Toby's Ironman-In-Training Blog

Before being moved up to Kalsu, several of us bought Microsoft X-Box video game consoles in Kuwait, along with a few TVs, and four copies of “Halo”. We had some really good 16-way tournaments, and planned on continuing so once we arrived at Kalsu.

But, the generator power up here is pretty finicky, and a surge in the line toasted four of our X-Boxes. Since we couldn’t get to a PX nearby to exchange them (and didn’t have all the receipts and packaging anyway), we seemed to be pretty much out of luck. I wrote a letter to Microsoft explaining our problem, asking if they could send us some replacements as a Christmas gift.

Well, today I got a letter from Ann Heath, Coordinator of X-Box Marketing, saying they are “pleased and proud to send your platoon 4 replacement consoles and a selection of games. It is the least we could do to show our support and appreciation for your dedicated services during the holidays and throughout this last year.”

So, here’s a great big ol’ preemptive thanks to Microsoft for their generosity! (I just hope they arrive intact — some people at customs tend to get sticky fingers when it comes to large packages from businesses, it seems).

And, to show my support and appreciation, since I’m sure some perceive me as being anti-Microsoft (which isn’t true.. I think they are very good at some things and not very good at others), let me say the following: Windows whips all over Linux when it comes to the desktop (and will for a long time to come); Pocket PC is far and away the best PDA platform around (Palm Pilots would probably still be one-trick, monochrome, featureless pieces of junk if it weren’t for Pocket PCs setting the bar); and I can’t wait to get a Motorola MPx200 cell phone from AT&T Wireless, the first Windows Mobile smartphone in the U.S., when I get home.