Playstation 3 V.S. XBOX 360

20 11 2009

It’s no question that the Playstation 3 and the XBOX 360 are two of the most elite gaming systems we have seen in a long time. It’s a battle between Sony and Microsoft, and in more ways than one, these products have many key differences that set them apart from the competition. But everyone wants to know: which one is better? It may seem like a simple question, but you will quickly learn that pitting these two systems against one another is no easy task.

Sony’s Playstation 3

 
My personal favorite. Before purchasing a Playstation 3, I spent countless hours debating if XBOX was better suited for me. It seems as though the XBOX brand is much more popular, but that is only due to its earlier release. Playstation and Sony have a lot to offer. The PS3 is the third installment in the Playstation industry, and it is by one of their best. Whether you grew up playing Playstation 1, or Nintendo 64, (the good old days) Sony has always been reliable. In addition to reliability, Sony has a lot more to offer. Lets take a look at some of the more positive notes towards the Playstation 3.

  • Music, videos, and photos.
  • Remote Play
  • Internet Browsing
  • Life With Playstation
  • Playstation Home
  • In-Game XMB
  • Blu-Ray
  • Backwards Compatibility
  • Free Online Play
  • Playstation Store

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/optiroc/3842614185/

Remote Play: If you own a Playstation Portable, (PSP) the Playstation 3 may be the way to go. With Remote Play, simply hook up your PSP device to your PS3, and play all your PSP games on your television.

Internet Browsing: A big plus. Internet is something the XBOX 360 does not have. This may be what inclines many consumers to purchase the PS3 over the XBOX.

Life With Playstation and Playstation Home: With Life With Playstation, get news from all around the globe, and check out the weather in your neighborhood. Its like a live news feed. In addition, Playstation Home is like The Sims for your gaming console. Customize your character, and play games with fellow online players.

Blu-Ray: Having a built in Blu-Ray player not only gives users a great visual experience, but it saves a lot of money as well. Enjoy your favorite movies in crystal-clear picture without having to go and purchase another DVD player.

Backwards Compatibility: A great feature and a really useful one at that. If you own a Playstation 1 or 2, PS3 has the ability to play those games. It’s a great way to never lose sight of those childhood video games.

Free Online Play: Unlike XBOX, Playstation allows you to play online straight from out of the box. No monthly or yearly fee.

-Although the Playstation 3 has so many neat and exciting state of the art features, it does have it’s downsides. The Playstation 3 is not currently a compatible platform for very popular games including the Halo series and others.

Microsoft’s XBOX 360

The XBOX 360 has definitely taken control of the gaming world. The word “XBOX” has been a commonly known term among teenagers and young adults alike. Play on XBOX live, customize your home screen, and listen to your favorite music all while playing the year’s most popular video games. Let’s take a look inside and see how Microsoft stacks up against Sony.

  • XBOX Live
  • Personalization
  • In Game XMB
  • XBOX Marketplace

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dominic-hallau_de/69497409/

XBOX Live: It seems as thought online play is a bit better on XBOX than it is on the Playstation 3. It runs a bit smoother, and it is better designed.

Personalization: Unlike the PS3, the physical appearance of your system is the way it stays. The XBOX 360 comes in various colors, including white, black, and even dark green (Halo 3 special edition). In addition, XBOX users can purchase face plates for their consoles that allow them to change the appearance of the system itself.

XBOX Marketplace: At the XBOX marketplace, users have the ability to purchase various game demos, music, TV shows, movies, and even full games.

-It is clear that the XBOX 360 does not have as many features as the Playstation 3, but things will change. One important thing to note about the 360 is that it is known for the “red ring”. The red ring occurs when the console is shaken while a game is playing inside. The normally green colored rings on the face of the console will turn red, and the system will be shot. Although time has passed, and Microsoft has worked to fix this problem, there is still some risk. So purchase, and play with caution.

The Bottom Line: Although XBOX put up a good fight, the Playstation 3 is far ahead of the game when it comes to the technology. Sony is much more reliable, and Microsoft still has some learning to do. In the future however, I do see XBOX taking the top spot among gaming consoles. So, if you are willing to spend a little bit more money, purchase the Playstation 3. You wont have to worry about yearly online fees, which is one of the main reasons I stress you buy the PS3. You put up a good fight XBOX…good fight indeed.





iPhone 3GS V.S. iPod touch 3G

19 11 2009

Everyone knows Apple. Everyone knows the iPod. Nowadays, it seems like the only portable media player worth getting is in fact, an iPod. But which iPod is right for you? There are so many available, and sometimes, it can be overwhelming. In order to help those out there that seem stuck, I am going to review two of the most popular iPods to date – including the highly popular iPhone. Many people ask themselves: iPhone or iPod touch? Which is better? Besides the phone feature, what are the differences between the two? I’m here to answer those questions. So enough small talk. Let’s set this debate to rest.

iPhone 3GS
 
Ah…the iPhone. You can either afford it, or you can’t. It’s pretty simple. Sure it’s expensive, but with all of its features, the price is well worth it. As long as you have someone willing and able to pay all of the extra monthly Internet fees for this piece of hardware, then I say go for it. Let’s take a look at some of the key features and aspects of the iPhone 3GS.
  • Phone
  • iPod
  • Safari
  • Mail
  • Video Recording
  • Photos
  • Voice Control
  • Messaging
  • App Store
  • iTunes

Phone: Voice control while making a call is one of the more impressive features on the new iPhone 3GS. Simply say “call John Doe” and the iPhone will do the rest. Check your voicemail, download ringtones, and keep all contacts in sync with Mobile Me. Learn more at http://www.apple.com/mobileme/setup/

iPod: Where do I even begin? Prepare to listen (and visualize) your music in ways you would have never expected. With a 3.5inch Multi-Touch display, “watching” your music has never been more exciting. Get music recommendations with Genius, purchase your favorite songs on the go, and scroll through your favorite artwork, all with the flick of a finger.

Safari: You wouldn’t expect your favorite Internet sites to load quick and smooth on such a small device, but let me be the first to tell you. The new iPhone 3GS may even be quicker than your computer at home. Save your favorite sites, cut, copy, and paste, and surf the web with ease.

Mail: View your inbox, delete unwanted messages, and reply to friends.

App Store and iTunes: With the App Store and iTunes built in to the iPhone, getting what you want has never been more convenient. Take a look at the top free or paid apps, and purchase them with the tap of your finger. Browse various genres of music, and stay updated on the weeks top hits, all while adding to your iTunes library.

Now these are only a few of the features on the iPhone 3GS. I emphasized the main features for you. In addition to these key aspects, with the iPhone you can also enjoy: a full landscape keyboard, GPS and Google Maps, Voice Memos, Spotlight Search, and wireless tethering.

Learn more at http://www.apple.com/iphone/iphone-3gs/ipod.html

 

iPod touch 3G

The little brother of the iPhone. Although is seems as though this iPod gets caught up in the shadow of the alpha male of all Apple products, it does not mean he doesn’t have a fighting chance. You will tend to find the iPod touch in people’s hands more than the iPhone itself. Why you ask? Well, there are a number of reasons. One, the iPod touch is a bit more simple. It’s ready to use – straight out of the box. No contracts, no fees. Two, it is not associated with a cellular carrier. People who don’t belong to AT&T do not have the option to purchase the iPhone, unless they switch carriers. This is why many people choose the touch over the iPhone. Time for a “feature” presentation of the iPod touch 3G.

  • Music
  • Movies + TV Shows
  • Ability to capture video
  • App Store and iTunes
  • Photos
  • Safari
  • Mail
  • Maps
  • YouTube
  • Nike + iPod

Nike + iPod: It’s your own personal trainer…in your pocket. After partnering up with Nike, iPod has found a way to bring fitness, music, and all other forms of entertainment together in one small handheld device. Learn more at http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/

Many of the features on the iPod touch 3G are similar to the features on the iPhone 3GS. The only key elements that the iPod touch lacks when compared to the iPhone include the ability to make calls, and the lack of Internet. Although the iPod touch has WiFi, WiFi is not available everywhere. Unlike the iPod touch, the iPhone follows a cellular plan in which internet is available everywhere through the carrier.

 

Unfortunately for all you iPod touch fans out there, I’m sorry to say that the iPhone takes the cake on this one. It runs a bit smoother, has a brighter screen, and is overall a lot more convenient with the Internet with you wherever you decide to go. Good fight touch. But in today’s century, the people are always looking for more.





Did You Know?

19 11 2009

Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, stepped onto it with his left foot first.

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/penguinbush/2768719983/





Bill Belichick 4th Down Decision: Can It Be Justified?

19 11 2009

The New England Patriots have been one of the more elite football teams over the last decade, having won three Super Bowls over the course of the last ten years. The other power house? The Indianpolis Colts. Now unlike the Patriots, who seem to be a love/hate type of team, the Colts have not been able to pull through when it comes time for the playoffs. They have proven that playing well during the season isn’t enough to win a championship. (Peyton Manning and the Colts have only one the Super Bowl once in the last decade). 

So on Sunday night, two of the best teams in the league butted heads in a rivalry that is always a thriller. I am sure many of you sports fans already know the story, but I will briefly explain. The game started out very high paced, with New England controlling virtually the first three quarters.  Now for all of you math enthusiasts, I’m sure you have already figured out that there was still fifteen minutes for Peyton Manning to work with. After climbing uphill most of the game, Peyton and the Colts were able to set the score at 34-28, or a one possession game. After punting the ball back to Pats with about four mintues left on the clock, the Colts’ defense went to work. They were able to hold the Patriots’ offense to a 3-and-out…or so many fans and viewers thought. At there own 28-yard line, with 2:08 remaining, and a 6 point lead, Bill Belichick decided to go for it. The rest I will let you see for yourself:

Before I begin, let’s give some kudos to Colts safety Melvin Bullitt, who made the tackle which prevented any further Patriots progression.

 Now whether the decision was respectable or not lies in the hands of many angry Patriots fans, and many Colts fans who are simply happy to remain undefeated. The fact of the matter is that the Patriots failed to convert two yards. Not four, not five, but two yards. Whenever you make a decision as vital as the one Belichick made on Sunday, you need to be sure that your offense will pull through.

Now here is my case. Why give the ball to Peyton Manning with only 28 yards separating him from the endzone, when you can punt it away and make him drive 70 yards down the field? It blows my mind to think that Bill Belichick disregarded the consequences of not converting that fourth down, but it absolutely shocks me when I realize it was against the Colts. Indy is very impressive team, and they have been for years. I do believe that Peyton Manning and the Colts would have gone down the field and win it even if the Patriots punted it, but whats done is done.

Bill Belicick is a respectable coach, and he has made some very wise decisions in the past. It’s unfortunate that things happened the way they did for him, but sometimes Bill, that’s how the cookie crumbles.

***I DO NOT OWN THE VIDEO ABOVE. No copyright infringement intended.***





Hello world!

5 10 2009

Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!








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