Re:Cost cutting a little out of control? (Score 1)

Microsoft claims that the machine cannot be moved while on with a disk in it or it will do this to the disks. He claims he didn't move it.

Not that we disbelieve your BIL, but I can't tell you the number of times I've heard this. "My browser won't load some web site." "It needs cookies, are you running software that blocks 'em?" "No." A day later, "Oh, it turns out my dad put blocking software on the computer." You don't say. See also approximately 600 episodes of Shark Tank.

. But, a machine that destroys your $60 game disks, that can't be easily backed up, because you bumped into the entertainment center is unacceptable IMO.

Exactly what are people doing where they're bumping into the entertainment center, getting out of control while playing DDR? Notwithstanding that, the device should, in fact, not be quote so sensitive that it does this.

I guess when you're selling systems at a loss the urge to cut costs wherever you can is pretty strong.

Well, people want stuff cheap these days, and they don't really care much, in general, about what they're giving up to get cheap (i.e., quality). There's no other way to explain the success of Wal-Mart, and most everyone else seems to be following suit. What's the solution? I dunno--don't buy stuff predicated on the shaver/razor blade sales model? Don't let cost be your sole determining factor when you buy stuff?