick of My Boot-Clad foot, I toughed it out and rang Microsoft for help.
Navigating Microsoft's Repair Process
First I found that my 360's error code literally means "The console does not know why it is not functioning." Aside from me, I question the value of having this as an error code. Second, sending my console back to Microsoft will cost me $150, and eventually I am sure I will not receive the same console but rather one that is functioning. Since neither I nor apparently Microsoft know what is wrong with it initially, I have to admit that this procedure seems somewhat unjust if not very suspicious. I mean, doesn't that basically imply that my "new" console could experience the same thing and that Microsoft would need to replace a product that might very well just have, you know, a design flaw at another $150?
The Dilemma of a Broken Console
What option do I have, though? I invested $400 on this item, a lot of money for a paperweight featuring three lit red rings. Also, my Guitar Hero guitar is just sitting here. looking right at me. Calling me. Greg and Norm just keep improving at the game throughout this. That gives me agitation.
Manufacturer Dependency and Lack of Alternatives
I enjoy my 360 very much—as a matter of fact—but it's tough not to consider that I am not entirely at the mercy of the manufacturer when my computer goes on the fritz. I could void one or two warranties, but at least I have the choice of attempting to identify the problem myself. For all I know, a loose wire or some dog hair blocking the fan and overheating my 360 would be what is wrong with it.