The Xbox 360 Compendium
11-09-05, 03:55 PM
#1426
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Originally Posted by Apollo
I tried to pre-order with BB, but I kept getting the "sales tax error". It's been a regular love/ hate relationship over the years with those bastards
11-09-05, 04:08 PM
#1427
Senior Member
Originally Posted by Snooks
I got the same stinking issue. I keep saying to myself "this is the last time I order from bb.com" but amazingly enough I find myself still ordering. I guess I'm just hard headed!
Of course not the one I wanted and the order was for the wrong setup. But, i'll just buy the Plug & Play seperately.
11-09-05, 04:20 PM
#1428
DVD Talk Hero
Originally Posted by Snooks
I was one of those "Select" RZ members who received the Xbox 360 pre-order. I actually got in, had the stupid bundle in my cart, went to check out and I kept getting the error "We're sorry, we can not calculate the tax information at this time..." I couldn't check out! I emptied the cart and retried multiple times (as a network admin I should have know the more I tried in futility it wouldn't get better but I WANTED MY 360!)
It actually seemed to work fine from around 10 to 10:05... I was able to use the zipcode estimator, no problem. I decided to play with the shipping options and then the error started happening. What amazes me is that it's not like this was some free-for-all. There were a set number of invitations sent out, and if you didn't get one or didn't have the link from one, there's no way you could've gotten in. How could they not have at least planned for the capacity? Unless there was somebody with a script going in and ordering multiples (the system didn't prevent people from ordering more than once, but multiple orders were cancelled anyway).
11-09-05, 04:36 PM
#1429
Senior Member
I'll definately be pre-ordering the PS3 when it's time comes. I learned my lesson and won't make the mistake again. $50 pre-order and a little each week. The thing would be paid off by the time it came out. That's what I should have done with this one.
11-09-05, 04:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Snooks
I was one of those "Select" RZ members who received the Xbox 360 pre-order. I actually got in, had the stupid bundle in my cart, went to check out and I kept getting the error "We're sorry, we can not calculate the tax information at this time..." I couldn't check out! I emptied the cart and retried multiple times (as a network admin I should have know the more I tried in futility it wouldn't get better but I WANTED MY 360!) :-) Same result. Then I logged out of bb.com. Reopened the email, clicked the link, and was informed the pre-order period had closed. I'm so upset right now I don't know what to do. I immediately emailed bb.com and I don't expect any satisfaction. It's a little consolation to see I'm not the only one who got the shaft today during this preorder. What a joke...
Phone sales was nice enough to agree with me "Yeah, that's a bummer. You can purchase in the store on the 22nd." Sure you can...
11-09-05, 04:51 PM
#1431
DVD Talk Hero
Originally Posted by AllHallowsEve
I'll definately be pre-ordering the PS3 when it's time comes. I learned my lesson and won't make the mistake again. $50 pre-order and a little each week. The thing would be paid off by the time it came out. That's what I should have done with this one.
11-09-05, 04:52 PM
#1432
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Using a resource that is knowledgeable on the things that happen with the best buy site, the problem of the site being down had nothing to do with the xbox 360 promotion.
Take it with a grain of salt
Take it with a grain of salt
11-09-05, 05:46 PM
#1433
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Originally Posted by Michael Corvin
I love how people are pissed at Best Buy. 
. It is all their fault! Nevermind the 9 months prior that you could pre-order at many other shopping establishments.
. It is all their fault! Nevermind the 9 months prior that you could pre-order at many other shopping establishments.I believe everyone had too much faith in Best Buy at the last moment when it was the option just before waiting in line all night. I've heard about RZ members getting screwed over before during smaller events and everyone trusted them to get it right this time? And those shitty bundles? Sheesh!
I really do wish everyone the best and I hope MS is just really bad at math and figuring out these numbers. They launch has been an emotional roller-coaster for me and as I see it's been the same for many others.
11-09-05, 05:54 PM
#1434
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Ironically, if you did try it more, it probably would've worked eventually. That's what happened with mine. I figured their zip code verification software was on a separate system and just couldn't handle the load, but if you were lucky you'd get a free thread on that system and go through. I actually got through more than once, but when it came to the billing screen I foolishly tried to change my address... and got booted out again. I finally just gave up, shipped it to the wrong address, and called later in the day to change it to the right one.
It actually seemed to work fine from around 10 to 10:05... I was able to use the zipcode estimator, no problem. I decided to play with the shipping options and then the error started happening. What amazes me is that it's not like this was some free-for-all. There were a set number of invitations sent out, and if you didn't get one or didn't have the link from one, there's no way you could've gotten in. How could they not have at least planned for the capacity? Unless there was somebody with a script going in and ordering multiples (the system didn't prevent people from ordering more than once, but multiple orders were cancelled anyway).
I had problems today, and received the email. There are a couple things that seem to be incorrect with what you stated above.
First, people had posted the link to BB's website for the preorder. Once on that page, all you had to do was login to your BB.com account, and you were able to preorder. The person I know was able to do this, although he is a RZ member, he did not receive the email.
He also logged back in a second time, and bought a second unit. He has not received a cancellation notice.
The whole thing sucked.
It actually seemed to work fine from around 10 to 10:05... I was able to use the zipcode estimator, no problem. I decided to play with the shipping options and then the error started happening. What amazes me is that it's not like this was some free-for-all. There were a set number of invitations sent out, and if you didn't get one or didn't have the link from one, there's no way you could've gotten in. How could they not have at least planned for the capacity? Unless there was somebody with a script going in and ordering multiples (the system didn't prevent people from ordering more than once, but multiple orders were cancelled anyway).
I had problems today, and received the email. There are a couple things that seem to be incorrect with what you stated above.
First, people had posted the link to BB's website for the preorder. Once on that page, all you had to do was login to your BB.com account, and you were able to preorder. The person I know was able to do this, although he is a RZ member, he did not receive the email.
He also logged back in a second time, and bought a second unit. He has not received a cancellation notice.
The whole thing sucked.
11-09-05, 06:10 PM
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Originally Posted by fujishig
Ironically, if you did try it more, it probably would've worked eventually. That's what happened with mine. I figured their zip code verification software was on a separate system and just couldn't handle the load, but if you were lucky you'd get a free thread on that system and go through. I actually got through more than once, but when it came to the billing screen I foolishly tried to change my address... and got booted out again. I finally just gave up, shipped it to the wrong address, and called later in the day to change it to the right one.
It actually seemed to work fine from around 10 to 10:05... I was able to use the zipcode estimator, no problem. I decided to play with the shipping options and then the error started happening. What amazes me is that it's not like this was some free-for-all. There were a set number of invitations sent out, and if you didn't get one or didn't have the link from one, there's no way you could've gotten in. How could they not have at least planned for the capacity? Unless there was somebody with a script going in and ordering multiples (the system didn't prevent people from ordering more than once, but multiple orders were cancelled anyway).
It actually seemed to work fine from around 10 to 10:05... I was able to use the zipcode estimator, no problem. I decided to play with the shipping options and then the error started happening. What amazes me is that it's not like this was some free-for-all. There were a set number of invitations sent out, and if you didn't get one or didn't have the link from one, there's no way you could've gotten in. How could they not have at least planned for the capacity? Unless there was somebody with a script going in and ordering multiples (the system didn't prevent people from ordering more than once, but multiple orders were cancelled anyway).
11-09-05, 06:11 PM
#1436
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Originally Posted by Boo
Ironically, if you did try it more, it probably would've worked eventually. That's what happened with mine. I figured their zip code verification software was on a separate system and just couldn't handle the load, but if you were lucky you'd get a free thread on that system and go through. I actually got through more than once, but when it came to the billing screen I foolishly tried to change my address... and got booted out again. I finally just gave up, shipped it to the wrong address, and called later in the day to change it to the right one.
It actually seemed to work fine from around 10 to 10:05... I was able to use the zipcode estimator, no problem. I decided to play with the shipping options and then the error started happening. What amazes me is that it's not like this was some free-for-all. There were a set number of invitations sent out, and if you didn't get one or didn't have the link from one, there's no way you could've gotten in. How could they not have at least planned for the capacity? Unless there was somebody with a script going in and ordering multiples (the system didn't prevent people from ordering more than once, but multiple orders were cancelled anyway).
I had problems today, and received the email. There are a couple things that seem to be incorrect with what you stated above.
First, people had posted the link to BB's website for the preorder. Once on that page, all you had to do was login to your BB.com account, and you were able to preorder. The person I know was able to do this, although he is a RZ member, he did not receive the email.
He also logged back in a second time, and bought a second unit. He has not received a cancellation notice.
The whole thing sucked.
It actually seemed to work fine from around 10 to 10:05... I was able to use the zipcode estimator, no problem. I decided to play with the shipping options and then the error started happening. What amazes me is that it's not like this was some free-for-all. There were a set number of invitations sent out, and if you didn't get one or didn't have the link from one, there's no way you could've gotten in. How could they not have at least planned for the capacity? Unless there was somebody with a script going in and ordering multiples (the system didn't prevent people from ordering more than once, but multiple orders were cancelled anyway).
I had problems today, and received the email. There are a couple things that seem to be incorrect with what you stated above.
First, people had posted the link to BB's website for the preorder. Once on that page, all you had to do was login to your BB.com account, and you were able to preorder. The person I know was able to do this, although he is a RZ member, he did not receive the email.
He also logged back in a second time, and bought a second unit. He has not received a cancellation notice.
The whole thing sucked.
11-09-05, 06:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Carcaridon
Yeah. I'm right there with you. Although some people were able to fight through it, I couldn't. I tried and tried and tried and could not get their zip code software to work in my favor. I got side tracked for a few minutes, since I'm at work, and when I got back, it still wasn't working. I closed the page and relogged in, while I was on hold forever with sales phone support, and got the SOLD OUT bad news.
Phone sales was nice enough to agree with me "Yeah, that's a bummer. You can purchase in the store on the 22nd." Sure you can...
Phone sales was nice enough to agree with me "Yeah, that's a bummer. You can purchase in the store on the 22nd." Sure you can...
11-09-05, 06:16 PM
#1438
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Did anyone else send an email to BB.com customer support or the Reward Zone customer support? I did the first and wondering if I should complain to the second? Not that it'll get me anywhere but maybe they'll extend the double points offer in store as an "Oops, our bad..."
11-09-05, 06:30 PM
#1439
DVD Talk Hero
Originally Posted by Boo
I had problems today, and received the email. There are a couple things that seem to be incorrect with what you stated above.
First, people had posted the link to BB's website for the preorder. Once on that page, all you had to do was login to your BB.com account, and you were able to preorder. The person I know was able to do this, although he is a RZ member, he did not receive the email.
He also logged back in a second time, and bought a second unit. He has not received a cancellation notice.
The whole thing sucked.
First, people had posted the link to BB's website for the preorder. Once on that page, all you had to do was login to your BB.com account, and you were able to preorder. The person I know was able to do this, although he is a RZ member, he did not receive the email.
He also logged back in a second time, and bought a second unit. He has not received a cancellation notice.
The whole thing sucked.
I have to believe the second unit will get cancelled, since that violates the terms that were clearly written about one per user. I also know of other people who tried the same thing and were sent cancellation notices. Whether this briefly replenishes their stock or not would be interesting... I'd maybe even advocate cancelling all orders for anyone who tried to order three or more times.
I agree though: the zip code error was a joke, and even worse were customer service reps saying to just come back in an hour or so. I think a lot of people assumed that it wasn't working for anybody, and didn't bother to try multiple times. The only reason I did was because I read that some people did get through. It was more trial and error than anything else... I even took screenshots of the error just in case. Though I do think that if it was able to handle the load, the supply would've been exhausted within 10 minutes or so.
11-09-05, 06:43 PM
#1440
DVD Talk Godfather
Originally Posted by Eric D.
Thanks for posting the same thing twice. Just in case I didn't read it the other thread right.
And I didn't have the budget for this 9 months ago. Believe it or not, I also don't want to spend all that time waiting in line on release day when I could be with my family instead. I also wanted to get this right away so that I could play on Thanksgiving w/ all of my cousins. So if you don't mind waiting. Awesome. But keep your snap judgments to yourself.
And I didn't have the budget for this 9 months ago. Believe it or not, I also don't want to spend all that time waiting in line on release day when I could be with my family instead. I also wanted to get this right away so that I could play on Thanksgiving w/ all of my cousins. So if you don't mind waiting. Awesome. But keep your snap judgments to yourself.
1.Well I read that thread first, but felt it was more relavent here. Posting police.
My bad.2. there were many anti- best buy posts, not just yours. I wasn't at all blasting you no matter how you took it.
3. Logically speaking, unless you shell out for next day shipping, it is doubtful it would arrive before thanksgiving. Like mentioned with the PSP above, and other pre-order experiences, it is doubtful it would even arrive before the next Monday. Especially on a holiday weekend.
4. I didn't know pre-orders required 100% down. Therefore one could pre-order 9 months in advance and not worry about the balance until release.
You can't expect to put all your eggs in one basket in a last ditch effort at apparently the hottest toy of the season. Too much faith in Best Buy.
I just think it is funny people getting all stressed out and emotional over a console that probably will be plentiful, if not on release day but soon after. I want one, I'm going to stand in line, and if I get one great, if not, oh well. I'm not going to get angry or whatever, but now I am repeating myself.
11-09-05, 06:55 PM
#1441
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Originally Posted by Michael Corvin
4. I didn't know pre-orders required 100% down. Therefore one could pre-order 9 months in advance and not worry about the balance until release.
11-09-05, 06:56 PM
#1442
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http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory....=h2anniversary
Halo 2 Anniversary Special
First things first: Thank you for supporting Bungie, Halo and Halo 2. You guys rock, and we love you. It's the anniversary of Halo 2, the game that launched on November 9th, 2004 and forever changed the way we curse.
A year after Halo 2 arrived in stores, and almost four years since the original Halo, it seems only logical that we should make them prettier right? Although that prettiness has a relatively high entry point – the arrival of a new generation of hardware in the shape of the Xbox 360.
A while back, Microsoft announced that the 360 would have some level of backward compatibility. A handy feature for folks with big Xbox collections moving into the future. We worked closely with that team to ensure that Halo and Halo 2 both performed according to plan. That meant a lot of work for our test team.
To clarify, the "new" version of Halo or Halo 2 is simply the disk you have already. Pop it into your 360 and it'll load up just like before. You will have to log into Xbox Live to enable Halo 2's online functions, but both games will work immediately.
But here's another bonus – the hardware in the 360 can do a lot of nifty stuff, and specifically in the cases of Halo and Halo 2, it can display the graphics in wide screen, at 720p, with full scene anti-aliasing. And it doesn't look kludgy, artifacty or smeary like an upscanning DVD player. The best way to describe it is that both games look like they're running on a PC at those resolutions.
We'll have some more information about these resolutions on Friday.
Now, to reiterate, we didn't redo any of the old textures or geometry – this is simply the game you already own, running at a higher resolution. The results are not miraculous, but for owners of HDTVs (or VGA monitors with the appropriate cable) they are sweet.
Do they work on Live? Like we already explained, they work exactly as they did before – that means System Link and split-screen for Halo, but – of course - no Live play (just like before!) – and for Halo 2 – System Link, Xbox Live and split screen as before. And yes, your existing Gamertag and Live Account will work just fine. I should note that split screen in 720p has obvious benefits.
First things first: Thank you for supporting Bungie, Halo and Halo 2. You guys rock, and we love you. It's the anniversary of Halo 2, the game that launched on November 9th, 2004 and forever changed the way we curse.
A year after Halo 2 arrived in stores, and almost four years since the original Halo, it seems only logical that we should make them prettier right? Although that prettiness has a relatively high entry point – the arrival of a new generation of hardware in the shape of the Xbox 360.
A while back, Microsoft announced that the 360 would have some level of backward compatibility. A handy feature for folks with big Xbox collections moving into the future. We worked closely with that team to ensure that Halo and Halo 2 both performed according to plan. That meant a lot of work for our test team.
To clarify, the "new" version of Halo or Halo 2 is simply the disk you have already. Pop it into your 360 and it'll load up just like before. You will have to log into Xbox Live to enable Halo 2's online functions, but both games will work immediately.
But here's another bonus – the hardware in the 360 can do a lot of nifty stuff, and specifically in the cases of Halo and Halo 2, it can display the graphics in wide screen, at 720p, with full scene anti-aliasing. And it doesn't look kludgy, artifacty or smeary like an upscanning DVD player. The best way to describe it is that both games look like they're running on a PC at those resolutions.
We'll have some more information about these resolutions on Friday.
Now, to reiterate, we didn't redo any of the old textures or geometry – this is simply the game you already own, running at a higher resolution. The results are not miraculous, but for owners of HDTVs (or VGA monitors with the appropriate cable) they are sweet.
Do they work on Live? Like we already explained, they work exactly as they did before – that means System Link and split-screen for Halo, but – of course - no Live play (just like before!) – and for Halo 2 – System Link, Xbox Live and split screen as before. And yes, your existing Gamertag and Live Account will work just fine. I should note that split screen in 720p has obvious benefits.
11-09-05, 07:10 PM
#1443
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http://www.xboxtoday.ca/11092005/11/..._on_luanch_day
By Ron Swerdfiger
oxm.co.uk is reporting that the USA will get 1,098,200 Xbox 360's while the UK well only see 50,000 on launch
Picture of Xbox 360 box with accessories
If you live in the UK, you might have a bit of a wait getting an new Xbox 360. The latest estimates suggest that the UK will only be getting a dismal 50,000 Xbox 360’s for launch day. Compare that to the Sony PSP which sold 185 units on its launch weekend in the UK.
The US however will be getting a lot more. It is expected that the US will see 1,098,200 units with 20% being allocated to core bundle packages. Large retailers such as Wal-Mark and Best Buy are expected to receive the majority of the shipment. Again, compare that to the Sony PS2 sold around 185,000 consoles for its launch back in 2000.
These numbers are coming from a booklet sent to Microsoft stock owners. The booklet also mention that Microsoft intends to sell 4-million Xbox 360’s within 5 months and expanding their Xbox live user base to 14-million.
Unfortunately the source gave no numbers regarding how many units Canada will see, but it is safe to assume that we will not get anywhere near the numbers the US will, but more likely, closer to the 185,000 which the UK is receiving.
As well Microsoft expects 29 Xbox 360 games will be available before the end of 2006
Of course Microsoft has no confirmed these numbers, but the figures seem to be relatively accurate given the recent rumors.
www.oxm.co.uk
oxm.co.uk is reporting that the USA will get 1,098,200 Xbox 360's while the UK well only see 50,000 on launch
Picture of Xbox 360 box with accessories
If you live in the UK, you might have a bit of a wait getting an new Xbox 360. The latest estimates suggest that the UK will only be getting a dismal 50,000 Xbox 360’s for launch day. Compare that to the Sony PSP which sold 185 units on its launch weekend in the UK.
The US however will be getting a lot more. It is expected that the US will see 1,098,200 units with 20% being allocated to core bundle packages. Large retailers such as Wal-Mark and Best Buy are expected to receive the majority of the shipment. Again, compare that to the Sony PS2 sold around 185,000 consoles for its launch back in 2000.
These numbers are coming from a booklet sent to Microsoft stock owners. The booklet also mention that Microsoft intends to sell 4-million Xbox 360’s within 5 months and expanding their Xbox live user base to 14-million.
Unfortunately the source gave no numbers regarding how many units Canada will see, but it is safe to assume that we will not get anywhere near the numbers the US will, but more likely, closer to the 185,000 which the UK is receiving.
As well Microsoft expects 29 Xbox 360 games will be available before the end of 2006
Of course Microsoft has no confirmed these numbers, but the figures seem to be relatively accurate given the recent rumors.
www.oxm.co.uk
11-09-05, 07:11 PM
#1444
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Quick comment about backwards compatibility:
Why aren't the people in best buys, EB games, gamestop, etc. trying out old Xbox games to see if they work? Rather than waiting on hearing from MS, these people could just try testing some games out for the community to let us know what the deal is.
Why aren't the people in best buys, EB games, gamestop, etc. trying out old Xbox games to see if they work? Rather than waiting on hearing from MS, these people could just try testing some games out for the community to let us know what the deal is.
11-09-05, 08:03 PM
#1446
DVD Talk Legend
yea, I work at TRU and lucky for us we have the keys for the Xbox and PS2 displays, so sometimes we will switch out games for people to play, rather than those demos reps put in. a lot of retail stores don't get to open and mess around with their displays like that.
also wasn't it already confirmed that the 360 wouldn't be 100% compatible with Xbox 1 games right now? that titles are slowly leaking in that would work for both? stuff like Halo 2 obviously.
also wasn't it already confirmed that the 360 wouldn't be 100% compatible with Xbox 1 games right now? that titles are slowly leaking in that would work for both? stuff like Halo 2 obviously.
11-09-05, 08:13 PM
#1448
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Originally Posted by asianxcore
yea, I work at TRU and lucky for us we have the keys for the Xbox and PS2 displays, so sometimes we will switch out games for people to play, rather than those demos reps put in. a lot of retail stores don't get to open and mess around with their displays like that.
also wasn't it already confirmed that the 360 wouldn't be 100% compatible with Xbox 1 games right now? that titles are slowly leaking in that would work for both? stuff like Halo 2 obviously.
also wasn't it already confirmed that the 360 wouldn't be 100% compatible with Xbox 1 games right now? that titles are slowly leaking in that would work for both? stuff like Halo 2 obviously.
11-09-05, 09:31 PM
#1449
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Originally Posted by Flay
Ha, the first major Xbox 360 ad on Lost was a giant water balloon fight. That was a fun commercial.
I could understand if that was an Xbox Live commmercial with something to tie it together at the end, but for a new console? Boo.
11-09-05, 09:36 PM
#1450
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Originally Posted by lotsofdvds
I could understand if that was an Xbox Live commmercial with something to tie it together at the end, but for a new console? Boo.
