[Link]

Anyway, here are my initial impressions of the machine.

[GOOD]
Graphics: They are not astronomically better than the original Xbox, but definitely a noticeable improvement. Then again, I am not using a HDTV (although this machine may just convince me to buy one), so my graphics are scaled down significantly.

Demos: This is by far my favorite part of the 360. In the first day, I think I downloaded about 10 demos. And, the demos download in the background so you can play one game while another one downloads. I like it.

Arcade: The arcade section provides access to older games (Street Fighter II, anyone?) that you can download and play on the 360. The 360 also comes pre-loaded with the arcade title Hexic HD, which, is a good time waster. Nice.

Music: When you plug your iPod into the 360 it will recognize all of your music and playlists. This is a great feature and almost justifies the purchase of the system (for me). In addition, the 360 will charge your iPod while it is plugged up. You can also have the 360 pull music from your computer, and it does this almost flawlessly.

Video: You cannot play any video other than WMV and you have to be running Window Media Center. In short, this means that I will not be using this feature in the foreseeable future.

Xbox Live: With the purchase, I got a one month free Gold Membership. This is a smart move by Microsoft. I would never have purchased a membership but after playing around with the Gold Membership for just a few days, I am already considering purchasing a year long subscription. There is something about playing against people across the planet that is just oh so satisfying. And, for those who are in to the arcade titles, they are Xbox Live compatible also.

[BAD]
Music: I really only have two complaints when it comes to the music and both of them are rather small. The first is that the 360 will not recognize iTunes shares. This makes no sense to me. If it can recognize iPod songs and playlists, then I know it can recognize iTunes shares, songs, and playlists. This is a non-issue for me as I just plug my iPod into the machine, but it just annoys me. And yes, I understand Microsoft’s position as they want people to use Windows, but that does not mean I have to like it.

Second, the control scheme on the 360 is not friendly for larger music collections. You can sort by genre, song, artist, album or playlist, but you can only sort by one at a time. So if you have a collection of, oh, 1,000 artists, finding someone whose name starts with an M can be quite time consuming. But again, this is a non-issue for me as I only keep about 500 on my iPod at any given time anyway.

Noise: The 360 is loud. If you have your TV on a normal to low volume level, and have your 360 sitting out in the open, chances are you can hear the 360 in the background. To eliminate some of the noise, I had to place mine inside of the TV stand and keep the door shut which is not a good thing because the machine gets pretty toasty.

Price: Not the price of the system, but the price of the games. I actually think the price of the system is reasonable, albeit a bit high, for what you get. However, having 360 games cost $10 more than their Xbox, Gamecube, or PS2 counterparts even though the game is the exact same, is simply absurd. Thank goodness for online gems such as Gameznflix.com.

Well that is it. I just had to chime in real quick and let everyone know my good news. But now, it is time for me to get back on the sticks and go KO someone in Fight Night 3. If you got game, look me up online. Adios.

So what do I use the PSP for then? Browsing the web. There was a short stint of time where I got involved with converting videos and putting them on the PSP to watch, but that did not last long. It was nice and convenient on the plane ride to Miami, but other than that, I just cannot see where or why I would want to watch shows on a PSP.

Anyway, back to the machines primary use; web browsing. It is absolutely frustrating. I would estimate that roughly 70% of the websites I visit result in nothing more than a “not enough memory” error. No text, no graphics, no web. It is horrible.

I have tried several fixes. Everything from maximizing the cache, to having no cache at all, to deleting all the PSP files, to formatting the memory stick, to buying a bigger memory stick, but in the end, eventually my “not enough memory” error will resurface to bring my web browsing to a halt. I simply cannot get rid of it.

The most frustrating part of it all though, is that it is not consistent. Sometimes I can browse for hours with no problems on memory munching sites such as Flickr or Myspace. And other times I cannot even visit text only version of BBC News. There just seems to be no rhyme or reason to it all. It is so frustrating I am actually considering selling the device and buying myself an alternate device (PDA, Blackberry, Treo, etc.).

Anyone know of a way to fix it?

So why did I buy it? Because it is a gadget and I like gadgets (mostly). In addition, I have been in the market for a handheld device that can access the internet via Wi-Fi. I have looked at phones, laptops, and an assortment of PDA devices. And in the end, the PSP does it the best (for the cost that is). I was able to get online both at home and at school with minimal effort (WoooHooo).

My other reason is I am going on vacation, and I figure I might want to watch a movie or two, play some video games, the web, or some pictures from time to time while in sunny Miami, FL. This little device will hopefully assist me with all that (hopefully hopefully).

Now maybe I will go browse the web and see what type of “home-brew” apps are available for this little machine.

To be perfectly clear, the Microsoft and Sony strategies are based on overall corporate objectives versus what’s right for the consumer. That’s a reality. Microsoft is essentially trying to get you to put a PC in your living room because they are fundamentally a PC software company. Sony is trying to get you to put an entertainment hub that has Blu-ray technology because that’s important to their movie business and the rest of their entire electronics business.

We are a gaming company. We are gamers at heart. We love creating great, innovative content and superbly designed hardware, that’s what we do. And with that passion comes a laser like focus to do things that are right for the consumer and right for the business. That’s the fundamental difference in our strategy versus our competition.

I could not agree with him more. That is one, if not the main reason, why I have no plans on purchasing a next generation console until I get some hands-on experience with the new Nintendo. Except for the GameCube, Nintendo has never let me down in any of their offerings, so I feel compelled (and excited) to give them a chance this time.

If that is not reason enough, I also have a negative need for anything media-like in my living room as all of my current media desires (and then some) are fulfilled by my modded first generation Xbox. That thing is absolutely amazing.

However,
I currently got some major assignment to complete so I'ma have to put
that excitement on hold, sign off of myspace, and put my head in them
books.

I know it's been awhile since I posted some goodies for y'all, so today I got a few for ya.

1) Bored? Go play some Dodgeball.
2) Like Jin? Then check out his 106 & Park freestyles.
This is what got him signed for the uninformed. Also, I am tired of
people saying he is the first asian rapper ……. because HE ISN'T!!!
I'm not sure who is exactly, but I know The Mountain Brothers, definitely pre-date his ass.

Anyway, enough myspace for me. Adios folks.