So I sent my Xbox off to get repaired. Fairly painless process. I asked the guy on the phone however if I would get my Xbox back and he said yes. However, I just got shipping confirmation on my return and it's coming from Memphis (as opposed to Texas which is where I sent it.) And in the email they sent me, there is a different serial number listed for the console.

Does this mean they're sending me a refurbed unit or a brand new one? Is there any way to tell when I get it?

If it's a different serial then it's a refurb.

I duplicated this post because it might be a worthwhile thing to sign up for.

From Major Nelson's blog :

Introducing the Xbox LIVE Rewards program


It’s a brand new way for Xbox LIVE members* to earn Microsoft points for doing things they already do on Xbox LIVE. Sign up and start earning Microsoft Points by watching movies and sports, playing games and more. Plus, when you sign-up for Xbox LIVE Gold, or renew your membership you’ll earn even more. Sound good? We’re officially kicking off the program later today, but if you want to get in early hit the link below.

Get more details and join for free at Rewards.xbox.com



*This program is currently available in the US and UK only

^^ Thanks, that took about 2 seconds

Thx! Didn't see much in terms of details. Guess you get points for renting movies, for each month in Netflix, etc?

Joystiq: Microsoft has 'nothing to announce at this time' regarding Halo remake rumors

Microsoft has responded to European chatter surrounding a Halo: Combat Evolved high-definition remake by saying, "Right now our focus is on supporting Halo: Reach. We have nothing to announce at this time." Putting that through the Joystiq PR Translation Machine pops out one thing: "42." Clearly, we need to call maintenance.

Eurogamer published the quote from Microsoft after Games Master magazine implied that a Halo remake was underway at 343 Industries (the current Halo custodian), using the Reach engine. Allegedly, the HD Halo would drop next November, to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the original Xbox shooter.

According to the folks at CAG this has been around for a while and the benefits are negligible at best. I don't know if they have made the rewards more worth wile recently though.

Yeah, I'm using the new, black cable that came with it. And yes, it charges up noticeably quicker than the old battery packs, but it looses it's charge just as fast and I can't seem to recharge it with any other USB connection other than the 360's.

Major Nelson said they're launching it later today. So whatever they were talking about on CAG is irrelevant to that.

I think they are talking about the other rewards program. The one that they sent out the credit card like thing in the mail. It was pretty much useless. I still have mine kicking around somewhere.

I do remember another reward program awhile back that had to do with increasing your gamer score by a certain amount. I think you got points if you did.

From the sounds of it, it has been in Beta for a year and that is what they are referring to.

Is there a way to tell officially that it's refurbished?

You only get points for doing something the first time. So, if you have NEVER had netflix on your account, you get a bonus for signing up. If you have NEVER purchased a game on your account, you get a bonus for your FIRST purchase. I can't complain about getting free stuff, but unless they send me the occasional survey for points, none of the offerings apply to me. I've done them all already.

I think just like how there is a PS Rewards Beta program right now, Xbox had some beta period of this rewards program. The people on CAG are saying the point values are the same, terminology the same, graphics the same. And the reason they were saying the points are all pointless (see what I did there?) is because of what I mentioned above. The powerusers who were rewarded with being in the beta program found the rewards useless because they had all already done everything.

Yup, I was part of the Beta for the program, and think I ended up earning 300 points or something along those lines.

anyone still have their xbox "diamond card"?

^^ Yep, that is what I was thinking about earlier. Couldn't remember the name of it.

No. Didn't they start charging for the card?

Absolutely. Nothing like an official looking credit card that is partially translucent and has my name as xmiyux. It cracks me up every time I see it.

Yes they did. I used mine once or twice for discounts (at Hollywood Video iirc) so there was no way I would pay yearly to maintain it.

mines still in a desk drawer somewhere. Might be worth something someday!

Wait, they started charging to keep using the card? How in the hell could they justify that? The discounts were shit!

Heh...still have mine too. Never paid for it. Never used it, either.

Mine expired, but apparently I can pay to renew it. Yeah that's gonna happen.

http://xboxlivediamond.com/

Ms. 'Splosion Man

That's fantastic!

Did Microsoft stop making the rechargable batteries that look like:



I bought them when I got my 360 and they're starting to die on me. Amazon has them for $32/each from a 3rd party seller.

Anyone been playing AC:B? I started the campaign today and couldn't make it up the second tower. It appears I lost my ability to jump and grab from a hanging position. Is that the case or am I simply not seeing the correct path?