PS3 or XBOX 360, What Should A Guy Chose?

Whats up Guys?

Several friends and peeps that I know have been pondering the idea of getting back into video games the past few weeks. Most of the questions are geared towards one purchasing a PS3 or an Xbox 360. So I decided to do some useful research on this topic. I myself have experienced both systems and can appreciate each one for certain things.
The PS3 and the Xbox 360 have much to offer but on different levels. So far, the Xbox 360 has a much larger video game library, higher rated games, more add-on peripherals (HD-DVD) and definitely a huge online community and service. The Sony PS3 is unique that it already incorporates a Blu-Ray drive (High Definition Movie format) and does not require an add-on accessory such as the Xbox 360. Both systems integrate to ones home theater and home network seamlessly, but the Xbox 360 can also be used to transfer music, photos and video from any Microsoft XP or Vista PC in the household without much configuration. Both systems are unique but should be considered as a gaming system primarily, unless you are looking for a cheaper well preforming Blu-Ray Disc player.
Just because this topic can get very heated between fanboys supporting each platform, I am including a few other very detailed and awesome reviews comparing each system. Please read these, they will help you make a decision.

• Playstation 3 vs. Xbox 360: A developers perspective
• Playstation 3 vs. Xbox 360 - One Year Later
• Cnet Game Consoles Review List
  

In conclusion of this article, I do happen to have a favorite. I totally favor the Xbox 360 for game play purposes, but I also favor the PS3 for the sleek looks and its ability to play Blu-Ray format movies. So I leave it up to you to decide on what you really want a game system for. Do you want it for a solid all-around gaming experience? Then go with the Xbox 360. Or do you want one for an all-in-one system that plays Blu-Ray media right out of the box? If you have the money, just get both! :)

(Credit Links to: cnet.com and www.hardcoreware.net)

To Ipod Or Not To Ipod?

Hello All,

Its been a few days since my last post. Sorry about that. I've been pummeled with tons of work and holiday chores the past few days. I finally have a chance to make a few more suggestions for busy guys out there just like me. Many people have been coming to me and asking what kind of Ipod they should get themselves or some one they need to get a present for? Most of the time, I will reply with another question, such as, An MP3 player or an Apple Ipod? By this point I've totally confused that person. In this post, I will try my hardest to explain the difference and what I would recommend for a purchase.
I currently own 4 different Apple Ipods and 3 MP3 players from various manufacturers. After my experience, I understand why the word "Ipod" is synonymous with most portable electronic music players, Apple has been able to place over 100 million Ipods in the hands of users all over the world. They have stamped and marketed their product to become the idea and vision to the modern "Walkman".
As stated earlier, Ipods are a product of Apple Computers. They are manufactured in multiple colors, sizes, capacities and features. Apple has created a product that is simple and functional for the average user. They have also created a software program that integrates with Apple computers and Windows OS compatible computers for a one-stop-shop user friendly experience. The software allows for the average guy to either download music from the web or any cd collection to their Ipod. The Ipod can be purchased from $79 to $349 and ranging from 1GB to 160GB in storage. They are also manufactured on a flash drive storage based system (non moving parts, smaller capacity up to 16GB) or HDD system (up to 160GB). Most models can now play video, pictures and music. The music can be stored in an Apple proprietary format known as AAC, MP3 and other. Capacity of music is dependent on music format, encoding bitrate and song duration. Apple Ipods have a plethora of 3rd party accessories. I totally recomend the Apple Ipod platform players to any first time users and any one in the market for an mp3 player.
There are also other MP3 players out on the market besides Ipods. Manufactures such as Sony, Creative Labs, Microsoft, San Disk, and others make mp3 players also. they come in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, capacity and features. For the most part, they tend to be compatible with both Apple OS and Microsoft OS. Though, not as familiar as Ipod, these brands tend to make mp3 players that are just as good or better than Apples Ipod and are sometimes reffered to as "Ipod Killers". I may recommend to the average guy, to take a look at the other MP3 players on the market besides Apples, there might be something you like better or features that are geared more towards your needs. As a warning, only Apple Ipods have the huge 3rd party accessory support.

Please check out these MP3 Player reviews and hit lists:

• Best 5 MP3 Players by CNET.com

• Budget MP3 Players by CNET.com

• Detailed MP3 Player Buyers Guide by CNET.com

At the end of the day, depending on who is asking me what they should or shouldn't buy, I will usually answer with the safest answer, GET AN IPOD. Why? Because they are easy to use, they are proven to last and be robust and the work for just about anyone who has little or much experience with computers and gadgets.

(Picture: Apple Ipod Shuffle)

How to Ebay, Get What You Want At The Price You Want!

Hello Guys,

Today I will touch up on a critical online tool that most guys use known as EBay. This can either be a life and money saver or a nightmare to the wallet and grief from the domestic partners. I will advise you guys of a few simple rules in order to get the best and most out of EBay. The first rule about EBay, is that its ok to talk about EBay! LOL, for real though, the best part about EBay is bragging about what you got and at what a ridiculous price you acquired at. Just recently I acquired a brand new sealed Toshiba HD A2 HD-DVD player for less than $45. Yeah! $45 after shipping. The retail value of this bad boy is of $199. It took time; patience and many desperate moments hopping that snipers would not ruin my EBay mojo. Which leads me to my first rule, PATIENCE. Patience is required to acquire what you want at the price you want. Even though I got the HD-DVD player at a great price, it took almost an entire week of bidding and placing multiple Toshiba A-2’s on my watch and bid lists, I will touch on this in just a moment. The second and third rules are research the cost and determine a price for which you want to purchase the selected item. You can skim through the completed listings of your item in question just to see what an average item is selling for. Research the cost of the item and what it would cost to acquire at another online store such as Walmart.com and other online and local retailers. Then you can set either a competitive bid or low ball until you get lucky. But be strict with yourself and what your expectations are and how much you want to spend on the item in question. Set a price at which you are willing to pay and do not go over it. Control your emotions and purchase logically and not emotionally. Emotional purchases can lead to mistakes which can lead to paying way too much for an item or bidding on something that is different than what you are looking for. There has been times which I’ve seen items bid much higher than what the local retailers can sale the same item for. Control your price and do not EXCEED IT! It is easy to make a mistake when battling some other guy for the same item. Most of the time there will be a similar listing, bidding at a lower price. This leads me to my fourth rule, Managing your watch and bidding lists. At one time, I think I had to manage almost 40different auctions containing the same product. It is important to be able to manage each list appropriately and make sure that you are not going to win multiples of the same items by accident. You can even make notes on your watched items, such as cost and reminders on what your spending limit is. Control your bid and watch list with a close eye. Hawk over the soonest closing bids and manage them with detail.The fifth and final rule, Brag about your victorious bid and how little you paid for it. That’s what makes EBay so much fun.

The Rules List:
1 - Be Patient
2 - Research Cost
3 - Set a price and stick to it
4 - Manage your bids and watch list
5 - Brag about your victorious bid win!

(Picture from Ebay.com)