Computers and Technology

Where do gamers go?

The choices you have as a gamer are:

1. Buy (Online, Ebay, used, Gamestop..)
2. Rent (Gamefly, blockbuster…)
3. Trade (Goozex, Switchplanet..)

Renting in the past at your brick and mortar rental place can easily set you back more then $5-$7 every week like Blockbuster. There have been other online rental game sites that charge a monthly fee like /month for one game out like Gamefly. Renting isn’t all together bad but playing videogames isn’t like watching movies. There is a considerable larger amount of time invested in videogames then in movies. Most movies range from 1.5 hours to epics of 6 hours. Where most videogames you could get a good feel for a game in 3 hours but most sports games and long role playing games could be played for more then 70 hours.

This is where Goozex steps in. Goozex allows the gamer to keep the game as long as you want but have the option to sell it too. There is only a $1 transaction fee if you request a game on their network. So basically you can trade in your older games and build up Goozex credit until you get enough for a newer title and just pay the $1 transaction fee. A shipping and handling is handled by sender and the buyer only pays . There is no monthly membership so you can stop at anytime or go at a slower pace. This is ideal in the sense that you could play the game until you are actually sick of it then send it in for credit. So you’re not rushed to get as many games played on the network because you can play at your own pace. Plus you OWN the game. From then on the game is yours, not a rental.

You only send games directly to the next member. There is no single central warehouse and the pricing of the credits of the system are in points (100pts = $5). The pricing of the game is determined by market demand, release date, initial cost of the game, and a couple other factors. Most xbox 360 titles will go for 800-1000 pts which translates to $40-$50. This isn’t bad for a used game. Some money can be saved buying used but there is still tax and travel time/cost. Goozex gives you free shipping to you with no tax charge. You also have an option to buy credits if you want but I wouldn’t recommend that unless you have no games to send in or nothing of yours is being requested. The game prices will fluctuate and you will see the price change in your history. I’ve had a couple games I requested and I can see that price increase/decrease. It doesn’t happen that much but some games change +/- 200pts depending on market demand.

So why use Goozex instead of a used videogame store or an auction site with games like Ebay? You just need $1 to pay for the transaction fee. Most people don’t like to continually shell out more money for a game and then feel like the games they bought are depreciating at a very fast rate. Selling your game for cash anywhere will not give you that much. Brick and mortar stores resell your games for a huge mark up. Selling online is tiresome. Goozex at least you get to trade in games you are done with and still get some value out of it as it will lead to other games you really want. There might be more difficulty in sending older sports titles as those don’t have much demand once their season is up like trying to sending in EA sports Madden 2005 will be a hard game to sell to someone on the network. Older games on ebay are a hassle to sell. On Goozex you will be able to list it and it will just stay there without having to pay insertion fees.

Each videogame is packed with information like reviews from Gamepro, some tips/trick, game description, and some even have instructions. I love being able to see the supply and demand of each game. This will let you know if you have a game people want or if you can possibly get a game on the network. Goozex determines who gets the game by matching up users. There is a waiting list that is generated and when you add a game you will see in what place you are waiting for that game. This is a fabulous idea as impatient gamers can tell if they should expect a game soon. You need to make a list for want and haves for your games. They will show you your place in line per game. Great place to build your wishlist. It is ideal to have a very large set of games you want now so you will have a very good chance of getting a game soon. I was requesting Crackdown for the Xbox 360 and I was 60th person in line. I got this game in 14 days. Just because you’re really deep in line doesn’t mean you won’t get the game soon. Newer games do get pushed out in the system fairly quickly. You have many options to what you want to trade in terms of instructions, case or just game. This is helpful as some gamers tend to lose instructions and/or cases. The value of the game doesn’t go down as the credits don’t reflect what is included. This is because the user requesting the game can have the option to request only full packaged games, games with instructions, or just the game itself. I have not had a problem with getting full packages as I’ve gotten over 49 games and I’ve sent out 54 in under 2 years of being there.

Why NOT to use

For this site to be a perfect 5 star site I would like to see:

1. More users (will there ever be enough?)
2. More old school games (nes, snes, saturn….)
3. is still not free. I’m a member of another site that has no transaction fees yet still protects the members.
4. Sneak peak video game trailers
5. More community interaction (user reviews, recommendations…)

All the above are small tweaks to the system that is already very functional. The main reason someone would NOT want to use this system is time and money. If you have the dough you would just buy it new down the street? Why wait? The main draw to the site is how much money you can save and the community there. Save money and also connect with other gamers. If your very impatient then new release games will have to be purchased. I’ve experienced about 1-2 month turn around time for new games. Why? You are placed on a Que. The order of the Que determines when you get the new game, but more importantly is how many are available? Most people will play a new release for a certain amount of time before listing their games. The wait times do get long. Say you want to play a game that takes a long time to beat. You gotta factor in that a player like me would take over 1 month to beat a game like that. More popular games of course like Madden will hit the system quicker but that is also a bad thing. If you hold a game too long it will depreciate in value just like on the streets. Trading for early on might be for 1000 points but in a couple months with the market being saturated it could be 500 points in no time losing half of it’s value. Not Goozex’s fault but some games just don’t move well.

Current Goozex Simultaneous Transaction on the Network as of Mar 11, 2009 = 4793

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You are enjoying a nice game of Halo and suddenly a screen begins to appear discolored or fuzzy.  Although you are hoping it is nothing more than the TV going fuzzy for a second, the game then freezes.  This is a common problem that every Xbox 360 gamer dreads.  However, there are a number of ways you can repair your Xbox 360 rather quickly.

What you need to understand is that there are several different reasons why you may be experiencing problems with your system.  While there is one problem in particular that many experience, there are numerous problems you may be dealing with.  To help you repair your Xbox 360, it is best that you understand the “E” errors better first.

An “E” error signifies when your Xbox 360 receives one red light in the bottom left hand corner.  Typically this is going to occur after your system has been re-booted.  After rebooting the system you will receive one red flashing light and an onscreen error of some sort.  These errors are signified by an “E” and two numbers.

If you are receiving an E64, E65 or E66 error, these are all directly related to your DVD drive.  This can be an issue with overheating, but it is important you look online for how you can repair your Xbox 360 when there are DVD drive errors.  You can try to repair it yourself quickly by simply rebooting the system. 

If you are receiving an E67, E68 or an E69 error, these are hard try problems.  You can try to unplug your hard drive and play without it or you can attempt to reformat it.  If you are going to attempt to reformat it, make sure you have instructions to follow from online.  A general hardware error is going to be signified by an E73 message.  This can be caused by problems with the Ethernet or networking port.  If you do have an Ethernet cable plugged in, try playing without it to see if it is an issue with the cable.

The most common problem you will deal with is an E74.  The most common reason for this error is because the AV cable is installed incorrectly.  You can repair your Xbox 360 and solve this problem by disconnecting it and then reconnecting it.  If this is not the problem it may be because of a faulty ANA chip or a general hardware error related to your system overheating. 

There are countless errors you and your system can experience while enjoying a movie or a thrilling Xbox game.  Before you can repair your Xbox 360, you need to determine what the exact problem is.  After identifying the problem, look online for solutions or try out some of the simple methods listed in this article.

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Is your Xbox freezing during games or are you receiving the dirty disc error screen on your television?  If so, the problem you are experiencing has to do with your DVD drive.  While you can always purchase a replacement drive, you can save loads of money repairing it.  So the question on everyone’s minds is how to repair Xbox 360 when experiencing this problem.

The number one rule to keep in mind is to not blow canned air into the drive without opening it.  You may have read somewhere else that this is the solution, but it will actually make matters worse.  All you will be doing is assuring that the dust will be redistributed evenly inside the drive. 

As you wonder how to repair Xbox 360, you will find there are actually a few basic steps that can solve your DVD drive problem.  The first step is to use a standard CD/DVD cleaner.  You can purchase this at many retail stores that sell Xbox 360 or at any video game store.  This cleaner looks like a normal CD but with two small brushes on them.  The benefit to this is that it is only going to clean the lens. 

Your second step for how to repair Xbox 360 is to use the information given to you to figure out what drive you are working with.  You need to figure out the manufacturer of your Xbox DVD drive and complete the tear down tutorials.  Some of the manufacturers you may be working with include Thomson, Phillips, Laser Installation, or Samsung.

Once you have determined the manufacturer and completed the tear down tutorials, your next step is to clean the lens and mirror manually.  This is where it is beneficial to have read and completed the tear down tutorials.

Next, you are going to adjust the potentiometer on the laser.  Lastly, replace the laser in the DVD drive with the replacement you laser you purchase from Samsung, Phillips or Thompson.  Although it may seem a bit extreme, it is actually a fairly easy process if you follow the steps closely.

When looking at how to repair Xbox 360 when there is a DVD drive problem, you will find that you can purchase an entire new drive for your system.  However, there are quality instructions on the internet that can help you repair the system on your own.  It is a simple process that can be done fairly quickly.

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As with any game console, the Xbox 360 is prone to problems and errors.  Something many gamers fear is the three red lights.  This occurs when three lights flash red on the Ring of Light on the front of your Xbox 360 console.  In this instance, the upper-right quadrant light is the only light that does not flash red.  Here is some information on Xbox 360 3 red light repair when your power supply light is showing red.

There will be times when the light on your Xbox 360’s power supply turns red or completely turns off.  You can identify this when the power supply light changes from green to orange to red while you are using your system.  There are a number of different reasons why this may occur, but it occurs when the external power supply has detected a fault.

The power supply has several built-in safeguards to help you and your system prevent damage to the console and the power supply itself.  Luckily, the power supply will turn itself off when there is too much current, when the voltage is too high, or when the temperature of the power supply is too high.  If any of these three conditions occur, the light will change to red or turn completely off. 

So what Xbox 360 3 red light repair techniques can you try out?  The first thing to look at is whether or not the power supply is cool.  The red light may be an indicator that the power supply is too hot.  If this is the case you need to let the power supply cool for several hours in a well-ventilated space.  Turn off your system and do not turn it back on until the power supply has cooled.  As soon as it has cooled, the power supply light should change from red to orange allowing you to turn the console back on.

A basic Xbox 360 3 red light repair method to confirm is that the power supply is plugged in correctly.  If it is plugged into an extension cord, surge protector, or power strip, the amount of voltage may not be correct.  In this case, try plugging the power supply directly into the wall outlet. 

The last red light repair technique is to try using a different power cord and power supply unit.  If you do have another power cord and supply unit, try testing your console with this.  If the console does not turn on, the issue is the console itself.  If none of the three Xbox 3 red light repair methods listed in this article work, you are going to have to pony up the dough to get your system fixed.

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There is nothing more troubling than watching a movie or playing a game and having to deal with the system freezing up.  Whether you are dealing with heat issues or other problems causing the system to freeze up, it is a nuisance to deal with.  Luckily, there is information for repair for Xbox 360 during these circumstances.

As you are probably well aware of, heat needs to be removed from your Xbox in order for it to function properly.  As soon as you begin to see the system freeze up or odd artifacts in the graphics, chances are it is time to clean out your console. 

There is the chance that game lockups can be caused by DVD issues.  But if you are experiencing problems only while playing games and in specific spots during the games, you are probably due for a clean-up.  There is repair for Xbox 360 heat issues so that you can enjoy your games and movies again without having to deal with game lockups. 

When opening the console you are going to remove the hard drive and the DVD drive while leaving the rest of the system intact.  You want to start by blasting out the heat-sinks with compressed air while working your way out.  If you have purchased a new can of air, use a little away from the system first to avoid spraying out the liquid propellant as you move through your Xbox.  You can cause serious damage to the board and electronics by spraying the subzero liquid.

It is important to note that the heat generators are circled in red and the cooling inlets and outlets are in blue.  From there, you want to continue spraying compressed air by cleaning the dust from the surface of the board.  Make sure you pay close attention to the air holes at the front and sides of the case as these holes can be serious problems leading to repair for Xbox 360 heat issues.

After cleaning the motherboard with compressed air your next step toward repair for Xbox 360 is to remove the backing from the heat-sink while placing it squarely on top of the chip.  Put firm pressure on the backing for at least two minutes.  The last step is to replace the standard power course for the fan with a higher voltage power source.  This should improve the fan speed eliminating the system from freezing up or having any game lockups.

This can be a bit complicating if you are not the most technical person in the world.  You may be better off paying a professional to clean the system.  However, just know that there are tips for repair for Xbox 360 out there to eliminate your game lockup problems.

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The Xbox 360 is by no means a cheap item to buy.  For this reason it is understandable to be frustrated when the machine craps out on you.  No one wants to pay to have it repaired after spending so much to purchase it in the first place.  The question that often comes up is “can I repair my Xbox 360 for free?”

When asking the question “can I repair my Xbox 360 for free,” you are going to find that there are a few possible solutions that can help solve your dilemma.  The first technique to try out is to unplug the power.  Once doing this you are going to want to remove the hard drive and plug in your game console.  After plugging in your game console, press the power button and hope that has solved your problems.  If it is working, shut the power off and hook your hard drive back in and get back to playing your game.

The second thing you can do is to remove all of the cables plugged into the console.  You want to start by unplugging your Xbox 360 and removing the hard drive.  Next, remove all of the cables including the video.  From there, plug in the console and start it back up to see if it worked.  Unfortunately, you have a more serious problem on your hands if neither of the first two techniques worked.

At this point you are probably wondering if it is still possible to “repair my Xbox 360 for free.”  Before getting even more frustrated, first check to see if your system is still covered by the extended warranty.  Microsoft has extended the warranty support to accommodate you and the many other owners who have experienced some kind of problems.

There are a number of problems your Xbox 360 may be experiencing, but overheating is certainly the most common problem.  Because of this, it is important you check to make sure your console is getting enough ventilation.  After making sure it has enough air circulation, blow all of the vents out with compressed air. 

The last tip is to open up the machine on your own and follow instructions that you can find online.  Just keep in mind that repairing your Xbox 360 on your own, you are voiding any warranties.  Although it is risky, it can save you $150 for Microsoft to repair it and ship it back out to you weeks later.  This is a decision you will need to make when deciding whether or not it is worth it to “repair my Xbox 360” for free.

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It can be extremely frustrating having a game of yours get stuck in your Xbox 360 system.  The natural reaction is to freak out and try to rip it out.  Then again you could take it into Microsoft or some repair shop to get the game out.  However, if you want to save money you can get it out yourself by purchasing or downloading an Xbox 360 repair guide.

There are ways for you to manually remove the disc on your own.  The first thing your Xbox 360 repair guide will tell you to do is unplug the power for a few minutes while allowing your Xbox to reset.  After this you will want to re-attach the power cord to see if this did the trick.  If you did not receive any results, turn the power off and unplug it again.

Now things will get a little more complicated making it essential you follow each step in your Xbox 360 repair guide closely.  Next you will remove the face plate on the console while grabbing a thick paper clip or something similar and straighten one end of the paper clip.  After removing the face plate you will see two small holes underneath the DVD player and one hole to the right.

The next step will vary being that there are three different DVD drives the Xbox 360 uses.  If you have a Samsung or Toshiba, your Xbox 360 repair guide will advise you to find the small hole on the right underneath the X on the DVD drive faceplate.  You will push your straightened paper clip in the hole until it hits the gear.  The gear needs to be spun from left to right.  You will want to continue to push gently until you feel it move.

If you have a Hitatchi DVD drive, you are going to want to poke the first hole on the left.  Follow the same procedures that are listed above by poking the hole to get the gear to move.  Regardless of what type of DVD drive you have, it is vital you take your time and do not push too hard.  If you miss the correct spot you can do more damage than good.

As soon as the tray starts to eject you will be able to pull on it slightly to help it open.  From there, you will have no problem removing your game thanks to the helpful Xbox 360 repair guide saving you hundreds of dollars.

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If your Xbox 360 has been experiencing problems of late you are going to want to repair it as soon as possible.  After all, you do not want to miss out on valuable time you could be spending playing the latest Madden or Halo game.  To help you find a safe and reliable Xbox 360 repair service, here are five tips to consider.

1. Credibility

The first thing to look for with a legitimate Xbox 360 repair service is credibility.  You want to know that whatever service you bring your system into is going to take care of you and return the Xbox repaired.  You can look online to see what options you have in your area or if you have to send it in to some shop.  Another tip is to jump in forums or chat rooms to see what other Xbox users recommend.

2. Have been around for some time

Try to find a service that has been around for quite some time.  Newer businesses can be a bit risky as you do not know whether they are safe or how much knowledge they have with repairing systems.  The longer the business has been around the more credible they are.  They must be doing something right to have stayed in business so long.

3. Affordability

One of the top reasons so many people try to avoid an Xbox 360 repair service is because of the high cost.  If you were to take your Xbox into Microsoft, you can expect to pay around $150 even for the simplest of problems.  Take the time to shop around and see what different companies and services offer in regards to price.

4. Quick

There is no sense in bringing your Xbox 360 into a repair shop and waiting for three weeks before you even get it back.  You might as well try to repair it yourself if this is the case.  You want to find a company that will return your system promptly so you can get back to your Madden season.  Don’t be afraid to ask different services how long it will take to fix your system.

5. Customer service

The last thing you want to look for with an Xbox 360 repair service is their overall customer service.  You want to deal with a company that will answer your calls, respond to your questions and take care of you.  The legitimate services are going to respond to your every need to make sure you are taken care of.

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Have you just purchased the new Halo 3 game for your Xbox 360 and cannot play it because of those stupid three red lights?  Obviously you want to get this problem solved as quickly as possible, which is precisely why you need to start looking for an effective Xbox 360 3 red lights repair guide.  While there are several on the market, here are a few things you should look for in a legitimate guide.

The first thing you want is some kind of guarantee that their guide will work in a decent amount of time.  The safest bet is to purchase a guide that has a money back guarantee so you know that you will either fix your 360 or get your money back.

No matter what guide you find online, it should come with a step-by-step instructional guide for you to follow.  The whole reason you have purchased a guide is to better understand how to correct the problem.  This is precisely why you want a guide that will help you every step of the way.

While step-by-step instructions are certainly beneficial, some people are visual learners.  If this is you, look for an Xbox 360 3 red lights repair guide that comes with a full video follow along.  This allows you to jump online or insert a disc into your computer and follow along with the video.  You will be able to fix your problem from start to finish in under an hour.

The great thing about many guides is it allows you to fix your Xbox without having to purchase expensive tools.  You can avoid taking it to a repair shop or Microsoft, and you will avoid having to make a trip to your local hardware store.  The most expensive item on your repair list should be the guide you purchase.

And because the guide eliminates the need for expensive tools, you can be rest assured that your Xbox 360 3 red lights repair guide will eliminate the need for you to take your system apart.  Not everyone is confident with taking the machine apart piece by piece.  Your guide should show you exactly how you can do this.

The last feature to look for in a legitimate Xbox 360 3 red lights repair guide is full technical support.  If you have any questions or concerns along the way, you want to know that there are support personnel waiting to help you with your problems.  Whether it is by phone or email, there should be no need for you to wing it if you are troubled.

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The thought of repairing such a technical machine like a computer, television, or gaming system frightens most people.  However, Xbox 360 repair does not have to be all that difficult.  As long as you take your time and follow simple directions, you can save loads of money by repairing the machine on your own.

You should not be fooled into thinking a child could repair an Xbox 360; there is some basic tools and technical skills required for Xbox 360 repair.  But you certainly do not need a degree in engineering to accomplish such a feat.

While there are numerous errors or causes for your Xbox 360 needing repair, something every gamer dreads is seeing the red ring of death error.  Before doing anything you want to check to see if your system is still under warranty.  If it is, don’t even go through the hassle of repairing it on your own.  Take it in and let the professionals work on your Xbox.  It is crucial that you do not open it yourself as this will void the warranty.

Although it can be troubling to receive an error, it is uplifting to hear that only 6% of Xbox 360’s that receive the red ring of death error cannot be repaired.  Therefore, your system has s good chance of Xbox 360 repair if you follow directions carefully.  To get started, you are going to want to take a trip to your local hardware store to pick up a few items needed if you do not have them.

After purchasing the tools you need to fix the machine, jump online and find a legitimate guide that explains in detail the steps you will take to fix your system.  Many guides that can be found online will also include tips and information on over heating consoles, graphic errors, and freeze ups.  Within an hour you will have your gaming system back and ready to play on.

When taking it in to get fixed by Microsoft, you can expect to pay close to $150.  This is a lot considering the fact that the system is expensive as is.  However, with the proper Xbox 360 repair guide and a little patience, you can fix it yourself saving you $150.  Just make sure you take your time and follow all of the directions carefully when opening up the system and fixing it.  The last thing you want to do is end up ruining your Xbox because of carelessness.

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