See, it's interesting, I loathed the original Xbox for that exact same reason, and also the fact that they exploded 8D But as I worked the 360 launch and have sold Microsoft crap for well over a year now, I've come to learn that the Xbox division of Microsoft is completely separate from the rest of the corporation. They build quality products, have excellent customer service, fantastic marketing, and have really taken the time to make the playing experience as absolutely enjoyable as possible in every aspect from controller comfort to Live! maintenance. Not only that, but 360's got a WHOLE lot of stuff that's completely expanded the userbase beyond Forza and Halo.