Microsoft entered into the foray of tele-video amusements back in, well, some time ago (XBox 1 was in 2001, not sure if Microsoft console games existed prior to). Since then, they've done some good things in the video games world. With XBox 2, they created, arguably, the best controller for the PC.

I've played with some gamepads for the pc, and nothing even comes close to the XBox 360 Controller. If you play any games on your PC that don't require keyboard and mouse (lots of indie games come to mind), you need to own an XBox 360 Controller with USB cable.

Haha XBox 2.
 
Yeah the 360 controller is great for PC play, though having to get a wired controller (hard to find at retail) or having to get the special wireless dongle kinda sucks. 
 
I use the PS3 controller when I am PC gaming, just personal preference mostly. Its much more annoying to setup since there isn't any official driver support from Sony, but its recently become a lot more simple which is nice. Plus you can hook it up via bluetooth, which is cool.

Yeah, I'd be afraid to use a ps3 controller because driver support has gotta be sketchy, at best. Pretty sure Sony doesn't want their hardware being used on anything Microsoft sneezes on.

For the wired controller, I just got mine at Best Buy. It's a simple controller, cost me $30, and I believe it's an investment to last me forever.

I've played with some gamepads for the pc, and nothing even comes close to the XBox 360 Controller.

 If you play any games on your PC that don't require keyboard and mouse (lots of indie games come to mind), you need to own an XBox 360 Controller with USB cable.

i do agree with the xbox 360's controller being the best. i think it is a pretty good controller. i only thing i don't like is the triggers and d-pads. i think the triggers take too long to press for a response. the d-pad sucks because it's more like a round button than four different buttons. 
 
i don't play my Xbox 360 controller on the PC. i use the keyboard and mouse.

The controller is greet. One of my faves.

I like the 360 gamepad for FPS and that's about it. I do prefer the DS3 though.

Yup, super comfy controller.

I generally use keyboard and mouse for the accuracy, but I generally go with PS3 controllers for my emulators. Symmetry for the win!

It's a great basic controller, but I'd disagree that it's the best controller available for the pc.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6671738&SRCCODE=PRICEGRABBER&cm_mmc_o=2mHCjCVybgwTyz__wyCjCVqHCjCdwwp&cpncode=18-103580411-2

This is a great controller that can be bound to specific PC commands as well as clicks. It's just a more well-rounded controller that I prefer.

@Zolkowski: To be fair that is a 360 controller modded so hands down it is the best controller. However the shape of it is a bit different which kind of throws me off when I have used it.

It's nice that the 360 controller seems to be the standard controller for PC developers to develop around now, but it's annoying that it has to be a wired one. Why can't it work with my wireless play and charge kit too?

The Xbox 360 controller is my all-time favorite. The concave nature of the triggers and perfect placement of the left analog stick put it just ahead of the DS3. If only they could steal Sony's excellent D-pad, it would be perfect.