bit-tech Shopping: Microsoft Xbox Live Gold 12-Month Card

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3

Strengths: The best service for next gen online play

Weaknesses: You have to pay for it

Summary: Really not much to review here. The card itself gives you 12 months of Xbox Live service - the best online service for next gen games. The only one you have to actually pay for yearly, but thats probably why its the best.The card is easy enough - you scratch off the back, input the code into your 360 and you have your new subscription. The only reason to buy this card is if you can find it cheaper than retail - you can always buy a subscription directly on your 360.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Days

Strengths: 1-year subscription at a lower cost. Plus 1 free month.

Weaknesses: None

Summary: What is there to say about saving money? You pay $35-40 instead of $50, and you get 13 months instead of 12. Live provides the online service with profiles, voice chat, gaming servers, etc. It's worth full price but with this card you pay less. 'Nuff said.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Months

Strengths: Quick and easy

Weaknesses: Could be a bit cheaper

Summary: As an adult who plays games online fairly frequently, I have always been pleased with Microsoft's Xbox Live system. I can't say that I've ever had any problems with it over the time I have used it, which is about a year and a half. The seamless integration with games is excellent. I wouldn't mind it being a little bit cheaper, but with this 13 month card I can handle the price.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3 Days

Strengths: n/a

Weaknesses: n/a

Summary: What can I say, my son has been asking about Halo 3 and X-Box live for the last month. An opportunity came up to get a discount card with the Halo 3 graphic on it. Had it mailed to his door, received an email that night about how cool it was to play! Worked perfectly for him and it will for you too!

Rating: 4

Time with product: 1 Days

Strengths: Gives 13 months of XBox live gold service.

Weaknesses: Extra cost for you the consumer for a service that should be provided by Microsoft for free.

Summary: As a consumer, I feel that Microsoft should be providing the XBOX Live service free of charge. This is just one more way to earn more money for a multi-billion dollar corporation. Yes, the service allows you to do fun things like chat and purchasing products online, along with great multiplayer gaming abilities. However if you do the math this is one of the many hidden costs of being an owner of a XBOX 360 system. I believe with increasing competition from the likes of Sony who provide their online service for free that just like the recent XBOX 360 price cut, Microsoft will suddenly say that they are thinking of their customers and offer the live service for free. Until then shop around at deal sites online and you can find this for almost half the normal retail price. This is one way of not spending more than you need to for a service that shouldn't cost anything.