UPDATE 2/6/2011
I've been using the controller for a few hundred hours now and it still works fine. I've dropped it a few times, tossed it around in my backpack, and even stepped on it -- it still works perfectly! The main con still exists. My motherboard hangs on startup whenever this is plugged in. I tried flashing my motherboard to the newest update, but the problem didn't go away. No software fixes have been released to give the controller the ability to be turned off without taking out the batteries either. I haven't been tracking the battery life, but I believe I am getting over 40 hours. The controller is holding up great!
UPDATE 12/20/10
I've been using the controller for some time now and it still works fine. I have used it for over 40 hours and the battery still seems to be working fine. So, the battery life is as good as advertised, perhaps even better. The controller is in good condition and there is no significant "dead-zone" in the analog sticks and the buttons are just like when they were new. Construction and durability is definitely great as well. I only have one complaint I have noticed though. Whenever I have this controller's receiver plugged into my computer, it boots up slower. After the computer does the POST boot up test and beeps, it hangs and waits about 20 seconds before proceeding. I looked at the LED boot code on my motherboard during this delay and it said the USB controller was being initialized. So, whenever I have this plugged in, it takes the computer a bit longer to start up. This is a huge con for me as I like to have a fast and snappy startup. My solution is just to leave it unplugged until I start using it. I guess the reciever has a large power draw and slows the bootup or maybe my motherboard thinks that the receiver is for a keyboard and tries to set it up to control the computer which doesn't work. I'm not exactly sure why. (For tech people: My computer is self-built and has an EVGA x58 motherboard using AwardBios with an i7 920 processor. Maybe that info will be useful)
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REVIEW:
This controller by far is the best controller for the PC. The ergonomics of the button layout and the precision of the analog sticks and buttons are fantastic. The large number of games with built in 360 controller support/profiles make it a desirable choice, especially when considering the versatility to use the same controller on an Xbox 360 console.
I have tried it on multiple games such as Team Fortress 2, The Last Remnant, Dirt 2, Assassin's Creed, and more. The controller works flawlessly with no input lag or incorrect button presses. I have even used programs such as Xpadder and Dolphin Emulator with the controller to test it out and it performs perfectly. One of the greatest strengths about this controller is that many games have already created profiles for the controller. With my old logitech rumple pad 2, I would have to manually create a profile and would often change buttons around to try and find what feels "right". With this controller, the guesswork is eliminated in most games and all games will recognize the controller. Some games
Another huge positive is the ability to connect multiple controllers to one receiver. I have played multiplayer games with many controllers hooked up to the same receiver and had no trouble. The receiver is able to differentiate the button presses of the different controllers and everything works out smoothly. Also, you can go and hook up these controllers to an xbox 360 after if you need to and they will work just as a regular 360 wireless controller would. (I had some friends bring over their wireless 360 controllers. We paired them to my receiver and then they later took them back home and reconnected them with their 360s.)
You get a pack of two duracell AA batteries, the controller, instruction manuals, drivers CD, and wireless receiver. Unlike what others have said about having to go to Microsoft's website to get the drivers, I merely ran the CD and followed the onscreen instruction and my controller was set up in under 5 minutes. (I am using Windows 7 64 bit). The receiver is able to work through obstacles; currently, mine is behind my wooden computer desk and it still works fine. The software also comes with a widget-like program for the desktop that shows the number of controllers connected and help files. I find it largely useless, however, maybe you will like it.
Many reviewers seem to be complaining about the power draw of the receiver being too high and being unable to boot up with the receiver plugged in. I feel no such problems on my computer and I leave my receiver plugged in 24/7 along with 9 other USB devices such as 2 hard drives, 2 printers, gaming mouse and keyboard, and more. I don't think the power draw from the receiver is anything to be concerned about. However, I do have a semi-powerful power supply (800watts). Also, the green light on the receiver is bright enough to see and not bright enough to disturb your slumber if you sleep in the same room as you computer. Some people complain about a fuse blowing in the receiver. I have not faced any issue like that, and even if it does happen, I can simply purchase a new receiver for about $10 online and pair my controller to the new receiver.
CONS:
The only thing that I can even say is a negative for this amazing controller is a lack of a dedicated off button. From what I understand, on the Xbox, you would hold down the center Xbox button and press turn off controller. On the pc however, this button does not function the same way. Every time I am done playing, I have to manually remove the battery pack and put it back in. This only takes about 15 seconds to do, however, it would be nice if there was a safer and "official" way to do this. Since this version is specifically targeted at PCs, there should be some sort of off button made available. Or the drivers should allow the long press of the xbox button to pull up a menu similar to the 360's, so that the controller can be turned off. Not a big deal.
Also, the use of actual batteries is a bit disappointing. In this age, it would be much more preferable to have a standard rechargeable battery pack. The good thing is that that there are a plethora of cheap 3rd party rechargeable battery packs. The bad news is that they cost money. The controller comes with two duracell batteries which lasted me over the advertised 40 hours.
SLOWS BOOTUP
Final Thoughts:
So, if you're in need of a controller to play games for which the keyboard and mouse just feel awkward, look no further! Your search has ended.
