bit-tech Shopping: Microsoft Xbox Live Points 1600 Points (XB360)

Rating: 10

Time with product:

Strengths: Good for some great stuff

Weaknesses: None

Summary: Xbox live points are the official currency for buying anything at Xbox Live market place. This prepaid card system is much better than providing the credit card info on Xbox Live. There is some real cool stuff that one can purchase using these points. It include arcade games, picture packs, themes & even movies & television shows. One can also buy downloadable content for games like new maps & expansion packs. With constant exciting editions to the Xbox live library - this points card is a must buy

Rating: 8

Time with product: 66 Days

Strengths: Don't need to give Microsoft your CC number.

Weaknesses: Too pricy for 1600 points, may be 2400 points for same price then worth it..

Summary: A much more convenient way to buy online content such as xbox live arcade games, movies, music, etc through xbox live market place, without having to actually purchase the content online and handed out your CC number to Microsoft.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 60 Days

Strengths: Numerous downloads to enjoy

Weaknesses:

Summary: This is a good idea from XBox. Many games have additional multiplayer maps or single player missions and content that can be bought using Live points. The points will not expire and stay on your account. A good purchase for someone looking to make their games last longer.

Rating: 10

Time with product:

Strengths: Use to purchase Xbox Live Arcade games and other downloadable content on your Xbox 360

Weaknesses: Have to enter lengthy code, not really a big deal though

Summary: XBox Live 1600 points cards (which retail for $20) are used to purchase downloadable content on the Xbox 360. This includes Xbox Live Arcade games, downloadable content for regular 360 games (like new maps and expansions), and for renting movies (for download). The cards are a fairly easy and convenient way of adding points (except for the need to get one at a store). The advantage they have is the potential to get them on sale or cheaper via coupon or promotion. Thus there is the potential of getting Xbox Live content at cheaper than the typical retail pricing, which is always nice. Contrast this to the Sony Playstation 3 store where you can only purchase content via credit card directly on the site - thus meaning you will never be able to get content cheaper unless they drop the prices online, which is unlikely for most things.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 6 Months

Strengths: redeem points for online content

Weaknesses: pain to type in code with controller

Summary: Xbox live points make it easier and more convenient to buy online content and xbox live arcade games. Using a points card can be more secure than having to provide a credit card to purchase points through the xbox live market place. If you are going to download new content buy a couple cards from a local retailer and use them when you need them.