The real reason behind the recall?
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Feb 24th 2005 at 12:27PM }
Ever since Microsoft recalled the power cords of nearly 14 million
units, the conspiracy theorists have been hard at work. Yesterday, one commenter speculated that Microsoft might have
imbedded a device into the little black box that could detect a mod chip. Okay, so that's definitely stretching
it, but this latest rumor
has even Joystiq wondering…
So, instead of taking the costly duty of recalling all older xboxes, what do they do? They give you a power cord with this huge GFI thing. This in no way will solve the problem, it is merely a bandaid. So, when your PSU sparks and shorts out, it just trips a switch instead of catching fire, but your xbox still doesn't work."
[Thanks, ChronoZaga]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Aero @ Dec 18th 2005 9:58PM
Now, I'm no Microsoft fan, I can read the label from that image. It says to call the 800 number if the switch trips and the Xbox won't turn on anymore. Sounds like they intend to take care of it if it happens? That seems more practical than replacing _every_ Xbox that could possibly be affected.
As for starting a fire.. that sounds like pure speculation to me. But I'm no electrical engineer. Are you?
Carl @ Dec 18th 2005 9:58PM
Hmm.. maybe the powercords were just faulty? Sounds like a good explanation to me. Trying to come up with some conspiracy theory requires far too much free time.
met @ Dec 18th 2005 9:58PM
what the cr*p!
There has been some changes in the rules by 'whichever' governing body.
Dell and a whole other people are changing adapters recently for the same reason. Its just that because it is microsoft it is getting flamed. Christ!
joseph_hac @ Dec 18th 2005 9:58PM
It had to be more than just the power cord that was the problem. Why would Microsoft spend the R&D resources to develop this new power cord with the trip box? Wouldn't they just replace affected cords with a regular cord.
Eric Pobirs @ Dec 18th 2005 9:58PM
What R&D resources? That is a standard off the shelf product with some Microsoft labeling. It's just CYA thoroughness is vastly less expensive than litigation.
Brodie Mcallister @ Dec 18th 2005 9:58PM
Crazy! This happened to my xbox it sparked a couple times then it smelt funny and my xbox didn't turn back on. The xbox is really easy to get into and is just like any pc if you built one before. So I googled it and just ordered a used power supply from these guys http://www.llamma.com/xbox/ and it works fine now. My recommendation is not to plug it straight into the wall have a powerstrip or a surgeprotector in between because the only time I saw archs or sparks is when I plugged it in to wall outlet.
Dom @ Dec 18th 2005 9:58PM
Lawsuit costs > R&D costs
by alot.
Carl @ Dec 18th 2005 9:58PM
"It had to be more than just the power cord that was the problem. Why would Microsoft spend the R&D resources to develop this new power cord with the trip box? Wouldn't they just replace affected cords with a regular cord."
What power cords these days for anything fairly advanced DOESN'T come with a trip box?
My usb2/firewire hard drive has one, my power cord for my Creative Zen mp3 player has one, my laptop has one...
I guess since Microsoft has one it must be a big conspiracy theory to hide the fact they are implanting tracking devices in the powercords to gain access to your checking account.
It's time to take off the tinfoil hat.