Microsoft X-BOX Live, Microsoft Corp XBox 360 Elite Bate and Switch Scam, Redmond Washington

I went to Target this morning to buy the XBox 360 Elite for $299 - a newly reduced price. Much to my surprise, and before I left the store, my son mentioned that it was curious that the HDMI Cable icon and the HD icon was not on the list of features listed on the box. I dbl checked, and sure enough, this was not the "Elite" product featured on Microsoft's website, but some inferior configuration that they packaged in the Elite box and under the Elite name. The Elite model includes both HDMI Cable and Component HD. It is positioned as the best of the line  (Arcade, then Pro, and finally the Elite) as the name suggests. The box listed Standard definition as the TV format. 

I know that the cables themselves add to cost of the package. A friend had paid more than $50 for the HDMI cable alone (not that it cost Microsoft that amount). This was not the product with the best configuration and still maintained its higher price.

It is unethical to have several models with the same name and vastly different configurations. Unsuspecting consumers are buying the Elite product thinking that they are getting all the features (if they don't look carefully) when in fact they are not. I returned the item immediately and went to a local consumer electronics store and not only got the Elite model with the HDMI hookup but it also included a bonus pack of games all at the newly reduced price. 

After the ordeal, I guess it was a great object lesson for my son on the greediness and unethical practices of a monopolistic company that despite is resources needs to employ these tactics to sell its products and rip off consumers. Microsoft's XBox brand manager, and other leaders who approved this decision should be held accountable and responsible as they further degrade an already tarnished reputation of bungled and failed products. XBox looked like one of the few things they had gotten right.

Target's electronics buyers are also to blame for agreeing to stock an inferior configuration. Maybe this is a standard practice and Target's customers often purchase "name brand" products and models without comparable features. I can understand this if they discount the product to such a degree that certain features need be eliminated. However, in the case of the XBox, it's standard pricing nationwide. Target is just selling the product at the same price as everyone else, with less features! At least that what I experienced today.