Xbox 360 Text Messaging Kit
- Chat on Xbox LIVE with ease featuring dedicated keys for letters and characters
- Backlit buttons allow you to accurately type words even in dimly lit environments
- Xbox 360 Chatpad attaches seamlessly to your Xbox 360 Controller
- Xbox 360 Wired Headset for the ultimate communication bundle
Product DescriptionChatting with friends and family on Xbox LIVE and Windows-based PCs is easy using the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit. This device easily connects to any Xbox 360 controller and provides easy-to-use chat capabilities while maintaining gameplay functionality in one easy-to-hold device. The Messenger Kit includes a Chatpad and Xbox 360 Headset. . . . More >>
Many, many people have bought this little gadget thinking that the phrase from the developer’s own website, “Chatting with friends and family on Xbox LIVE® and Windows-based PCs is easy using the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit,” implied that it would work on the PC. It does not. I still have to sit there hunched over a keyboard while playing video games.
If you intend to buy this for your PC use instead opt for the Madcatz add-on to the PS3 controller. It works with a PC.
Rating: 1 / 5
This is a nice ideal, but problem is the Xbox 360 already comes with two USB ports. The USB ports can support your average USB keyboard that will do much the same function. I’d honestly save yourself some money and pick yourself up a cheap USB keyboard instead.
Rating: 2 / 5
This will revive that memory; Here are my pro’s and cons. . .
Pros:
-it’s a keypad
-it has a lighted keyboard
-will work with your MSN or Windows Live messanger
-it’s a QWERTY style keypad
Cons:
-although it’s designed to quickly switch between messaging and gaming, the transition, isn’t so smooth
-it’s really bulky, making it feel like the original huge XBOX controller
-the button’s are really spaced out from each other
-backspace button awkwardly placed
-the button response is horrible, having the player press the button again
-difficult to attach/detach
Conclusion: In Microsoft’s attempt to offer players a messaging add-on, the XBOX 360 Text Input Device disappoints. I would have much rather liked to have seen a Wirless keyboard peripheral that wouldn’t have to attach to my controller. Microsoft expect players to play Halo 3 and message their friends at the same time with this thing.
Rating: 2 / 5
This keyboard has a myriad of problems and could have been much better if they had just spent a bit more time thinking about it.
Problems if you are used to thumbboards:
1. The keyboard layout doesn’t match any other thumb-board out there. They have Windows Mobile 6 devices with thumbboards, and their layout is much more logical than the one on this keyboard. Or they could use the blackberry keyboard layout which a lot of people already have a lot of familiarity with. Plus there is no reason, since there is a ton of space on the keyboard.
2. the keys are really far apart. Really far apart. If you have huge hands, it is okay, but why not just use standard spacing of other mobile devices? It makes it harder to touch type.
Poor design decisions. These affect everyone, not just people used to thumbboards.
1. The snapping onto the bottom of the controller makes it unwieldy. It adds a decent amount of bulk and it is not like you are going to play a game and type at the same time, so why do it this way?
2. The fact that they didn’t even mold the bottom to use the same headset means you have another piece of equipment just lying around which seems unnecessary.
If they had done these things correctly, it would be worth four stars.
The final issue and the fifth star?
1. They should have made it its own wireless device. I would have paid $15 more to have it just work wirelessly as a controller on its own. And it would be worth a final fifth star.
Rating: 3 / 5
much easier to type on than the onscreen keyboard but not practical while you’re gaming it changes the shape of the controller and makes my wrist hurt after awhile. maybe it’s just something you have to get used to i don’t know.
Rating: 3 / 5