The Sony PS3 vs Xbox 360
The two systems are remarkably similar in several ways. They both ship in two different lines, a Basic and a Premium version, and in both cases, the main difference between the two lines for each is the size of the hard drive. In the case of Xbox, the Core version does not have one, while the Premium system comes with a removable 20 GB hard drive. In the case of the PS3, the Basic edition has a 20 GB hard drive, and the Premium comes with a 60 GB drive. Given the similarities of the two lines for each system, from here on we shall just compare the premium version of both systems.
Microsoft's second console, the Xbox 360, is Internet-capable by standard 100 Mb ethernet port, has a relatively advanced on board Operating System (OS), features a triple-cored CPU for parallel processing, allowing a different processor to focus exclusively on different aspects of each game, has a powerful on-board graphics accelerator with an ATI GPU, has 5.1 surround sound support, DVD playback functionality, interfaces with an online matchmaking and multiplayer service, namely, Xbox Live, and with a software update, will support the HDTV progressive video resolution of 1920x1080 (AKA, 1080p).
The system also has 3 USB 2.0 ports, which allow users to plug in additional peripherals, such as the Xbox Live Vision Camera, and wireless network adaptor. There is support for both wired and wireless controllers. Microsoft has also announced it will release an external Xbox HD-DVD drive for users who desire next-generation disk format support.
The Xbox 360 ships with emulation software that allows users to play some original Xbox games on the new console. The results vary significantly, however, and a compatibility profile must first be released on a game-by-game basis via Xbox Live, before users can use old games. In some cases, the older games are able to take advantage of the significantly more powerful hardware available to them and will actually play better than on the original system. Others, however, do not lend themselves well to this feature, and run poorly, or in some cases, not at all, and thus, will not be supported by Microsoft on the 360.
The PS3 will also be Internet-capable via 1 Gb ethernet, and will offer many of the same features as Xbox Live Gold, using the tentatively named PlayStation Network Platform (PNP) service for multiplayer and matchmaking. Unlike Xbox Live Gold, however, Sony has announced that their service will not attract a subscription fee, but will instead be free to all users. It has a highly advanced Cell processor, which features eight independent Synergistic Processing Elements (SPE) for parallel computing. One of these is reserved for the OS, and another is redundant, making the console fault tolerant, should one of the units fail. The other six can be dynamically configured by each game to allow developers to optimise the console for the requirements of every individual game.
The next-generation Blu-Ray Disk format is standard for all PS3 units, which also allows standard DVD and CD playback, as with the Xbox 360. The PS3 will support all standard HDTV resolutions, and the Premium version has HDMI output support. The PS3 has Wireless Bluetooth controllers, USB, Flash card and memory stick support, and 7.1 surround sound.
Finally, Sony has said that nearly every PS1 and PS2 game will be natively compatible with the PS3, and has indicated that some Sega Genesis (AKA Sega Megadrive outside the US) games will also work out of the box. It will gradually make these games available for download directly to the on-board hard drive, for a fee payable via their PNP service.
When comparing the PS3 vs Xbox 360, it can be hard to make a choice. The PS3 is undoubtedly a more powerful machine, however, it costs much more than its competitor. It includes a host of features very similar to those offered by Microsoft, some of which are definitely implemented better. It is fair to expect generally superior performance from a PS3, so any choice boils down to the investment consumers are willing to make or have already made, in the case of older games for that experience.
Article Source: http://www.articlenorth.com
To find out more info on the PS3 you can find a full in depth report at ThePS3Report.co.uk Andrew Lawrence is the developer of E-bookz Online a site that promotes "How-To" guides for ba range of startup business
Advantages Of Using A Wireless Adapter When Playing Video Games
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Download XBox 360 Games Free!
Since the XBox 360 came out several years ago, there has been one constant thing, and that is the games are too expensive. Every new game is $60 dollars, and if you want the game the day it comes out you might have to go to a couple of stores to find it, and that is a waste of gas. And if you order the game you are going to have to wait a week, or pay a ridiculous shipping fee. Both shipping fees and gas prices are on the rise, why not save that money and just download your games. You can find more titles without leaving your house, and you don't have to wait a week for them to show up and your doorstep, they are right there on your PC.
To put games onto your XBox 360, you won't need to worry about MOD chips, or having to open up your system to modify it. The process is a simple point, click and download what you want, when you want it. You can also download XBox games, PSP games & PS2 games to put on your hard drive, along with music and movies, all at no extra costs. Just find what you want, and in a few minutes you could have that on your 360 and enjoying it in front of your TV. For the one time fee, which is half the price of one game, you can download all the 360 games you want, alongside all the PSP, PS2 and XBox games, all the movies and all the music you want, any time you want.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Bender
Playing An Xbox 360 Live Game
Why Was The Xbox 360 Live Game So Different?
I am by no means a hard core gamer, but I have been around the block so to speak. I have played MMO’s, been in guilds and clans, done the whole FPS on line thing, but I can honestly say the most fun I had was playing an Xbox 360 live game. It was not that the experience was really different than any of the other things; it was how the whole thing came together.
First thing I noticed when getting into this Xbox 360 live game was that the games were pre set up by Microsoft. While you could set up and do a private game if you wanted to, the main matches were grouped and setup through your Xbox 360 live subscription. At first I was kind of annoyed at this, but after a couple of matches I started to realize that my opponents were at my level and it may for more competitive and engaging contests.
The next thing I noticed about the Xbox 360 live game was that you had to use a headset to play. This was absolutely a god send as every on my team was able to communicate and strategize. This made the games extremely intense and strategy was very important. I also like the fact that you could talk smack before and after the matches with the other team.
Lastly it was how quick and easy it was to find a game. Games went one after another after another and just chained on for the entire night. By the end I had raised a couple levels, learned most of the maps, and was taking on stronger competition. The experience was so immersive and fluid that I truly felt like I was in the game. The outside world slipped away as I blasted my opposition, and got blasted in turn. This was truly one of the most eye opening and fun gaming experiences I have ever had. If you have not tried an Xbox 360 live game and are leery of consoles games, you should give a shot because you truly do not know what you are missing.
Do I Need An Xbox 360 Live Subscription?
Number One Reason For Getting An Xbox 360 Live Subscription
The first and most important reason is for online gaming. Yes there are other things that come with your Xbox 360 live subscription, but let’s not beat around the bush here – those are all fluff when compared to the wonderful world that is online gaming through your Xbox 360 live subscription. Microsoft has really hit a home run with this one as there are many aspects of the online gaming community found through the Xbox 360 that could make it the best around.
The first reason it is so good is because of how Microsoft handles its matchmaking. In any of the games you play through Xbox live you achieve goals and have a ranking. The live system gears its games to teams and players of like skill so that you can expect a reasonably good match. While this system is not always perfect and there will always be some abusers, it is far better than not having a system at all. I have been involved in way too many games that were just basically one side toying with and destroying the other that I do not want to ever experience that again and any system that attempts to prevent that is the right move in my mind.
Next up is the required head set communication. All the controllers have to have a headset to play so that you can communicate with your teammates. How well they well that is a different story, but the vast majority of players have solid working headsets and this makes for incredibly coordinated and competitive matches.
Lastly is how Xbox keeps track of all your records and statistics in the game. Through this system you also have access to hundreds of replays and can store your best kills and races to enjoy for years on end.
As you can see there are many reasons to pick up and Xbox 360 live subscription, so go out there and get gaming.
The Brains Behind the Business: Xbox 360 Pro System
System
You will receive quite a few items when you purchase the Xbox 360 Pro system and this includes the console which features three powerful core processors that are poised to pump out 720p/10801i output, 16 x 9 cinematic aspect ratio and full surround sound and DVD playback.
Also included with the Xbox 360 Pro system is the wireless controller which makes gaming as easy and convenient as possible. This way you don’t have to worry about extra cables or wires hanging around and you can have hassle-free high performance precision wireless gaming features the Xbox guide button for quick access to digital movies, music and games libraries as well as a range and battery life of up to 30 feet.
Games
Another of the best features of the Xbox 360 Pro system is that there are so many different games. No matter what type of gamer you are, you want to ensure that there are fun games for you to play so that you will not grow bored and will always have new challenges.
There are tons of options when it comes to finding an Xbox 360 game, and if you want a few examples, here are some: Lost Odyssey, Lost Planet Extreme Condition Colonies Edition, Madden NFL 08, Saints Row 2, DiRT, Disney Sing It, Devil May Cry 4, and Dynasty Warriors, just to give you a few examples.
Buying a video game console new is always the best idea but you do always have the option of buying the system used. However if you do choose to go this route you are going to want to make sure that you deal with only a reliable seller and that you are aware of the return or refund policy so that if you realize that it is not in the best condition you can bring it back or at least exchange it.
The Xbox 360 is definitely one console that you will not regret buying because it is so much fun and these days so affordable.
Save Money and Rent Xbox 360 Games
Ten to Fifteen Percent
If gamers expect to play through video games in any reasonable amount of time, then renting Xbox 360 games is the smartest choice that they can make. When you rent Xbox 360 games, you are effectively only paying ten to fifteen percent of the retail cost of the game itself. For the sake of argument, let's say that you beat a game within two weeks. That is probably longer for some and shorter for others, but it is reasonable. Therefore, a $10 monthly fee will in effect have you paying only $5 to play through the game when it costs $50 to $60 in stores. Renting Xbox 360 games is simply the smartest choice that gamers can make with such expensive games.
However, there are other ways than renting Xbox 360 games to save money while playing the most popular games. Discount Xbox 360 games can also save gamers a lot of money. Many titles that are 18 months old or older are in the $30-$40 range, while used games can also save $10 or $20. Many folks might not want to buy used, but most gamers take excellent care of their game discs. If you're wary of this option, simply ask the reseller if you are allowed to examine the disc before purchasing. If the game turns out to not work, then you can always return it (probably not for a refund, but for a replacement of the same game). Nowadays, it is also common to find “classic” titles that are on sale for roughly half of what they used to cost, and these games are great choices for newcomers in the console market to start gaming at little cost to themselves.
Still, none of those options are as cheap as renting Xbox 360 games, unless a gamer would take six months or more to complete a game (high unlikely as most games only take 20 to 30 hours or so of game time to complete). Some gamers really do love to own the games they play, and sometimes you can pick up collector's editions of games with bonus materials to pore over. However, most people will be content to play through the game once or twice and save a ton of money in the process.