When i use the left analog stick, push it full to one side and let it go (should center then), i get distances from the center of 10/100. If i gently move it out of the center and then let it go i can get distances from the center upto 19/100.
So a deadzone of 20+% is needed in my case.

In my opinion a analog device like this without a calibration/deadzone option is broken by design.

I still love the old Microsoft Hardware devices like the old gameport sidewinder gamepad and the USB Sidewinder Force Feedback 2. The only bad thing is does there are no new drivers for the Sidewinder Joystick and with the generic driver Win Vista/7 have there is no way to influence the ForceFeedback and centering force :(

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/gaming/controllers/devices/7361

Done in 1.

some games are just better with a controller, sports games and action adventures or action games for example

You're right. Especially in some sports games where it's specifically designed for controllers so keyboard + mouse just doesn't cut it. Sometimes I even find myself switching back and forth (e.g. GTA 4, Just Cause 2)

This. Joysticks were standard equipment for PC gamers even before mice became ubiquitous.

Being a x360 gamer, i personally prefer the logitech F310 on the pc. I completed darksiders with it, and am now playing through Super Meat Boy and Resident Evil 5. I tried DS with mouse + keyboard, and was kinda amazed at the better comfort a gamepad provided.

I don't use an x360 controller on pc b/c the D-pad sucks, and the d-pad is kind of important for those sega classics i'm replaying :D

Then there's the additional functions of analog. K & M only has one analog input device, the mouse. Popular controllers now have at least two.

With so many modern games supporting only XInput controllers/ 360 pad, a 360 pad emulator is invaluable. I like x360ce vibmod but it can be a bit difficult to configure.

Does X-Padder provide this functionality? I thought it was just for mapping keyboard keys to a gamepad.

I myself have been playing crysis 2 with x-box controller in pc. Hard to believe. Just tinkered with sensitivity slide. And I even took away crosshair and of course the autoaim-thing off. And the rumble is good. =) I don't know, I like it that way in that game. Multiplaying.. not interested. Now I really have to aim. Almost a bit realistic. =P And nice to once in while sit a bit further and play. Also my keyboard is starting to be bit picky.
If a person plays with a PC, well how do you play it.. there's no wrong way, if it feels good, so be it.
Truly, controller gives a better feeling in some games, doesn't feel like I was browsing the webpages . =)
Good thing I bought the controller years ago. Has come in handy. And it's good that some pc-games straight on supports that.
Well I wouldn't play old adventuregames with this.. well, in past I played discworlds with a playstation. And broken swords. =)

I haven't used it recently, but you've got that backwards, it makes keys on a game pad register as keystrokes. Which is mostly useful if you're wanting to play in an emulator.

There's also certain games like Zeliard where you really should have been playing with a game pad from the beginning. Or that could just be my opinion that platformers should be played with a controller.

You're all crazy, the GameCube pad was the pinnacle of design!

I played years with a playstation, so it felt natural most of my life. =) But now with pc I have gotten used to xbox-pad. ('cos nowadays it's most supported) And it's good. And I like the rumblething with that.
I gave that logitechs playstation-imitation controller to my brother, Well loaned. I usually don't just give things away, I prefer the right to take my things back if I feel the need. =)

And what eyeball said.. I could almost read the irony. Nintendo has had weirdest things for a controller after super nintendo.

I honestly do prefer the GameCube pad. I find it really comfortable and it doesn't have the left stick in a silly place like some pads... >.>

Do you need a bluetooth receiver or does the charge cord actually convey that data?