Trusted Reviews says they’ve got a “rock solid source” who claims Microsoft will dump the standard 20GB hard drive that’s now included in the Xbox 360 Premium (which they’ve since just dubbed Xbox 360) for 60GB drive as early as Q2 of this year. This rumor makes sense if Microsoft’s planning on hitting drive-heavy applications such as movie streaming or IPTV, since an HD movie can take up a huge percentage of that small 20GB drive as it is now. Of course, all of this is just a rumor, and if you really wanted a larger hard drive on your 360, you can always just go out and buy one of their 120GB units now. [Trusted Reviews]

Via [Gizmodo]

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So how exactly is it that Sony can have superior customer service than NewEgg, the bastion of happy buyers? Consumerist has it from a customer who bought a PS3 from NewEgg that was pictured as including a copy of Spider-Man 3 on Blu-ray. When the package arrived, the movie was absent, and the packaging made […]

So how exactly is it that Sony can have better customer service than NewEgg, the bastion of happy buyers? Consumerist has it from a customer who bought a PS3 from NewEgg that was pictured as including a copy of Spider-Man 3 on Blu-ray. When the package arrived, the motion picture was absent, and the packaging made no mention of the film being included.

When the customer called NewEgg support, he got the “not my problem” treatment. After he called Sony, they promised to send him a copy of the film for free.

This is uncommon for two different reasons: Sony’s reputation is one of indifference to the end consumer, usually prompting unhappy buyers to deal with the retailers to fix their problems, whereas NewEgg is popular due to its “anything to make it right” mentality.

Of course, this could be an issue specifically with the PS3’s retail channels, as certain products are to be handled via the manufacturer and not the retail outlets, but NewEgg’s attitude is still troubling.

Newegg Doesn’t Deliver PS3 With Spiderman 3, Blames Sony [The Consumerist]

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Via [crunchgear]

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That neighbor of yours thinks he is so badass with his top-of-the-line riding mower. With the Husqvarna’s new autonomous lawn mower, you can sip a beer on your porch and tell your neighbor to suck it while he toils away on his yard. And the best part is that the mower is a solar/electric hybrid—so it will mow your lawn whisper quiet with nearly zero emissions.

If that wasn’t enough, the mower will also trim your grass short enough that you don’t have to bother with bagging. And when the job is done, it will return to its charging base for around 40 minutes—which is about the same amount of time you will get out of a single charge. It is also capable of mowing around 7,500 square feet of grass and it can be programmed to work at certain times or days of the week. Sure, it costs £2,000 ($4,000), but in the battle for suburban dominance, there is no room for second place. Hit the link to check out the mower in action. [Megawat and Pocket-Lint]

Via [Gizmodo]

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Readers of Gizmodo and Digg have been able to confirm Circuit City’s not-so-secret-anymore HD DVD for Blu-Ray player trade-in offer a Circuit City employee told us about yesterday morning. One report from a Giz reader says that he used the offer to get a new PlayStation 3. In addition to this, we just got all the dirt in the internal memo, aptly titled “HD DVD - The End,” which allegedly was posted in an internal Circuit City forum:

HD DVD - The End. Toshiba stated in a press release that they will stop manufacturing and selling HD DVD players. The marketplace has spoken in favor of Blu-ray. We’re delighted that consumers now will be able to invest with confidence in next-generation video disc players and titles. Based on Toshiba’s announcement, we anticipate to phase out HD DVD players and movie titles in our stores and on our Web site in the near future. FAQs

Why will Circuit City continue to sell HD DVD players for the near future?

There are huge numbers of HD DVD movie titles still in circulation and some customers will want to be able to view those titles.

Also, HD DVD players are very affordable and will continue to play and up-convert standard DVDs with improved quality. So, during the phase-out, some customers will want a DVD player equipped with upconvert technology (and the capability to play HD DVD titles).

When will HD DVD players and motion picture titles disappear from our stores and Web site?

That will happen in the near future, depending on sell-through rates while HD DVD products go on clearance. We’ve implemented the following price changes (make sure your floor is tagged correctly):

These are fully functioning “upconverting” HD/DVD players that are now competitively priced!

And, of course, don’t forget the HDMI cable!

What about my HD DVD Endcap?

We’re developing an alternate plan over the next couple of weeks. Please keep it up in the meantime.

Important: About Returns

Q; What about customers who might try to return an HD DVD player - even if they’ve owned it for several months?

A: We do not want to upset our valued customers. For this special circumstance, we are happy to offer an exchange for a Blu-ray player (customer plays any difference in purchase price) - even if it has been several months since the customer made their HD DVD player purchase. If the customer does not want a Blu-ray player, we have the ability to issue a gift card refund for their original purchase price. For products purchased in the last 30 days, handle as usual.

(Note: all open-box and defective Toshiba HD DVD players are Return-to-Vendor and must be sent back to Toshiba.)

As per policy, we will not accept refunds of opened HD DVD software.

It keeps surprising me that they’re not promoting this widely. Even if it seems it will cost them money, it can benefit Circuit City in the medium and long term. First, it makes them appear look cool to their customer base. Then, it gets customers back in the store for a new—and probably more expensive—Blu-ray player. And if the customer gets back for that, he’ll probably spend money on new things, like Blu-ray movies. If you’re Circuit City customer who is going to try the trade-in, remember to post back here with your experience.

Beware: apparently you’ll have to go to the actual shop to get the exchange. The on the web customer care is denying the deal, according to mails forwarded by a Gizmodo reader.

[Gizmodo]

Via [Gizmodo]

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