Xbox controller in windows

[charlesr]

I'd like to give Onlive a proper go with a decent controller.
Will a normal wired 360 controller do the trick? (would be good to be able to use on both xbox and pc)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wired-Gamepad-Black-Xbox-360/dp/B003VD56KW/ref=lh_ni_t

Or do I need one that mentions PC?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Xbox-Common-Controller-Windows/dp/B004JU0JSK/ref=sr_1_2?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1316936113&sr=1-2

[FelixofMars]

You can plug any wired Xbox 360 pad into the PC not just the 'PC specific' one

[sj33]

There's absolutely no difference between the controllers. The 'PC' branded one comes with a CD containing the drivers, but Windows will automatically find the drivers anyway when you plug in the controller. Just go with whichever one is cheaper.

[mekanor]

if you've already got wireless 360 controllers you can just buy the usb dongle too. Not sure what the going rate is these days though.

[sj33]

There are a couple of titles that don't support the wireless dongle though, or have issues with them. Microsoft don't seem very interested in promoting use of the wireless dongle for some reason. Still, the vast majority of games should work.

[SuperBeatBoy]

Remember the plug & charge usb cable won't work. You have to buy a dedicated wired 360 controller to work on the pc or the wireless dongle.

[charlesr]

The dongle is more expensive than the pads, so might as well get a wired pad.
Thanks all.

Now I just need a 16:9 monitor with fast response time...

[Brad]

I want to do this as well. Except I intend to run an HDMI cable from the PC, through the wall into the living room and into the TV there. I'll have to run an optical cable through as well. I guess it makes sense to go for the wireless controller in this case. There seem to be non-official wireless receivers for about a tenner. Does anyone know if these are any good or am I just asking for trouble?

[Malc]

Does anyone know if you can buy an Xbox 360 wired controller with the new twistable d-pad?

I can only find them in wireless versions...

[Brad]

Got bluetooth working with MotionInJoy now so I have a wireless solution and my DS3 can masquerade as an XBox pad.