Hacking Project Shock!!!! Replacement Shells News

[Devante]

I think it's about time we gave up on those guys, urban.

'

 

[thieves like us]

it's kind of funny, ray from nds-central made me a moderator on their site due to the fact that I was doing some pretty good PR for them, however in light of what has been transpiring, I've kind of taken a back seat rather than to offend anyone.

I can see from their perspective that they are in business to make money, but given the fact that they've announced the product and posted teaser pics but then have gone and missed 2 self-imposed launch dates, it seems to very counter-productive to not let people voice their opinions and/or suggestions to help them make their product what we, the end-users, truly want.

as the man once said, word of mouth is the best form of advertising since it costs you nothing. however, bad news and bad press tend to travel a lot faster and further than good news. it's obviously that they've struck a chord with more than a few people who were in the corner from the beginning. only time will tell if they take any of the comments from people like devante, urbanmindz and myself to heart.

my original involvement was to get a review copy of their product [in hand] and post my impressions of it here. however, in my last conversation with ray, it appears that product for review purposes will not be shipped until [well] after the cases have become available to the general public (which in my mind, kind of defeats the whole purpose of it being a review copy).

while I have no doubt that the project SHOCK cases will be nice, however at the price that they want to charge, I would hope that in the end, the following will be included as full kit:
- full case shell including matching stylus, gba case cover and 2 sets of buttons (one set in clear, the other matching the colour of the case)
- as set of standard replacement screws(12), screw covers(4) and bottom pads(2) impregnated in the same colour as the case
- a tri-wing screwdriver

 

[urbanmindz]

you know thieves, with all the hype ive been trying to create about just the simple screw pads i havent even thought about gba cover and replacement screws and stuff...
I happen to agree 110% with you that when purchasing a replacement case it should come with all the things you mentioned..

"while I have no doubt that the project SHOCK cases will be nice, however at the price that they want to charge, I would hope that in the end, the following will be included as full kit:
- full case shell including matching stylus, gba case cover and 2 sets of buttons (one set in clear, the other matching the colour of the case)
- as set of standard replacement screws(12), screw covers(4) and bottom pads(2) impregnated in the same colour as the case
- a twi-wing screwdriver"

it would only make sense to have all the parts necessary from the start instead of having some parts and trying to figure out the rest..

DeVante i agree with you also.. i think we should stop spreading the work or giving them any press (even if it is good or bad) until they do Completely right by thier customers because it almost feels like they are doing this just to make money and rip people off instead of caring for what the end user will really like and need.. I guess maybe we should forget bout them.

I really appreciate the DS-X team for that feel that xtreme enterprise should learn from them when it comes to listening and supporting customers.even if ds-xtreme is only now really hitting the shelves, for a long time many people have been on thier forums with suggestions and ideas...

The idea of having a full case with everything needed is something i would pay 35 bucks for but only if EVERYTHING is included. The endless posibilities of mods and ideas and parts that people can put together would be awesome. but if xtreme doesnt get the hint that we are trying to show them, another company will show up and have everything we need and want and xtreme will be sorry.

Thieves, if you as a moderator are suggesting that they should offer everything and are in a sense agreein with us, that kinda shows alot bout what xtreme is really after...

IMO that money, not happy customers......

 

[limtk55]

Let me clarify our position.

I think Urbanmindz and Devante both have their opinions to add. But it was done in an abusive manner in our forums. Having some kind of decorum when posting topics and replying to them is expected of in our forums. We are aware of the backfiring we will get if we deleted or banned topics (we have been dealing with forums for years). If we actually displayed what Urbanmindz and Devante posted on our forums, I think most of you will agree why we did what we did.

We have been totally transparent in our dealings with the public and have posted since day 1, what the package will and will not include. To read this thread started by the protoganists who have been dealt with in our forums in a less than elegant manner, is to take things with a pinch of salt. They have an axe to grind and they are grinding it with fervour here. We, of cos, maintain our position as having been reasonable with them.

Delays are not to be unexpected during product launches. In fact, we have at least 2 more colors that can already be released on our website for everyone's view but we did not do so, due to timing issues. We are definitely as excited as everyone else in the release date as our orders are mounting everyday and we do not want to keep our customers waiting. We are targeting end Oct but no firm release dates have been announced as yet. Our suppliers are on their heels trying to get the work out on time. Marketing can only do so much to keep the momentum going.

So we hope that clarifies issues raised by the 2 gentleman here. If you are still wondering what the kit will include, just drop by our site, and scroll down to the bottom where the first post is. You will find that the rantings here have no basis and are only 2 disgruntled forummers crying wolf.

Ray
Xtreme Enterprise

 

[urbanmindz]

lol.. ray i think maybe you are the one that took things a little too personal. we are here just trying to help you and let you know what we as customers would like.. I happen to feel that i am a very understanding and reasonable person and i would expect people to be the same with me.

You are making a product that you want to sell... and i am looking for a product to buy similar to yours.. so why wouldnt i want to suggest to you what i am looking for so that when i do spend my money i will be happy with what i am getting and you would be happy in selling your product and everyone is happy.

Honestly I am 23 years old and have no need to "Cry wolf" over such a stupid thing. I came on to gbatemp aswell as maxconsole simply because these are two site i respect and when i created the led mod they posted my work and i got alot of mail and replies from many people here. so i feel that any news i have bout anyting that i feel they might wanna know i share with them. I dont NEED to be here writing to anyone because in many ways this is just waste of time already talking bout the same issue so i appreciate my friend devante suggestion in just letting this go. which i did if you notice in my last post in your forum. But i also cannot allow you to act like we were abusive to you.. what are you like 15?

I seriously wish you would post everything we wrote on your forums here UNEDITED and let the people here decide what is abusive.We all started out with our own suggestions and got fustrated when you basically put us down and basically right away said NO IT CANT GET DONE.

We are trying to help you and we would all like to have a product we can all be happy with. I think YOU took this too seriously and although i came on here and put ya on blast (which imho is why you are now upset with me and whoever else is here), You are now no different then us.

I DONT NEED YOUR PRODUCT, nor will i die without it. I have my own ds lite, and if it breaks i will just buy another one.. i am not some 12 year old kid waiting for a stupid case. I am a 23 year old modder, Computer builder, Recording Studio Engineer with a life and will continue to live fine without your case...

Seriously we all just wanted a product that we can all be happy spending money on.. and you shoulda been happy that we are suggesting ideas to help you sell and eventually make more money anyways...

On top of that i feel that you burned yourself when you first stated that you would look into ideas as far as the sticker (which i suggested) for the border of the screen and a few other options but that we would have to pay for it seperate and then decided to change your mind after we started posting up the bad news to everyone..

By all means go ahead and post whateva it was that you say that was abusive.. I know know that the people who stand behind me, trust me and and whoever doesnt like what i originally wrote.... TOO F***IN BAD....

And Devante definately did not say anything abusive as i happen to feel that this guy chooses his words carefully and would try to keep the peace.. Unless you removed something nasty b4 i got to read it .. in which case you probably deserved it...

 

[urbanmindz]

PS and even after i try to be nice in your own forum you still move my thread agian to the "Others" Portal. yet if i woulda not replyed anything you woulda probably left it where it was originally.. lol nice...

 

[urbanmindz]

"From: admin
To: urbanmindz
Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2006 12:30 am
Subject: Spreading false rumors on gbatemp already allows me to ban u Quote message
Urbanmindz,

I think your actions on gbatemp are without basis. We have been very upfront with our product and on what it does and does not include. Your accusations (together with Devante) on the below needs to be withdrawn with an apology online :

Quote:
The parts they won't include are:
Buttons (all their buttons will be clear, including power and volume)
Screw covers (all their screw covers will be black)


These are baseless statements and I think you guys should get your facts straight before you post anything online.

Admin"


FIRST of all I am not saying sorry for nothing nor do i owe you an apology

SECOND that was not my quote in its entirely as that was not what i wrote and

THIRD the portion when you have the wrote quote for was something I MYSELF quote from your own moderator because i have NEVER mentioned anything bout volume bottons and power buttoms , or any buttons.. I CAN SEE YOUR IMAGES on your site and know that you guys are providing these so why would i talk bout that? havent all my post been about screw covers and bottom rubber feet?

SO NO i am not giving you a public online apology and neither does Devante... And honestly you forum at this moment only has 46 registered users...its really not that big of a deal to me.. so please dont threaten to kick me out..

PS... How do i close my forum account there anyways.. i dont find any options that will allow me to stop wasting my time there

 

[Devante]

Let me clarify our position.

I think Urbanmindz and Devante both have their opinions to add. But it was done in an abusive manner in our forums. Having some kind of decorum when posting topics and replying to them is expected of in our forums. We are aware of the backfiring we will get if we deleted or banned topics (we have been dealing with forums for years). If we actually displayed what Urbanmindz and Devante posted on our forums, I think most of you will agree why we did what we did.

We have been totally transparent in our dealings with the public and have posted since day 1, what the package will and will not include. To read this thread started by the protoganists who have been dealt with in our forums in a less than elegant manner, is to take things with a pinch of salt. They have an axe to grind and they are grinding it with fervour here. We, of cos, maintain our position as having been reasonable with them.

Delays are not to be unexpected during product launches. In fact, we have at least 2 more colors that can already be released on our website for everyone's view but we did not do so, due to timing issues. We are definitely as excited as everyone else in the release date as our orders are mounting everyday and we do not want to keep our customers waiting. We are targeting end Oct but no firm release dates have been announced as yet. Our suppliers are on their heels trying to get the work out on time. Marketing can only do so much to keep the momentum going.

So we hope that clarifies issues raised by the 2 gentleman here. If you are still wondering what the kit will include, just drop by our site, and scroll down to the bottom where the first post is. You will find that the rantings here have no basis and are only 2 disgruntled forummers crying wolf.

Ray
Xtreme Enterprise

Here's the link to the main topic: link

You're acting as if we went in there posting immature posts containing profanity demanding ridiculous things from you.
The most "abusive" thing I said was "And there is no reason the buttons shouldn't be the same color as the rest of the case. "

Most good companies want to know what their consumers want.

And as for our rantings... From the replies here and on other message boards, and that people were beginning to signing my petition - although I hadn't intended it to be a petition - it's clear that this situation is more than just "2 disgruntled forummers crying wolf", whatever that means.

I don't like to speak for other people, but I feel pretty confident in saying that I'm sure noone wants a white DS case with black screw covers, clear buttons, and their old crystal blue stylus. When we think of full replacement case, we think of full replacement case.

By the way, I've never said that your company was hiding anything. That was never an issue. (Although I suggest putting a list of parts you don't include on your products page, as I'm sure a lot of people will be expecting all of the parts in question to come with their new case in the mail and then you'll really have some abusive people on your hands.)
But the fact that you keep moving/editing/deleting posts that point out what is missing from your product is beginning to seem a little suspicious.

I fully believe if you don't like it, don't buy it, so that's why I suggested to give up this fight.
However, a full replacement shell seems great. So please, for the price you're asking, include all of the pieces.

I'll be looking forward to it.

 

[thieves like us]

nds-central has just updated their front page with yet another project SHOCK case variation. the chrome ds lite variant (and it looks really nice)

from their site:

SHOCK! Magnum Chrome Premium Edition - Coupled Series Debut

SINGAPORE, 20 Oct 2006 (Fri) The Magnum Chrome Premium Edition is the highest range of the SHOCK! series of replacement cases and serves to complement the present range of color selections (including originals). Not only does it replace the scratchable surface of the present DS Lite casing, it pushes the limits of aesthetics and places the DS Lite in the same league as high-end electronics.

The whole idea behind the Magnum Chrome Premium Edition is to eliminate the possibility of external scratches forever. By using the expensive process of copper-nickel-chrome electroplating, we were able to achieve a permanently superior protection layer that is both highly durable and aesthetically pleasing.

If you were to change to the Magnum Chrome Premium Edition ONLY, the process comprise of only 4 replacement parts. It should take you less than 10 minutes for assembly as we have simplified the prcedure to a mere 3 steps which is very similar to replacing the faceplate of the PSP :

Step 1 : Peel open the screw pads and unscrew the screws. Remove the battery, top cover and bottom case (and of course, the GBA cart cover).

Step 2 : Swap the 3 bottom case parts (the battery cover square screw placeholder, the stylus holder and GBA cart metal guide). Put the power and volume button on the new case. Replace the top, bottom cover and the GBA cart cover with the Magnum Chrome parts.

Step 3 : Re-screw the parts back into place and paste all the screw pads back. You now have a new SHOCK! armour that is second to none!

and from the images posted, it looks like the gba dust cover comes as part of the kit. now, if we could only get them to supply a nice matching chrome stylus!

note: the magnum chrome case includes the top and bottom outer shell halves (including the battery cover) and the gba slot cover.

 

[IxthusTiger]

Opening up for preorders before your product is ready/finalized/reviewed is shady. That allows them to hold on to your money for longer than your credit card company will allow you cancel the payment.

 

[754boy]

That chrome case looks BAD ASS!!!

 

[Arm73]

It looks really good........but a nice havy chrome stylus would be greatly missed !

 

[Deleted User]

One word on customer-support from me:
My conclusion is that they really don't like to cancel orders as i emailed them several times now. I mostly got quick replies but ... their first reaction was:

May we know the reason for the cancellation?
So I gave them a reason and the answer was nothing. I emailed another time:

... another reason for me to cancel my order is that the replacement shell I ordered neither includes the rubber screw pads nor a stylus in a matching (clear!) colour (though the stylus is not that important) which I thought it would when ordering a 'FULL' replacement shell.
... just tell me if it's possible or not, that's all I want...
The reply I got was:
QUOTE

The case includes the screw pads but does not include the stylus. The stylus will be an option for people to purchase at a much later date. Please stay with us as the product will be released in 2 weeks time.

Then I asked them (two times) to confirm the color of the screw pads shipped with a strat clear replacement shell and got no reply to my last email for about two (or was it three) days now (remember, all the replies, if sent, were made within about an hour).

Now I'm going to email them again to cancel my purchase within a limited period of time (7 days) and if they won't I will get PayPal buyer protection into it. This company really is a pain to deal with in my opinion, just thougt I let you all know.

 

[neojei]

Wow, that chrome case looks awesome, but when you open that thing up, geezus that won't look great, especially or people with white ds lites.

 

[limtk55]

From Takeshi....Now I'm going to email them again to cancel my purchase within a limited period of time (7 days) and if they won't I will get PayPal buyer protection into it. This company really is a pain to deal with in my opinion, just thougt I let you all know.

Well, seems like it was a bad transaction already. Here is what you wrote in your emails to be fair to us :

16 Oct 2006

Hello Extreme Enterprises Team.

I would like to cancel my order for the 'Project SHOCK for DS Lite - Strat Clear' as placed on 11th Sept. 2006 at your website http://www.nds-central.com .

16 Oct 2006

May we know the reason for the cancellation?

Ray

16 Oct 2006, You Wrote,

of course you may. My shiny Ice Blue NDSL got bricked and, at the moment, I simply can't afford buying a new one (no warranty on imported products where I live) which makes a replacement shell a pretty useless purchase.

I just thought that since it hasn't shipped yet this shouldn't be a problem, or is it?

17 Oct 2006, You Wrote,

Hello;
again ... :/

since I haven't received a reply yet I thought I just ask another time. Is it a problem for you to cancel my order or isn't it?

It's not only that my DS is bricked (atm, but I already found a way to get it repaired - cheap ;P ), another reason for me to cancel my order is that the replacement shell I ordered neither includes the rubber screw pads nor a stylus in a matching (clear!) colour (though the stylus is not that important) which I thought it would when ordering a 'FULL' replacement shell.

We replied on 17 Oct 2006,

The case includes the screw pads but does not include the stylus. The stylus will be an option for people to purchase at a much later date. Please stay with us as the product will be released in 2 weeks time.

QUOTE

On 18 Oct 2006, You Wrote,

Hello,

If this means the case will include 'clear rubber' screw pads I'll gladly stay in line waiting for your 'Shock! Replacement Shells' to be released =) Please confirm the colour of the screw pads included with a 'Strat Clear' Replacement shell.

9 hours ago, you sent another email as follows:

Hi.

Regardless of what being said before (and of what will be included or not) I expect you to cancel my order and refund the amount of 43.40 USD to my Paypal account within 7 days from now or I will use Paypal's buyer protection scheme to get it cancelled.

Please understand that I'm not pleased with your support as I just asked you to confirm the color of the screw pads shipped with a Strat Clear replacement shell twice and got no answer. Sorry.

Considering the amount of confusion you displayed on those emails, as well as the short amount of time for all the email exchanges, and also that the product is yet to be shipped and work is still being done to get it out, I think we did pretty well there on customer service. But please draw your own conclusions.

Ray
Xtreme Enterprise

 

[urbanmindz]

lol @ Ray.... this is getting funny already...

 

[Devante]

$45.

Stylus and tri-wing screwdriver (got mine for $0.95 from www.jandaman.com) to be sold seperately?

I am saddened. :

 

[Deleted User]

Considering the amount of confusion you displayed on those emails, as well as the short amount of time for all the email exchanges, and also that the product is yet to be shipped and work is still being done to get it out, I think we did pretty well there on customer service. But please draw your own conclusions.

Ray
Xtreme Enterprise
I sure do. I always mentioned that the rubber screw pads, if included, should be in a matching color (see my emails from the 17th and 18th of octobre quoted by yourself); I don't know what is going to confuse you with this. Since they aren't; can't you just cancel my order and get me my money back? That's all I want. I never said that you claimed to include a stylus as you never did and I also told you that the stylus is not the issue here!
And I don't think anything posted by me is unfair, since I told everyone that, if you replied, you always did in a real short amount of time. I didn't even mention the fact that the only way to get a reply from you was if I (re-)sent my emails to your [email protected] address and never if just hit the reply button!

But regardless of all the above I never had any problem with cancelling an order over at liksang, play-asia, amazon or any other reliable store without letting them know a reason; pre-paid or not. Also it's not my fault that you weren't fast enough in producing those replacement shells in the first place (see below)!

Release dates are planned for end-August/early September 2006.
Btw. why didn't you quote my last email which was a direct reply to yours confirming the black (which doesn't match 'clear' in my world) rubber screw pads, some minutes after I posted this here on gbatemp?? Anyways, here it is:
Takeshi

Subject=that's not funny anymore

Sorry Ray,

but you most likely read my other eMail and the post at gbatemp, so please just cancel the order and refund my money to my paypal account!

Besides ... I would have cancelled anyway, because I don't want a clear NDSLite with black rubber pads on it's back.

I'm sorry if I sound upset but this really isn't funny anymore.


Regards,
Marius


On 2006-10-20 15:18:54 Xtreme Enterprises wrote:
>The rubber pads will be black.
>
>Ray

My last question is, why are you posting this now? And why don't you tell anybody that a respectable member of this community told you (again) that I want to cancel my order in a private conversation yesterday because he offered to help me getting my refund?

This is not the way any company should deal with their customers in my opinion (regardless of the fact what you think about me)!

UPDATE: I just wanted to let you all know that nds-central.com does NOT accept cancellations of orders! They just marked my order as shipped today! I also notified paypal about this incident! So be careful!

UPDATE 2: I posted a summary of my story over at nds-central.com. I wonder how long it will be there to be read by the public! Just click the following link to read it for yourself-> http://www.nds-central.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=161#161

 

[limtk55]

UPDATE: I just wanted to let you all know that nds-central.com does NOT accept cancellations of orders! They just marked my order as shipped today! I also notified paypal about this incident! So be careful!

UPDATE 2: I posted a summary of my story over at nds-central.com. I wonder how long it will be there to be read by the public! Just click the following link to read it for yourself-> http://www.nds-central.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=161#161

Takeshi,

Your lies are getting out of hand.

I think someone should censor you. I do not know what is your intention but I suspect you are either sent by a rival company to start a smear campaign, or deliberately trying to cause trouble. With a few dollars on hand, this can be quite easily accomplished.

Your account was registered as [email protected] in our forums. It has since been banned and all posts initiated by tjhis account deleted. We wish to warn all from gbatemp about Takeshi's dishonesty and bad conduct in forums.

You have been warned.

Ray
Xtreme Enterprise

 

[OrR]

Suggesting censorship just puts a bad light on yourself.