Xbox 360 Messenger Kit hands-on

This year's Xbox 360 Spring Dashboard Update brought MSN Messenger contact-list integration to Xbox Live, but many of us have been waiting for Microsoft to release the chatpad accessory before making full use of the service. Microsoft knows that messaging isn't going to be widely used on the Xbox 360 unless the system has an input device to make texting easier for those of us who don't keep USB keyboards on the coffee table. Xbox 360 Messenger Kit.   Xbox representatives dangled the chatpad in front of us when they first announced the Spring Update back in April but waited until E3 2007 to announce its availability. We now know that anxious texters will be able to get their very own Xbox 360 Messenger Kit for US$22.5 from http://www.zeromartz.com/chatpad-for-xbox-360-live-messenger-keypad-p-1049.html . The Messenger Kit will include the keyboard chatpad and a new wired headset. The chatpad is designed to slide into the base of the Xbox 360 gamepad. The pad feels a little awkward as you fit it into place, but it snaps on with a satisfying click as the pad's plastic retention pegs find their corresponding holes on the gamepad. The snug fit makes the pad feel like it's a part of the gamepad. The unit adds some weight to the controller, but the heft seems manageable. We played a few games with the chatpad installed and found that it didn't interfere with game controls. The edge of your palms will rest on the left and right sides of the chatpad, but you'll still be able to use the buttons and analog sticks just fine. The chatpad is designed to slide into the base of the Xbox 360 gamepad. The chatpad itself feels solid. The keys provide adequate, clicky feedback and are spaced well enough...

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Xbox 360 Slim Impressions and Comparison

I wasn't lucky enough to be one of the game journalists or bloggers who were given a free Xbox 360 "S" (aka Slim) at the end of Microsoft's E3 presentation so I had to go out and get one the old fashioned way.  I called around on Friday and found a local GameStop in Duluth, GA that had some in-stock and traded in my refurbished launch Xbox 360 that had survived since March of 2006 along with some accessories and games for the new version of the console.  I spent the weekend putting it through its paces by looking at what's new, and what's missing along with how it looks, sounds, and performs. Case Design The new Xbox 360 isn't so much "slim" now as it is shorter.   Moving the hard drive from a snap-on caddy to an internal slot helped take about an inch off the total height of the console while they only managed to shave off a little of the width.  The case is made of black glossy plastic that looks more at home in a home theater setting but will attract fingerprints and dust.  It's also very reflective as you can see in the pictures below. The power and disk tray buttons are touch sensitive now instead of require a physical push.  It's a nice addition and gives a pleasing "ding" to indicate that something has been activated.  The return of the DVD tray is a bit disappointing however.  A slot-loading DVD drive would have been nice.   New Ports The Xbox 360 "S" adds a few new ports to the back of the console.  One of the more welcome additions is a S/PDIF optical out.  Previous models had the optical out sitting on the housing of the A/V plug which caused problems for those who needed to route digital sound differently than with HDMI. ...

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