Twice? Really?

If the term “fangirl” is appropriate here, I’ll take it, but I truly had faith in Microsoft fixing my Xbox when it broke the first time. I didn’t know the word “fixed” meant, “yeah we got it working, but it’s hugely likely that it will break again next year”.  Just like I’ve accidentally bought almost every Nintendo system without even realizing it, I make sure that if there’s a choice that I go with the Microsoft version of whatever is being offered. I traded in my iPod nano for a 30g Zune, I bought a new PC instead of a Mac, and I staked my claim in the 360 being superior to the PS3. These decisions have been based on how I perceive Microsoft as a company. I liken this to people talking about how Star Wars is so widely popular because of the potential appeal that universe has. No matter how badly George Lucas abuses and embarrasses his fans, they come back because it could be good again.

Perhaps it’s an unfair and far-fetched comparison (because George really needs to just knock it off), but when you’ve spent your whole life continually buying a product that breaks, maybe there is something wrong with loving an ideal. And it’s not even that the products break, but having a support system in the absolutely likely event that something goes down seems like common sense. December 31, 2008 (better known as Dead Zune Wednesday), all 30g versions of Microsoft’s Zune went into a day-long loading mode. I guess when you’re designing something that has dates in it, you’d better make sure it can process the idea of a leap year. When the Zune couldn’t, it simply stayed in its loading mode until the batteries died. The response from Microsoft? “Oops. Wait until tomorrow, it should be fine by then”.

Really, Microsoft? One day the Netflix service on Xbox Live was acting a bit glitchy, so guess what? The very next day Netflix offered a 2% discount off of the current monthly bill due to its customers not being able to use their service. They didn’t have to do this, but they did because they value their customers and are apparently not beyond admitting when a mistake is made, followed by doing their best to make up for it. It’s like some kind of commercial alchemy, where if a customer doesn’t receive what is promised, you offer something equal to make up for it.

Pictured : Things that break.

Now, Dead Zune Wednesday was a disaster for those of us who rely on their mp3 player to make it through the day, and Microsoft’s apathetic response to the glitch (I didn’t know “wait it out” was a customer-friendly option?) was different than their response to a broken Xbox; at least when you Red Ring, you receive a month of free Live service every time. But has this ever been a problem for Apple? Or Sony? Or even Nintendo, for crying out loud?

All of this brings me to my main point : Why keep buying broken products? I’d like to blame the console wars, which create an environment where a speedy delivery is favored regardless of how faulty the product turns out to be later. But then what about the Zune? And why can’t Windows Vista go into screen-saver mode when someone uses it with a wireless mouse (which I might add was purchased directly from the Microsoft store)? Do people and departments at Microsoft even talk to each other?

In the end, I suppose all of this complaining amounts to nothing; I’m still going to invest in the lesser of two evils, which in my opinion is Microsoft’s family of technologies. As consumers, do we have an obligation to hold corporations feet to the fire and demand a better product? I WANT to buy Microsoft… I think Xbox Live is pretty much the greatest thing ever. My Zune is superior to an iPod in every way that I’m interested in. I enjoy getting more computer for my money than I would with a Mac. I don’t think it’s too much to ask that my experience in even one of these venues be fail-free.

PS – Disagree? Let me know. I’d love to have a discussion about this.

Windows 7 logo

Are you really excited about Windows 7? Maybe you’re really curious and would love to see with your friends if the new OS really is better than Vista. Well count on Microsoft to help you out with that.

Microsoft is accepting applications for people that want to host a Windows 7 Launch party. All you have to do is choose a day from October 22-29 and if you are selected you’ll get a special Signature Edition of Windows 7 Ultimate and your very own Windows 7 Party Pack.

Nothing says a party like a new OS well at least one that Microsoft wants to help you out with. Spaces are limited so apply now here.