Microsoft Expertzone - Retail Employees Only

[JapaneseGorilla]

Hey all, sorry if this isn't the place for this, but it's along the same lines as the Intel RetailEdge which was also posted in this section so yeah...

Anyway, a lot of you probably already know about this but it's new to me and I couldn't find any other threads about it. Microsoft has a retail training website at http://expertzone.microsoft.com and you can get some great stuff for cheap if you just do the stupid quizzes. My favorite thus far is probably the Halo 3 for $9. Gears of War for $9 is pretty nice too. They also have a nice Xbox 360 bundle available right now as well.

The gaming quizzes are probably the easiest because the first few questions are always about the Rating, number of players, and the Genre of the game.

It's funny, of all the times the MS Rep came into my BestBuy she never mentioned this site. She did give us pens though, lol.

Anyway, remember that you must be an employee of one of the eligible companies (BestBuy, etc...)

Oh and I got a $25 gift check from www.retailaccess.com not to long ago as well. Not to mention the free copies of Norton 360, Norton Internet Security, etc.

Heh, all of these deals almost make up for the crappy pay I get from BestBuy.

[Down8]

I got XP Pro for $15 from the expert zone a few years back.

[JapaneseGorilla]

Yeah, from what I've read, the deals aren't as good as they used to be, but that seems true of a lot of places. Just like on MS live club Vista used to be a fraction of what it is now.

Oh well, you can still get some nice deals.

[SirKronan]

Yeah, from what I've read, the deals aren't as good as they used to be, but that seems true of a lot of places. Just like on MS live club Vista used to be a fraction of what it is now.

Oh well, you can still get some nice deals.

The deals definitely aren't what they used to be. Only windows live onecare for productivity?? No more office or OS software at all. Their hardware section is junk now, too, other than the 360 bundle (which matches the black friday sale at circuit city last fall, so not too bad.)

[nilepez]

Oh and I got a $25 gift check from www.retailaccess.com not to long ago as well. Not to mention the free copies of Norton 360, Norton Internet Security, etc.

Heh, all of these deals almost make up for the crappy pay I get from BestBuy.

Just an fyi, if those free copies of Norton using points (or however this works) that could have been used towards something else, i'd suggest avoiding them. Virtually all security software can be had for free from Frys (AR). And those deals are frequently (always?) available from their website...there's still shipping, but it's not going to be that much.

OTOH, if it's jsut free and you can't pass on that software to get something else, then free beats free AR + s/h.

[amdmaxx]

Mass Effect for $9 now, otherwise ye - deals suck lately..

[JapaneseGorilla]

Just an fyi, if those free copies of Norton using points (or however this works) that could have been used towards something else, i'd suggest avoiding them. Virtually all security software can be had for free from Frys (AR). And those deals are frequently (always?) available from their website...there's still shipping, but it's not going to be that much.

OTOH, if it's jsut free and you can't pass on that software to get something else, then free beats free AR + s/h.

I was talking about the ones you can get from retailaccess.com for just taking a quiz (that you can't even fail). Completely free. I have more sense to than to pay anything (money or points) for a Symantec product. As much as I generally dislike their stuff, the copy of Norton Internet Security that they gave me was a 3 license version so I was able to take care of all of my family's computers.

[Raines8416]

Yeah, from what I've read, the deals aren't as good as they used to be, but that seems true of a lot of places. Just like on MS live club Vista used to be a fraction of what it is now.

Oh well, you can still get some nice deals.

I wouldnt say they are all terrible. Getting relatively new 360 games for $9 isnt bad. Not to mention, if its something that doesnt appeal to you, take it to Wal Mart and get some store credit.

[92miata]

that is not cool to do what the above post is suggesting. this is how these programs go away.....:(

and it is illegal if you read the terms.....

[SirKronan]

One thing I will criticize about the Retail Expert Zone is that I have to PAY MICROSOFT to wear clothing with their propaganda and advertising printed on it. So basically I get to do hours of training courses to learn how to sell microsoft better to my customers, and as a reward I get to BUY a T-Shirt that says windows vista all over it so I can advertise some more for them? GEE THANKS MICROSOFT! HOW MAGNANIMOUS OF YOU!! I WISH ALL COMPANIES CHARGED ME MONEY for advertising for them and giving publicity to their name.

The only good deal on that whole site is the video games. They have nothing worthwhile on their for anybody but gamers.

[JapaneseGorilla]

One thing I will criticize about the Retail Expert Zone is that I have to PAY MICROSOFT to wear clothing with their propaganda and advertising printed on it. So basically I get to do hours of training courses to learn how to sell microsoft better to my customers, and as a reward I get to BUY a T-Shirt that says windows vista all over it so I can advertise some more for them? GEE THANKS MICROSOFT! HOW MAGNANIMOUS OF YOU!! I WISH ALL COMPANIES CHARGED ME MONEY for advertising for them and giving publicity to their name.


lol. Actually, I didn't think that the t-shirts were as bad as the iron on patches. Not only do you have to pay for those, but you have to do some labor to wear them. lol, not to mention the fact that there is no reason that anyone would want to wear a Vista patch on their clothing.

[SirKronan]

lol. Actually, I didn't think that the t-shirts were as bad as the iron on patches. Not only do you have to pay for those, but you have to do some labor to wear them. lol, not to mention the fact that there is no reason that anyone would want to wear a Vista patch on their clothing.

I dunno, I'm pretty excited about wearing a windows "vista monster" t-shirt. Are they trying to get people to think Vista is a monster? They don't really have to try, lots of people really are scared of Vista. I'm not being sarcastic at all!!!

[zrikz]

One thing I will criticize about the Retail Expert Zone is that I have to PAY MICROSOFT to wear clothing with their propaganda and advertising printed on it. So basically I get to do hours of training courses to learn how to sell microsoft better to my customers, and as a reward I get to BUY a T-Shirt that says windows vista all over it so I can advertise some more for them? GEE THANKS MICROSOFT! HOW MAGNANIMOUS OF YOU!! I WISH ALL COMPANIES CHARGED ME MONEY for advertising for them and giving publicity to their name.

The only good deal on that whole site is the video games. They have nothing worthwhile on their for anybody but gamers.

No ones forcing you to buy said t-shirts.


The program is pretty decent. Halo 3, Forza, etc for $9 shipped for taking some quizzes that take less than 5 mins. Seems pretty nice to me.

A few years back I got Windows XP Pro for like $10, but I guess they got rid of that quite a while back.

[markt435]

One thing I will criticize about the Retail Expert Zone is that I have to PAY MICROSOFT to wear clothing with their propaganda and advertising printed on it. So basically I get to do hours of training courses to learn how to sell microsoft better to my customers, and as a reward I get to BUY a T-Shirt that says windows vista all over it so I can advertise some more for them? GEE THANKS MICROSOFT! HOW MAGNANIMOUS OF YOU!! I WISH ALL COMPANIES CHARGED ME MONEY for advertising for them and giving publicity to their name.

The only good deal on that whole site is the video games. They have nothing worthwhile on their for anybody but gamers.

do you work for yahoo? letting your personal feelings about ms get in the way of a good deal? ;) :p

[SirKronan]

No ones forcing you to buy said t-shirts.


The program is pretty decent. Halo 3, Forza, etc for $9 shipped for taking some quizzes that take less than 5 mins. Seems pretty nice to me.

A few years back I got Windows XP Pro for like $10, but I guess they got rid of that quite a while back.

do you work for yahoo? letting your personal feelings about ms get in the way of a good deal? ;) :p

Yackety Shmackety. I never said the games WEREN'T a good deal (even though Expert Zone isn't as good of a deal as WindowsMobileTraining) but I stand by my point that Retail Expert Zone has good rewards for gamers, only. I was being a bit sarcastic about the T-Shirts, because I think that charging anything for them is silly. I'm not an MS hater. I actually LOVE Vista 64-bit Ultimate edition. I admire Microsoft's push for 64-bit, and the actual real, live trainings I've been to have been excellent. I think Office 2007 is great, too, and I totally agree with the ribbon system and other changes they've made. But this would really be a good training/rewards program if MS would give us a way to purchase OS's or Office Suites, or perhaps even office addons like Expressions Web or Expressions media at a reduced price. Something other than games, that's my point. Maybe a nice mouse? They had a nice keyboard at a good price, but it's not there anymore!! I was going to buy it, too! Maybe they'll put on the Reclusa.... :eek:

[[H]'er]

Man, this makes me miss working at MC :(

[Aleks]

One thing I will criticize about the Retail Expert Zone is that I have to PAY MICROSOFT to wear clothing with their propaganda and advertising printed on it. So basically I get to do hours of training courses to learn how to sell microsoft better to my customers, and as a reward I get to BUY a T-Shirt that says windows vista all over it so I can advertise some more for them? GEE THANKS MICROSOFT! HOW MAGNANIMOUS OF YOU!! I WISH ALL COMPANIES CHARGED ME MONEY for advertising for them and giving publicity to their name.

The only good deal on that whole site is the video games. They have nothing worthwhile on their for anybody but gamers.

You should go rally at just about every clothing store in your local mall. ;)

[SirKronan]

You should go rally at just about every clothing store in your local mall. ;)

Lol. They sell clothing to make money. Microsoft sells OS's, Office Suites, and Games to make money. Big difference.

[Omegaslast]

Yackety Shmackety. I never said the games WEREN'T a good deal (even though Expert Zone isn't as good of a deal as WindowsMobileTraining) but I stand by my point that Retail Expert Zone has good rewards for gamers, only. I was being a bit sarcastic about the T-Shirts, because I think that charging anything for them is silly. I'm not an MS hater. I actually LOVE Vista 64-bit Ultimate edition. I admire Microsoft's push for 64-bit, and the actual real, live trainings I've been to have been excellent. I think Office 2007 is great, too, and I totally agree with the ribbon system and other changes they've made. But this would really be a good training/rewards program if MS would give us a way to purchase OS's or Office Suites, or perhaps even office addons like Expressions Web or Expressions media at a reduced price. Something other than games, that's my point. Maybe a nice mouse? They had a nice keyboard at a good price, but it's not there anymore!! I was going to buy it, too! Maybe they'll put on the Reclusa.... :eek:
man you must have not used the sony one if you have all this to say about the microsoft one haha

Sony requires you to do these super difficult quizzes with tons of reading, and each quiz is worth about A QUARTER of what a microsoft quiz is worth.

such a fucking waste of time!

oh and this is the real kicker... if you dont use your points within a certain amount of time and keep "renewing" them then sony just deletes them. I didnt log in for a month or two and because of it they deleted my points, they would send warning emails before they deleted your points, but that time they just decided not to and be cock suckers.

Oh well what can you expect from sony?

[wjogert]

One thing I will criticize about the Retail Expert Zone is that I have to PAY MICROSOFT to wear clothing with their propaganda and advertising printed on it... and as a reward I get to BUY a T-Shirt that says windows vista all over it so I can advertise some more for them? GEE THANKS MICROSOFT! HOW MAGNANIMOUS OF YOU!! I WISH ALL COMPANIES CHARGED ME MONEY for advertising for them and giving publicity to their name.

So many companies are doing this now. I have to pay if I want a Mapex Drums t-shirt or a Sabian cymbals cap. Companies have evolved and these items are no longer considered advertising expense or promotional items. Now they are considered market items.

I blame consumers, so eager to boost their pride by showing the world that they spent big money on the latest product.

[wjogert]

Anyway, remember that you must be an employee of one of the eligible companies (BestBuy, etc...)

Somehow, I read your post and completely missed that line... 'till the registration site asked me to choose. Maybe it should have read:

you must be an employee of one of the eligible companies (BestBuy, etc...)

;)

[badz24]

turns out working for walmart means you cant be involved with this. I find it amazing that the worlds largest retail store isnt part of any retail training. You would think that microsoft would want walmart employees to be trained also.

[SirKronan]

turns out working for walmart means you cant be involved with this. I find it amazing that the worlds largest retail store isnt part of any retail training. You would think that microsoft would want walmart employees to be trained also.

I agree!! Some of them could REALLY USE some training in electronics. Let me write down a conversation I had with Wal-Mart not too long ago:

I call Wal-Mart.
Customer Service: "Thank you for calling your (city) Wal Mart Supercenter, this is Carrie."
Me: "I saw that you had a GPS on sale on your Website, and I was wondering if you had it in stock."
Carrie: "Let me transfer you to electronics."
I wait on hold for about 13 minutes - no joke
Electronics: "Electronics."
Me: "I was wondering if you guys had the Garmin Nuvi 350 in stock."
Electronics: "Um. I don't think we have those... What is that?"
Me: "Uh, it's a GPS."
Electronics: "What's a GPS???"
Me: "Are you serious? It stands for global positioning system. It helps you get from place to place. I need it for work, and you have the model I want on your website. Do you have any in stock."
Electronics: "Oh, I don't think we have any of those here."
Me: "Would you please check for me?"
Electronics: "I guess."

Ten minutes later of being on hold he came back and said he couldn't find any. I called the customer service lady back and said she needed to switch jobs with the electronics guy because at least she knew what a GPS was. She laughed and said thanks. So yeah, their staff could use more training, but honestly people don't go there for information about computers or to get the latest and greatest, they go there to get cheap stuff.

[Blazestorm]

I pretty much gave up calling local stores to check if stuff was instock, unless it was something super-common... like... an Xbox 360...

[JapaneseGorilla]

I pretty much gave up calling local stores to check if stuff was instock, unless it was something super-common... like... an Xbox 360...

Yeah, same here. From working in retail I've come to realize that when they say the don't have them it probably means that they don't feel like looking and they don't care.

lol, sometimes I like to call the media department at my BestBuy just to ask if they have Wiis in stock, just because I know how much those guys love that question. Heck, I work in the computer department and even I'm tired of people calling about Wiis. How hard is to to distinguish between "Computer hardware and software" and "Video Games."???

Oh and whenever I've called Walmart to find out if they have something in stock when they ask which department I want and I say electronics they always ask if it's about the Wii, which I say no because it's not. Anyway, I always ask the person who picks up in electronics if they have Wiis before I ask about what I really called about.

[wjogert]

LMAO, too funny... especially since my local Walmart almost always has one or two Wii's in the case. Heck, I got mine there last February. There was like 5 or 6 of them... no lines... no fist-fights... I guess I have a hard time believing that Wii's are in short supply! :confused:

[JapaneseGorilla]

lol, well today I randomly got a copy of NFL TOUR for the 360 from Microsoft. I guess I must have won it because I certainly didn't order it. There wasn't a note or anything.

[Aleks]

I did the points thing and ordered Mass Effect and PGR4 and then they canceled my order. No explanation, just said it was canceled.

On a side note, my 360 that I have meticulously cared for and rarely play got the red ring when i wanted to play Forza 2 for a bit. =(

[SirKronan]

I did the points thing and ordered Mass Effect and PGR4 and then they canceled my order. No explanation, just said it was canceled.

On a side note, my 360 that I have meticulously cared for and rarely play got the red ring when i wanted to play Forza 2 for a bit. =(

Arg. I hate the red ring of death. I'm wishing I would've got the extended warranty on my bother's when we bought it for him for christmas... especially since they live in "dustville" wyoming.

[Aleks]

Well its not too big of a deal, they'll be fixing it since I'm still within the 3 years, its just the hassle of sending it out and waiting for weeks, not to mention now that it's gone I'll have a hankering to play it.

[JapaneseGorilla]

Hmmm.... They just pulled the 360 bundle. Darn, I had been planning on getting one.

Hopefully it has something to do with the price cuts that people have been talking about for the UK. Maybe we'll end up getting an even better bundle.

[SirKronan]

Hmmm.... They just pulled the 360 bundle. Darn, I had been planning on getting one.

Hopefully it has something to do with the price cuts that people have been talking about for the UK. Maybe we'll end up getting an even better bundle.

The days they have the bundle on there are few and far between. Other than the game prices I maintain that it's one of the poorer retail accommodations programs I've participated in.Thus, I've spent ZERO of my accumulated 25,000 points... Microsoft's own Windows Mobile Training is better. HP's infolab is better, intel's retail edge is better, the list goes on and on and on. Oh well, something is better than nothing, right?

[JapaneseGorilla]

What's the deal with the Windows Mobile Training? I had signed up a while back and did some of the trainings, but never saw anything indicating that there was a reward for doing them other than certification.

Well, hopefully if they don't bring the bundle back, the rumors about a price cut will turn out to be true, cause it's not like I really wanted the bundled games.

[SirKronan]

What's the deal with the Windows Mobile Training? I had signed up a while back and did some of the trainings, but never saw anything indicating that there was a reward for doing them other than certification.

You're kidding, right? Just click on the rewards. There are several games, including Halo 3 for XBOX that you can get as rewards. They don't even charge 9 bucks like expert zone. They are strict about verifying your employment, though.

[pazhman]

I've known about this along time ago. I've mad alot of money of the games. I only have 2200 points left to get :(

[JapaneseGorilla]

You're kidding, right? Just click on the rewards. There are several games, including Halo 3 for XBOX that you can get as rewards. They don't even charge 9 bucks like expert zone. They are strict about verifying your employment, though.

Not kidding, there is nothing about rewards that I can find. There is a t-shirt contest that is new I think. Do you have to get the certification before you can see the rewards?

The links that I can see in order are:

Home

What Is Windows Mobile?

Courses

How-to Demos

Specialist Certification

Small Business Retail Certification

T-Shirt Contest

Resources

News

Key Links

Contact Us

FAQ

[JapaneseGorilla]

Well, I'm now certified but I still don't see anything about rewards. The only other thing that I can think of is that I don't remember having verified my employment, at least not recently, though it hasn't asked me to.

[SirKronan]

Well, I'm now certified but I still don't see anything about rewards. The only other thing that I can think of is that I don't remember having verified my employment, at least not recently, though it hasn't asked me to.

You might not be verified. I suggest sending them an email. What retail chain do you work for? Here's a screen of what it should look like. Hope I'm not violating anything by posting this:

http://www.myzander.net/WMTScreen01.jpg

[JapaneseGorilla]

Nice, not only is the 360 bundle back, but they finally added some new purchase options. The sidewinder gaming mouse might be interesting, though I already have a nice Razer that I got from woot.

[SirKronan]

Nice, not only is the 360 bundle back, but they finally added some new purchase options. The sidewinder gaming mouse might be interesting, though I already have a nice Razer that I got from woot.

SIDEWINDER? You're kidding... I gotta see this...

... checking...

Wow. That's a sick mouse. I wish it lit up blue instead of red, like microsoft's other gaming mouse and keyboard, and the rest of the LED's in my system. That's an amazing mouse with a solid feel, great customizability, and excellent performance, but I'm still considering getting the Death Adder instead, since it's a good mouse as well, but with blue LED's instead of the red ones. Should I care that much about color?? :p

[NewShockerGuy]

They need to update games more and a better selection.

I already have all of them from MONTHS ago...arg!

Come on microsoft.

-Nigel

[amdmaxx]

agreed

[Alex4412]

I ordered Mass Effect for $9.45 on March 5th at 6:00pm and it got here March 13th at 1:00pm. Quick order time and free shipping with DHL.

[SirKronan]

I ordered Mass Effect for $9.45 on March 5th at 6:00pm and it got here March 13th at 1:00pm. Quick order time and free shipping with DHL.

Yeah, that's really not a bad deal. We can get GoW and Halo 2 for PC for 9 bucks, too. I wish they had more PC games, but they have more now than they did before. Retail Expert Zone is really not much good for you unless you play the 360.

[JapaneseGorilla]

They just added Kingdom Under Fire: Full Circle of Doom for the 360 and a new webcam. Nothing new in the way of pc software though.

[JapaneseGorilla]

Hahahahaha.....

They finally add new PC software and what do we get? Peggle and Mystery PI. Come on Microsoft, geeze. They did also add an ergonomic keyboard and mouse set which looks nice, but I have no need for it.

[JapaneseGorilla]

SWEET!!!! I just checked my mail and what do you know. I won a copy of The Devil May Cry 4 for the 360.

I already have the copy of NFL Tour 2008 that they sent.

Now all I need is an actual 360.

[JapaneseGorilla]

lol, they just added Turok dog tags.

Also they added The Club for the 360.

[92miata]

bump this up. damn they need to offer new stuff!!!!!

[JapaneseGorilla]

Well, Microsoft just sent out an email saying that in November they are puting up a new site with new prizes and stuff. Unfortunately they say that we will lose all of our points... grr...

I just blew like 25,000 points, lol.

Oh and for now at least they have the Aerosmith Guitar Controller for Xbox 360 for Guitar Hero for only $.99

YES, THAT IS 99 CENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't even have guitarhero but I ordered one. Took 10,000 points, but who cares, they will all be gone in 1 1/2 months.

[450]

I knew I should have gotten a job at BB or Microcenter.

[JapaneseGorilla]

HOLY FREAKING CRAP!!!!

XBOX 360 PRO 60GB CONSOLE FOR $99



too bad it costs 50,000 points and I have all of 3550 right now. Even if I had never spent a single point I would still only have about 41,000.

[SirKronan]

50,000 points. Been doing this for over three years. Only have 27,000. The most I could possibly have is 38,000. :(

[MrHood22]

Just got a Zune dock and a zune soundbag from this for $25 combined shipped.

Good stuff...

[BMWlover]

Got my Microsoft 4 port USB hub in the mail today, about 3-4 days after I ordered it. I am looking forward to the redesign and those new prizes. Hopefully there will be some new 360 games up on there.

[JapaneseGorilla]

They just dropped the points cost for the 360 console down to 30,000 which is still a lot.

[AthlonXP]

50,000 points. Been doing this for over three years. Only have 27,000. The most I could possibly have is 38,000. :(

can get a 360 now since you are really close.

[Blackjack988]

Any ideas how often new quizzes come out? I'm 4500 away from the 360.

[Blackjack988]

If anyone's still interested and hasn't noticed the 360 has dropped to 20,000 points, i just ordered mine.

[SirKronan]

If anyone's still interested and hasn't noticed the 360 has dropped to 20,000 points, i just ordered mine.

Every time I check the freebies, XBOX, and 25 cent guitar are ALWAYS OUT OF STOCK.

[ManCannon]

Every time I check the freebies, XBOX, and 25 cent guitar are ALWAYS OUT OF STOCK.

Yeah, I'm going to be watching that guitar like a hawk. The only problem is sleep.

Maybe I can get my brother to keep an eye out and order it for me while I'm sleeping.

[Blackjack988]

I've noticed it usually takes about a week to get them back in stock, and in the case of the 360, the point cost has been lowered each time.

[Modred189]

A few years back I got a nice fleece and microsoft money, but lately, for PC people, there has been little worth it.

Would like to see a zune in there...

[SirKronan]

A few years back I got a nice fleece and microsoft money, but lately, for PC people, there has been little worth it.

Would like to see a zune in there...

... or maybe an iPod. :eek:

[Blackjack988]

12. NO WARRANTIES. Microsoft does not provide any warranties for Rewards or Sweepstakes prizes other than a warranty labeled "Limited Warranty" delivered with any item made by Microsoft (in which case that is the only warranty provided). That Limited Warranty does not include any statements made on packaging or in manuals and other documentation and you agree that those are provided, and will be accepted by you, for informational or instructional purposes only and not as warranties. Microsoft will honor all such Limited Warranties and adhere to the stated coverage period only. UNLESS YOU ARE PROVIDED SUCH A LIMITED WARRANTY, THIS SITE AND ALL REWARDS AND SWEEPSTAKES PRIZES ARE SUPPLIED AS IS, AS AVAILABLE AND WITH ALL FAULTS, to the fullest extent allowed by applicable law. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED OTHERWISE, MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ALL WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ACCURACY OF INFORMATION, MERCHANTABILITY, NON-INFRINGEMENT, TITLE AND QUIET ENJOYMENT. If a Reward or Sweepstakes prize comes with a warranty from someone other than Microsoft, you may benefit from that warranty in accordance with its terms, but you agree that neither Microsoft nor any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, directors, officers, employees, agents or contractors shall have any liability regarding that warranty.


I just read that off of the TOC on expertzone, does this meant that the xbox i ordered does not have protection against say a RROD?

[SirKronan]

I just read that off of the TOC on expertzone, does this meant that the xbox i ordered does not have protection against say a RROD?

No. It means it will have no warranty other than whatever standard warranty comes in the box. If the box has a limited warranty card in it, then you are covered for a year.

"other than a warranty labeled "Limited Warranty" delivered with any item made by Microsoft (in which case that is the only warranty provided)."

Unless these are refurbs or something and have a different warranty, like 90 days, or ... hopefully not .... no warranty.

[davidtran007]

Aerosmith controller in stock....

[SirKronan]

Aerosmith controller in stock....

THANK YOU! ordering right now....

[SirKronan]

Aerosmith controller in stock....

very funny ... it's already OOS. Sometimes MS = "teh suck"

I can never get in stock timing right on any of their good deals.

Oh well. Good deals on the games I guess. Even at nine bucks, MS still probably makes a profit on those.

[ManCannon]

Aerosmith controller in stock....

Wow, I checked probably an hour before this, and now it's out of stock again.

Lame :(.

[SirKronan]

Wow, I checked probably an hour before this, and now it's out of stock again.

Lame :(.

Yeah it is lame. Do you really think MS is just completely out of Xbox 360's right now?

They're shipping to retailers the same as ever, but employee purchase programs always play second fiddle. They can make $100 on the Xbox we MS sellers buy, or they can make $300 selling it to a retail store. You can bet your fat patootie they're gonna give priority to the retail stores if demand increases. You would too if you were MS and wanted to make more money.

[Blackjack988]

If its any consolation the xbox that i ordered last week still hasn't shipped, still says order submitted.

[ManCannon]

If its any consolation the xbox that i ordered last week still hasn't shipped, still says order submitted.

It still may have shipped though.

I had that happen once when I ordered a game. All the other games I'd ordered updated normally, but this one didn't update at all. Still got it in the same amount of time I normally get games though.

Hell, a month or two later I went back to check the order status, and it still said "order submitted".

[Blackjack988]

It still may have shipped though.

I had that happen once when I ordered a game. All the other games I'd ordered updated normally, but this one didn't update at all. Still got it in the same amount of time I normally get games though.

Hell, a month or two later I went back to check the order status, and it still said "order submitted".

Hmmm hope is good...i like hope...but i enjoy obsessively tracking my packages online even more...eh i suppose you can't win them all.

[ManCannon]

I just looked at it, ordered May 08, still says "order submitted". Everything else says "shipped complete" :p.

[Blackjack988]

I just looked at it, ordered May 08, still says "order submitted". Everything else says "shipped complete" :p.

I'm tempted to call and be annoying but there's something about gift horses...who gives horses as presents anyway...

[davidtran007]

If its any consolation the xbox that i ordered last week still hasn't shipped, still says order submitted.when u added the xbox system to the cart. all u need to do is checkout and pay right?

i remember back then they had like a requirement for a pay stub or something

anyways i already racked up 20k points... just waiting for it to come back in stock :)

[Blackjack988]

when u added the xbox system to the cart. all u need to do is checkout and pay right?

i remember back then they had like a requirement for a pay stub or something

anyways i already racked up 20k points... just waiting for it to come back in stock :)

Dosent say anything about a pay stub in the terms but if the status does not change im just going to call them tomorrow

[ManCannon]

Aerosmith Les Paul in stock! Just got mine!

Score!

[Blackjack988]

Guitars are gone, for good looks like, but they added a few new things. Vista Ultimate for $100 and something called Equipt for $30.

[davidtran007]

Has anyone seen any 360 consoles in stock today?

[exharrison]

There were some. They lasted like 10-20 minutes. So, it was probably 10 consoles.

[SirKronan]

There were some. They lasted like 10-20 minutes. So, it was probably 10 consoles.

gay. I always miss it.

Best media extender in the world for $100. Holy crap.

And it looks like I'm going to need one for GoW2.

Epic = DOUBLE GAY.

Is Halo 3 gonna get ported ever?

[JapaneseGorilla]

Man, I'm missing everything. Halo 3 legendary edition for $9. Tons of stuff.

[SirKronan]

Man, I'm missing everything. Halo 3 legendary edition for $9. Tons of stuff.

I check three times a day, and MISS every time. Quadruple gay.

[ignoramus]

Sad

"Xbox 360 Pro Console
We do not expect this reward to become available before the site closes. Please redeem your remaining points on other items."

Now I am stuck with 20,000 points and nothing to get.

[Blackjack988]

Sad

"Xbox 360 Pro Console
We do not expect this reward to become available before the site closes. Please redeem your remaining points on other items."

Now I am stuck with 20,000 points and nothing to get.

I will gladly take some of those points off your hands if i could.

[SirKronan]

xBox in stock right now! Just ordered mine. Good luck.

[exharrison]

I just wish that they would drop the required points for it so I could pick one up.

[SirKronan]

I just wish that they would drop the required points for it so I could pick one up.

Do the quizzes, man. I had 20,000 points and it still shows 13,000 available.

[SirKronan]

OOS again. I really lucked out. They must only do 5 or 10 at a time. Gosh.

[exharrison]

Do the quizzes, man. I had 20,000 points and it still shows 13,000 available.

I've done all the quizzes. But as I've been on the site for a while, I've spent points on some other things. Just nothing this good. I have 14K points and none available.

[SirKronan]

I've done all the quizzes. But as I've been on the site for a while, I've spent points on some other things. Just nothing this good. I have 14K points and none available.

Sorry, homeslice. Bummer. I never really liked anything on the site enough to buy it, because I've never had an XBox, and most of the loot is geared towards that.

Oh well. Now I have one. :p I don't even need it...

[pcgeek86]

This doesn't work for me, cuz I work at corporate, not one of our retail stores :(

[JapaneseGorilla]

XBOX 360 IN STOCK!!!! too bad I don't have the points.

[JapaneseGorilla]

And... out of stock again.

[Blackjack988]

Anyone know the exact date they will be switching over? I would assume some time this week.

[SirKronan]

Anyone know the exact date they will be switching over? I would assume some time this week.

Unless they delay again. Heh.

[SirKronan]

deledted - wrong thread

[ignoramus]

THEY DID IT !!!! THEY DID IT!!!!

I LOVE YOU INTEL!!!! HAHAHAHA!!!!! :D:D:D

I don't know how many of you emailed Intel, but I KNOW I DID!

And they LISTENED TO US! Sorry about the allcaps but look at the updated bundle:

Q9300 Processor
P45 Extreme Motherboard
Windows Vista Ultimate (first 1200) or Home Premium
And Farcry 2 (first 1200)

Packet 2 is an 80GB SSD. Looks like people with insane points will be able to get BOTH bundles.

The Q9300 isn't the most extreme, but it's better than the 8200. YAY for Intel. (I would've still liked a 9400 or 9450, but hey, depending on price the 9300 will do the trick!)

Wrong thread dude.

[SirKronan]

Wrong thread dude.

Aww CRAP. My bad.

Thanks.

[exharrison]

Anyone know the exact date they will be switching over? I would assume some time this week.

When I e-mailed the expertzone support, he said it would be a week before they put more 360s up. So, it shouldn't switch over until at least after that date. But he did say they would offer bundles on the new system, too.

[ManCannon]

Did anyone ever see that Mass Effect art book they had for a while go in stock? I was checking constantly because I'm a big fan of the game and would have loved to have it, and then one day it was gone from the reward list, but I never saw it go in stock once.

[SirKronan]

Did anyone ever see that Mass Effect art book they had for a while go in stock? I was checking constantly because I'm a big fan of the game and would have loved to have it, and then one day it was gone from the reward list, but I never saw it go in stock once.

Same predicament. I LOVE that stupidly amazing game. What a story, and the new combat system is fantastic. I will buy every single game in that series as long as they port to PC.

[BMWlover]

Anyone have any new information as to when the new site is going live? It looks like mid-November to me.

[tesfaye]

Just an fyi, if those free copies of Norton using points (or however this works) that could have been used towards something else, i'd suggest avoiding them. Virtually all security software can be had for free from Frys (AR). And those deals are frequently (always?) available from their website...there's still shipping, but it's not going to be that much.

OTOH, if it's jsut free and you can't pass on that software to get something else, then free beats free AR + s/h.Awesome, I just checked Fry's and they have NIS 2009 3 User edition for $49.99 with $30 rebate. I've been reading nothing but good things about this product so I'll give it a shot at that price. Symantec editions have always run well, I wonder if they are using the same tech in the home editions now.

[PC Surgeon]

XBOX 360 back in stock!

Personally, I'm waiting for the changeover and bundles being that I just signed up a few days ago. Don't think I can get enough points in time to order it before its OOS/site transition.

[ManCannon]

Mass Effect art book is back and in stock. Just ordered! Score!

[SirKronan]

Mass Effect art book is back and in stock. Just ordered! Score!

Must have got the last one. OOS already. Two freaking minutes.

[ManCannon]

Damn, sorry :(.

Guess I got extremely lucky.

[ManCannon]

Hmm, trying to order Too Human now, and every time I click checkout it gives me an error :S.

[SirKronan]

Hmm, trying to order Too Human now, and every time I click checkout it gives me an error :S.

Serves you right for snagging the last mass effect art book. :p jk!

[ManCannon]

Serves you right for snagging the last mass effect art book. :p jk!

Haha, finally got it to work so in your face :p.

I do feel bad about you not getting the book, I came here and posted about it before I even finished checking out in the hopes you'd see it and get one too.

Sorry dude :(.

[SirKronan]

Haha, finally got it to work so in your face :p.

I do feel bad about you not getting the book, I came here and posted about it before I even finished checking out in the hopes you'd see it and get one too.

Sorry dude :(.

Oh no worries. I genuinely celebrate in you getting one. It's just ridiculous. I check within two minutes after you post and it's gone already. My luck = teh suck. Hehe. Can't complain too much. I snagged an xbox.

[ManCannon]

Heh, sadly there wasn't enough points left for me to acquire when they started offering the $99 360.

Oh well, I've got plenty of great stuff out of this. Hopefully the next iteration is just as good.

[PC Surgeon]

Anyone know if the Vista Ultimate is an OEM or Retail license key?

[SirKronan]

Anyone know if the Vista Ultimate is an OEM or Retail license key?

I would bet OEM.

[JapaneseGorilla]

Anyone know if the Vista Ultimate is an OEM or Retail license key?

I would assume that it is OEM considering the description says that it is NOT the retail product.

[PC Surgeon]

I would assume that it is OEM considering the description says that it is NOT the retail product.

Thats not what it says at all. It says "This is not a fully packaged product as the software comes in CD sleeve. " Fully retail or fully packaged are two different things. That being said, it would not surprise me if it were OEM. Just wanted to know for sure from someone who had bought one.

[JapaneseGorilla]

The 360 is in stock at the moment.

[PC Surgeon]

The 360 is in stock at the moment.

They also relisted Halo 3 Legendary Edition, maybe it was in stock and sold out or soon will be in stock.

[JapaneseGorilla]

They also relisted Halo 3 Legendary Edition, maybe it was in stock and sold out or soon will be in stock.

Yeah, I noticed that. I'm watching like a hawk hoping it will come back in stock.

[JapaneseGorilla]

The free mouse pads are in stock too.

[SirKronan]

The free mouse pads are in stock too.

OOS again. :(

[JapaneseGorilla]

The 360 deal is in stock, but several of the offers disappeared like the mousepad, the art book, and halo 3 legendary edition.

[SirKronan]

The 360 deal is in stock, but several of the offers disappeared like the mousepad, the art book, and halo 3 legendary edition.

Curses. I'm never gonna get that art book .. :(

[BMWlover]

Hells bells, when is the new site going to be up?? I should have known it would get delayed, though, this is microsoft right.

[JapaneseGorilla]

What I think is funny is that they keep updating the current site which sort of suggests that it could be a while before the new one comes up.

[SirKronan]

Hells bells, when is the new site going to be up?? I should have known it would get delayed, though, this is microsoft right.

If it was Blizzard, it would be next mid-november ... and they would split the site into three different sites.

[JapaneseGorilla]

Anyone have any idea whether they actually verify your employment? Just out of boredom I created another account with a completely made up name, store number, etc and yet they actually supposedly verified my fake employment. lol

Ah ha, i've got it now. I would actually have to have a credit card under the name "Skittles Tastetherainbow" if I actually wanted to place an order.

[JapaneseGorilla]

Hmm, it looks like they might be switching over right now.

[PC Surgeon]

Hmm, it looks like they might be switching over right now.

I think you're right. I'm watching like a hawk!

[BMWlover]

I think you're right. I'm watching like a hawk!

LOL me too

[SirKronan]

LOL me too

Ooooo ... me three.

[PC Surgeon]

I can get into the initial log on screen but after that there is an error. I feel we are close fella's!

[PC Surgeon]

OH MY GOD@! Sorry I'm excited! If you watch the video on the opening page on the right, you will clearly see you can get Vista Ultimate for 2,000 and $8.50! :D


EDIT: And if my eagle eyes are correct, the XBOX 360 60GB will be 1,600 points and $17 !! :eek:

[SirKronan]

OH MY GOD@! Sorry I'm excited! If you watch the video on the opening page on the right, you will clearly see you can get Vista Ultimate for 2,000 and $8.50! :D


EDIT: And if my eagle eyes are correct, the XBOX 360 60GB will be 1,600 points and $17 !! :eek:

What?? No way ... you've lost your mind.

[JapaneseGorilla]

What?? No way ... you've lost your mind.

The intro video does indeed show Vista Ultimate for that price, though there is no guarantee that it will actually be that price. I didn't see anything about a 360 though.

Anyone been able to log in or register yet?

[PC Surgeon]

The intro video does indeed show Vista Ultimate for that price, though there is no guarantee that it will actually be that price. I didn't see anything about a 360 though.

Anyone been able to log in or register yet?

It's the item just below the Vista Ultimate. You can see the XBOX 360 picture and some numbers below it. I think my super powers are right about whats below it but I guess we will have to wait and see.


Nope, not able to register :(

[PC Surgeon]

That was weird. Somehow I signed in on the old site and it was as if the new one wasn't started yet.

[exharrison]

^Same here

[SirKronan]

Old site is back up again.

Typical Microsoft release.

And none of the good swag is available. :(

[ManCannon]

Looks like I probably won't get my Mass Effect art book either SirKronan. Haven't seen it yet and today my status has been updated to "In Process with Issues: Backordered" :(.

[JapaneseGorilla]

Has anyone who placed an order in the last few weeks actually had it ship? I placed an order on the 20th and the 21st but neither of them has changed in status. They aren't out of stock or backordered, but they are just doing nothing.

[Blackjack988]

Has anyone who placed an order in the last few weeks actually had it ship? I placed an order on the 20th and the 21st but neither of them has changed in status. They aren't out of stock or backordered, but they are just doing nothing.

I have ordered 3 times from them and not one of them has changed their shipping status yet. Even my 360 which i ordered around a month ago still is in process.

[JapaneseGorilla]

Hopefully they will actually ship them and not just give up on it. Anyone notice that the site no longer says that the update has been delayed until mid-November? In fact, I don't see any mention about the new site at all. Maybe they have completely abandoned it.

[PC Surgeon]

The order status page doesn't mean anything. Mine says "Held with issues" or some shit but I received my game in the mail today. Just want to put that out there.

[SirKronan]

Hopefully they will actually ship them and not just give up on it. Anyone notice that the site no longer says that the update has been delayed until mid-November? In fact, I don't see any mention about the new site at all. Maybe they have completely abandoned it.

Wow. I am really impressed by this, and all the more excited to go out and sell more Microsoft stuff!! :rolleyes:

[PC Surgeon]

Looks like they are trying to put the new site back up again. Back to watching this closely!

[JapaneseGorilla]

Looks like they are trying to put the new site back up again. Back to watching this closely!

Nice. Hopefully they make more progress this time.

[BMWlover]

Well I was able to register for the new site about 20 min. ago, still waiting on the validation email. Hopefully it will get to me soon.

[JapaneseGorilla]

Yeah, I just noticed that. Just registered.

[PC Surgeon]

New site is up. You have to register again and wait for an email to confirm. Thing is, its usually instant, but I have yet to receive the email :(

[ManCannon]

Any impressions on the stuff inside? Is it worth the time still?

[PC Surgeon]

^^I don't think anyone is getting their email confirmation yet.

[JapaneseGorilla]

Any impressions on the stuff inside? Is it worth the time still?

You can't get in yet. They have to send you a confirmation email first and I don't think anyone has gotten it yet.

[ManCannon]

Ahh, I see.

[SirKronan]

^^I don't think anyone is getting their email confirmation yet.

Site upgrading message again. Pffft.....

Do you have to use your work email, or does your old msn email still work?

[JapaneseGorilla]

Site upgrading message again. Pffft.....

Do you have to use your work email, or does your old msn email still work?

They don't ask for a work email address. However, I'm not sure whether registering with any address will even work because I suspect that we aren't supposed to register yet. I mean, when you go to the site it just tells you that they are updating, you have to click on the expertzone logo to get to the registration which sort of suggests that they don't mean for us to register yet. Oh, and it doesn't give you the option of logging in, it apparently just assumes that you need to register which also suggests that it isn't ready for us yet.

[Blackjack988]

Well, i managed to get in a training session and let me just say, this new interface is clunky...splitting up all the trainings into categories instead of putting them in one central location annoys me. Also, they still have 360's up. The prizes seem the same, but they require less points and more cash. (still 20000 and 99 for the 360 though)

[SirKronan]

Well, i managed to get in a training session and let me just say, this new interface is clunky...splitting up all the trainings into categories instead of putting them in one central location annoys me. Also, they still have 360's up. The prizes seem the same, but they require less points and more cash. (still 20000 and 99 for the 360 though)

What magical thing did you do to get the email sent to you? Did you use your work email, or your hotmail/msn/live address?

[PC Surgeon]

What magical thing did you do to get the email sent to you? Did you use your work email, or your hotmail/msn/live address?

If you read carefully, he said "training" and thats on the sign in page. I misread his comment too thinking he got in somehow and I even went as far as to sign up again with a different account thinking that maybe it would have sent me the confirmation email. But it didn't, he wasn't and nor was I able to get in. Hopefully they get it done soon. The only thing about his post that is puzzling now is he mentions seeing the store and what was in it, I wasn't able to duplicate that scenario. Microsoft hates me I guess.

[zrikz]

If you read carefully, he said "training" and thats on the sign in page. I misread his comment too thinking he got in somehow and I even went as far as to sign up again with a different account thinking that maybe it would have sent me the confirmation email. But it didn't, he wasn't and nor was I able to get in. Hopefully they get it done soon. The only thing about his post that is puzzling now is he mentions seeing the store and what was in it, I wasn't able to duplicate that scenario. Microsoft hates me I guess.

The site is up and working for some people.. at least for me it is. I registered today and got my confirmation email today.

http://eve.evilavatarcomics.com/expert.jpg

[PC Surgeon]

Yeah I just got in. I'm not liking this one as well. You get 100 points per test and you need 20,000 for an xbox. That means you have to do 200 tests. Thats just insane compared to the last one. Grr!

[ManCannon]

$20 for Gears PC and Rise of Nations?

Can't you find those for $20 without having to do stupid tests?

Not even bothering with this new retail zone.

EDIT: Yup, $14.99 for Gears and $19.99 for Rise of Legends.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=196459&om_keycode=4

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832102354&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Software+-+PC+Games-_-Microsoft-_-32102354

[PC Surgeon]

Looks like they aren't going to get very far with this version of expert zone. People will be turned off like I was when it comes to paying more money and getting more points which take longer to accrue for the same items as before.

[ignoramus]

Yeah the prices suck games used to be $9.

[Blackjack988]

Yea, sorry, finals time means less forum time, i was able to log in and take a training session or two this morning. The email was almost instant...maybe 10 minutes. I used my MSN email account, the same one that the original registration was under.

[SirKronan]

Yeah the prices suck games used to be $9.

Glad I got my PC games before they decided to be GAY. Also glad I got my xBox and free mousepad too. Just in the nick of time. Looks like a piss poor employee accommodation now, where it used to be decent.

[bpizzle1]

apparently you get more discounts and rewards if you reach "veteran" status or whatever, and i assume more if you get to "expert."

to reach veteran you have to earn 2000 points within 30 days of your registration date, and to be a expert its 3000 points w/in 60 days. if all tests give you 100 points this new retail site is absolute garbage :(

[kumquatsrus]

yeah new site sucks, don't bother

[2k2_zx2]

Takes FOREVER for a single part of a training quiz to load. 10 minuts they estimate is how long it takes just to get through it without reading anything.

[JapaneseGorilla]

Yeah, the site could definitely use some work. It shouldn't take that long to load anything, much less some text.

[JapaneseGorilla]

To anyone who hasn't already given up on this site, be sure to let us know how the prices change when you get to a higher rank. I need 900 points to get to the next rank, and considering how long it too me to earn 100, I won't be getting there any time soon.

[JapaneseGorilla]

edit - double post

[SirKronan]

To anyone who hasn't already given up on this site, be sure to let us know how the prices change when you get to a higher rank. I need 900 points to get to the next rank, and considering how long it too me to earn 100, I won't be getting there any time soon.

[JapaneseGorilla]

To anyone who hasn't already given up on this site, be sure to let us know how the prices change when you get to a higher rank. I need 900 points to get to the next rank, and considering how long it too me to earn 100, I won't be getting there any time soon.

Are you agreeing with me? I'm confused.

[BMWlover]

I am at 1100 points now. There are little product boxes in the rewards section with question marks in them, and a description that says that higher levels will get better rewards. I will update.

And the quizzes are so slow, loading them drives me mad.

[SonOfMore]

Wow, talk about slow! I just lost 20k points as I just signed up for the old site and never received any notice they were closing it. I'm mad as all get out.

[ManCannon]

Wow, did anyone else get the Mass Effect art book? Because what I got is not at all what I was expecting. I thought I was getting this:

http://www.amazon.com/Art-Mass-Effect-Dan-Birlew/dp/0761558519/ref=pd_bbs_sr_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1229623204&sr=8-10

And what I got was a 15 page booklet stapled together. I can't remember for sure now, but didn't the description have a picture of the book shown at Amazon?

I wonder if maybe because my order said backordered that they ran out and this is what the sent as a replacement :(.

[SirKronan]

Wow, did anyone else get the Mass Effect art book? Because what I got is not at all what I was expecting. I thought I was getting this:

http://www.amazon.com/Art-Mass-Effect-Dan-Birlew/dp/0761558519/ref=pd_bbs_sr_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1229623204&sr=8-10

And what I got was a 15 page booklet stapled together. I can't remember for sure now, but didn't the description have a picture of the book shown at Amazon?

I wonder if maybe because my order said backordered that they ran out and this is what the sent as a replacement :(.

Post a pic? I'd like to see what I missed out on.

[ManCannon]

Post a pic? I'd like to see what I missed out on.

My camera has been lost for ages and I have no idea where it is :(.

I was wrong before, it's only 14 pages. The art is nice, but with so few pages, there's not that much of it. It's outward appearance is that of a child's coloring book, but it's wider than it is tall. I'd say maybe 6" tall and 10" wide, so it's also kind of small. The pages are of nice quality, glossy and quite thick, like the cover of a coloring book. Trust me though, you didn't miss out on much.

Also, I'm pretty sure the little picture they showed was of that book from Amazon, because I'm certain the picture on the cover of this was not what was displayed. I'm just wondering if everyone got this or if I got some kind of shitty replacement because all the others were gone. I was so excited when the package came today, then I opened it up and was severely let down. It took me about 30 seconds to thumb through it, and that was that :(.

[2k2_zx2]

Good thing I was doing the training tests.

Just snagged Fable 2, Gears of War 2 and Viva Pinata Trouble in Paradise for $30 and 1500 points total.

[SirKronan]

Make sure you all get promoted before the time is up!!! I hope it's worth it to upgrade your status.

[ManCannon]

Well, I ended up signing up anyways.

A question about the "I am back" promo code, does it take a while to kick in or something? I entered, but don't have my 1,000 points, and now if I enter it again it says "you've already entered that code".

[SirKronan]

Well, I ended up signing up anyways.

A question about the "I am back" promo code, does it take a while to kick in or something? I entered, but don't have my 1,000 points, and now if I enter it again it says "you've already entered that code".

What's the I am back promo code??

[SirKronan]

Nevermind. Lol. You just type "I am back" ...:D

[ManCannon]

Nevermind. Lol. You just type "I am back" ...:D

Are you signed up? Did it give you 1,000 points right away?

[SirKronan]

Are you signed up? Did it give you 1,000 points right away?

Yeah. I put it in and it worked. I used the same passport/email address I used in the original.

[ManCannon]

Ahh, it updated finally. 1,100 points now :).

[BMWlover]

Thanks for the I am back promo code guys, I am sitting at 3000 points now, and it looks like I need to wait until Jan 1 in order to raise my level from newbie.

[ManCannon]

Well, can we spend our points now and will it keep track of our total towards Veteran and Expert?

[SirKronan]

Well, can we spend our points now and will it keep track of our total towards Veteran and Expert?

I would wait. Your points will go farther when you get promoted.

[Southparkrocks]

Do you have to have vet status to see games like gow2?

[ManCannon]

I would wait. Your points will go farther when you get promoted.

Meh, I went ahead and ordered Lips and Banjo and Kazooie. How many less points is it to order stuff at Veteran status and Expert status? Does anyone know for sure?

It does keep track of what you have towards the next level though.

[SirKronan]

Cool. Good to know.

I'm pissed though. I just took a quiz. In the description it said the quiz was worth 150 points. Upon taking the quiz, however, they only rewarded me 100 points. The new site friggin sucks. A buddy of mine at work says that years ago, MS actually offered good deals on their stuff, and sold useful stuff via their rewards program. He says he remembers getting copies of Windows XP for 17 bucks or something like that.

MS likes profit so much that they've even gotta make lots of money off of their own salesmen. We make them billions by selling their crap in retail stores. Selling us a copy of windows for $17 is a nice reward to someone who does a great job selling your stuff. Selling us a copy of windows for $100 is about as gay as it gets. It's not really a reward at all. The xBox for $99 was all right, and there were a few freebies and decent deals on games, but not like the "olden" days from what I hear. Vista should be $20 after getting a bunch of points, not $100. I know when I went to a Microsoft training in Boise, ID they gave every participant a free copy of Office Ultimate. That was a reward!

Oh well. Better than nothing I guess. And the 360 really was a good deal so I'll quit complaining .... even though only a few people actually were able to snag one. :(

[ManCannon]

Okay, I just placed an order for Fallout 3 and it came up with some error, "unable to verify customer" or something. I hit back to try again, and the points were gone and nothing was in my cart. I didn't enter an address or credit card, yet the order is in my history and the points have been deducted.

Does it just save all your info or something? I'd think there'd at least need to be a confirmation screen or something. Anyone else have this happen?

[PC Surgeon]

Okay, I just placed an order for Fallout 3 and it came up with some error, "unable to verify customer" or something. I hit back to try again, and the points were gone and nothing was in my cart. I didn't enter an address or credit card, yet the order is in my history and the points have been deducted.

Does it just save all your info or something? I'd think there'd at least need to be a confirmation screen or something. Anyone else have this happen?

No, but the bastages ganked CODWaW and fallout 3 for 360 from my cart though.

Stuff saved in your cart will last for 24 hours. Get them before they rot.
Taxes and shipping fees will show up when you check out.

Yeah, 24hrs means less than 12. Not only that, but they haven't upgraded my status from "newbie" to "veteran" yet. Not sure its worth it anymore. Thinking about sending a nasty email. But I know it would just fall on deaf ears.

[BMWlover]

No, but the bastages ganked CODWaW and fallout 3 for 360 from my cart though.


Yeah, 24hrs means less than 12. Not only that, but they haven't upgraded my status from "newbie" to "veteran" yet. Not sure its worth it anymore. Thinking about sending a nasty email. But I know it would just fall on deaf ears.

Same here, my status is still sitting at Newbie, hopefully they can get this sorted out and put up some decent rewards.

[PC Surgeon]

Same here, my status is still sitting at Newbie, hopefully they can get this sorted out and put up some decent rewards.

Let me go ahead and add to this list of complaints. I hate these bastages more and more. Now I am listed as a veteran. Awesome! I have two more promo codes for 1,000 points each, meaning all I would have to get after them was 1,000 of their ridiculously long tests to finally get the best rewards.:rolleyes:

Promo Codes:

"I am back" = 1,000
"ExpertZone113" = 1,000
And for those who missed the other one, "November" is worth 1,000 too.

You get more rewards but the price does not (or has yet) dropped nor the amount of points required. I seriously thought about making a "microcheats" site complete with screen shots of answers to aall their tests in order to get at them. Alas, I'm not smart enough for that so they are safe. Lucky &^#$'s!

[BMWlover]

Let me go ahead and add to this list of complaints. I hate these bastages more and more. Now I am listed as a veteran. Awesome! I have two more promo codes for 1,000 points each, meaning all I would have to get after them was 1,000 of their ridiculously long tests to finally get the best rewards.:rolleyes:

Promo Codes:

"I am back" = 1,000
"ExpertZone113" = 1,000
And for those who missed the other one, "November" is worth 1,000 too.

You get more rewards but the price does not (or has yet) dropped nor the amount of points required. I seriously thought about making a "microcheats" site complete with screen shots of answers to aall their tests in order to get at them. Alas, I'm not smart enough for that so they are safe. Lucky &^#$'s!

Thanks for those codes, they carry a ton of points now that all the quizzes are worth 100 points. I am also listed as a "Veteran" now to, for what its worth.:rolleyes:

The rewards are very poor, IMO, even more so when the higher status does not unlock any worthwhile rewards.

[Southparkrocks]

Is gears of war two included for veteran status?

[PC Surgeon]

Is gears of war two included for veteran status?

Hell no. Even if it were, you would have to buy it within 5min (probably) of being posted to get one. I don't understand why microsuck is doing this. I mean you are there to learn and earn, but you never really earn anything and when you do finally earn something you really want, its because you stayed up till 6am EST to catch new deals. For the off chance your dumbass snoozes for 5min and forgot to refresh the page you will be up the next night waiting again. I think you guys are starting to understand my frustration :cool:

[exharrison]

I like how I logged in today to check my updated status as I had 3000 pts and it tells me that I have to now earn 4000 points to reach expert. That is not what the faq said a week ago.
EDIT: Their FAQ appears to be down. Maybe they are changing that part.

[PC Surgeon]

I like how I logged in today to check my updated status as I had 3000 pts and it tells me that I have to now earn 4000 points to reach expert. That is not what the faq said a week ago.
EDIT: Their FAQ appears to be down. Maybe they are changing that part.

Yeah, I noticed the same. Funny, they keep asking for more while giving less.