Review of Xbox 360 Messenger Kit - Chatpad

"Chatting with friends and family on Xbox LIVE® and Windows-based PCs is easy using the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit. This device easily connects to any Xbox 360 controller and provides easy to use chat capabilities while maintaining gameplay functionality in one easy-to-hold device. The Messenger Kit includes a Chatpad and Xbox 360 Headset."

The chatpad is an add-on accessory for the xbox 360 controller. It clips on seamlessly to the standard controller without a hitch, and it makes you realize how great the design of xbox accessories really are. Integration is key here.

But you may wonder, why would you need a chatpad on a console made for gaming? Well, there will be instances where you need to enter text, for instance on the xbox Live dashboard, or sending short messages to friends, or simply chatting online by entering some text. You can do without the chatpad by manually entering each letter and symbol using the standard coontroller, but it is painfully slow. The chatpad is a welcome addition to solve this problem.

What is great about the chatpad is that, it does not need any batteries to run it, instead, it draws power from your controller itself. You have a full keyboard style array of buttons on the chatpad, with keys larger than standard PDA phones, which makes clicking on the right keys a breeze. The buttons even light up with a white illumination, which makes entering text in the dark possible.

The package comes with a wired headset which you can connect to the audio jack at the bottom of the chatpad. Everything about the chatpad is great, and the only thing that is bad is that, it adds some weight to your controller, which makes the controller tiresome to hold after long hours of gaming. All in all, it is a highly recommended accessory.