QUOTE(tape99 @ Oct 18 2006, 05:01 PM)
The controller, while using Bluetooth and therefore being wireless, needs to be connected once to the machine by USB cable prior to use so that the machine can detect the cable (pairing process). This process will be necessary every time the console is powered off then on
While this is technically correct it is very misleading.
Essentially the controllers will become disassociated if either the console or the controller loose 100% of their power. So as long as the console is plugged in and in "standby" mode it will not become disconnected from the controller.
Similarly the controller's internal battery will have to become COMPLETELY dead before it will loose association, which will probably happen on occasion but probably not if the console gets used often.
Personally I think the biggest "crisis" with the controller is the fact that the batteries are built in. While it's fantastic for the first 6 months or so because you get the rechargeable battery for free once the battery starts to hold it's charger for shorter and shorter periods of time you probably will want to replace it... but alas you'll have no choice but to buy a whole new controller.
Similarly when the charge is low you'll be FORCED to plug in the controller if you want to keep playing. I use rechargeable AAs for both my GC Wavebirds and my Xbox 360 controllers. When the battery is low I pop out the dead ones, put them in the charger and pop in some fresh ones that are already charged from the last time (I have an extra set and rotate the batteries through). That way I never have to deal with wires EVER.