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Finally, theyre all here. The Xbox 360 has had the next generation gaming market to itself for a year. Now its two competitors, the Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii, are here. No more speculating about speed. No more guessing about memory. Now we can take a look and see exactly how they stack up compared to each other.

Let the console wars begin again.

Price

The ps3 has two configurations much like the Xbox 360. The ps3 comes in a $499 version that comes with a 20 GB hard drive and a $599 version that comes with a 60 GB hard drive; Wi-Fi; and memory stick, SD, and Compact flash slots.

The Xbox 360 has two configurations. It comes in a $299 core version and a $399 version that comes with a 20GB hard drive.

The Nintendo Wii is the cheapest of the bunch with just one configuration that costs $250.

Processing power

The Playstation 3 comes with its cell processor. Its a PowerPC based core that runs at 3.2 GHz that also have seven DSPs that run at 3.2 GHz. This configuration can do about 2 Teraflops.

The Xbox 360 has a custom IBM PowerPC processor. This processor also runs at 3.2 GHz. However, Xbox went with a true 3 core processor compared to the one general processor of the cell and seven additional DSPs. This configuration can do about 1 Teraflop.

The Nintendo Wii includes its Broadway processor, a PowerPC based processor running at 729 MHz.

disc media

Part of the reason the ps3 is so much more expensive than the Xbox 360 is because the Sony decided to include a Blu-ray drive on the system. The drive can play both Blu-ray movies and regular DVDs. The Xbox 360 comes with a DVD player and an HD-DVD add-on is planned. The Nintendo Wii uses a DVD drive; however, the system will not work for playback of movies, just Nintendo games.

Backwards Compatibility

The Playstation 3 is just like the PS2 was. Youll be able to play both PS2 and PSone games on the ps3. Nintendo is taking things a bit further. Their system will be compatible with the Gamecube games and also the Gamecube controllers since the two systems use very different controllers. Not only that, but the Wii will also have the ability to download games from the original Nintendo (NES), Super Nintendo (SNES), and the Nintendo 64.

Sweet Features

If you want high definition gaming, then the ps3 is the way to go. It comes with a Blu-ray drive built in and can output in 1080p. Although the ps3 controller may look familiar, its had some updates. The controller is now motion sensing so in some games youll be able to move your character or fly a plane just by moving the controller.

The Xbox 360 was built to work with Windows XP media center. If you have a computer that already has media center on it, youll be able to view pictures, videos, and even recorded TV by using your Xbox. You wont need to put your PC in your living room to take advantage of having a media Center PC.

The Nintendo Wii decided to completely change the way gaming controllers are built. In the past, one controller was always held with both hands. The Wiis controller looks more like a TV remote control than a game controller. It has a built in motion sensor so, for example, to swing a sword, you simply move you hand just like you were really swinging a sword.

Hopefully this review has helped you compare the three next generation gaming systems. Each has its pluses and minuses, and feature that are unique to it. Ultimately, your decision will likely come down to which system has the games that most appeal to you. And that is a decision that only you can make when deciding on a system to buy.

Gary Ruplinger is the editor of http://www.ps3asap.com, a resource for getting the in demand PS3 system. He also is a writer for http://www.gamesystemreviews.com where you can learn about all of the next generation systems.

We all prefer to purchase new when it comes to, well, just about everything. Unfortunately, though, the luxury of buying a brand new item is something that we are simply not afforded at all times. There are a variety of reasons why, in some instances, we are resigned to purchase used rather than new; money and accessibility being the most obvious points. However, there can be a positive avenue to this, which is, of course, the ability to save money by purchasing a less than new product. And, the benefits of purchasing refurbished items are no more prevalent than they are in the field of refurbished electronics.

It is important to note, right off the bat, which refurbished when it comes to electronic goods does not mean used, old or previously enjoyed. As a matter of fact, the definition of what constitutes a refurbished electronic item has a variety of meanings. A refurbished electronic item can be, for example:

An overstock item that is no longer being produced by the manufacturer

An item whose packaging has been damaged during transport, even though the item itself has not been affected at all and remains in perfect working condition

A product that has only featured in a store for display purposes only

Items that have cosmetic defects (i.e. incorrect color scheme) only, with no issues with quality

When it comes to refurbished electronic goods, such as an iPod, xbox, Playstation or camcorder, anything that isnt new is considered refurbished, and must be sold as such. Because of this, the shopper can easily save hundreds of dollars when purchasing a refurbished item versus buying a new item. In many cases, the refurbished electronic item in question is in just as good of working condition as a brand new electronic item. But, because of certain circumstances, that item is no longer identified as new.

Before some of you thumb your nose at the thought of purchasing a refurbished item, consider this scenario: you are purchasing a used xbox 360 from a friend of yours. There are stains on the console, youre getting the item in a plastic bag, and your friend has a reputation of not being so delicate with his belongings.

Would you purchase that Xbox 360, or one that has never been used or opened, but one whose box has a tear in it because it caught on someones watch during handling? Or would you purchase your friends coffee stained version over one whose box was opened because someone simply wanted to see what was inside, and thats all?

And another caveat for purchasing refurbished; while your friend is a stand-up person, he probably wont offer you a manufacturer warranty on the game. Most refurbished electronics still have their warranties intact, so, as a consumer, you are protected.

More and more people, companies and retailers are capitalizing on the value of refurbished electronics. For manufacturers and retailers, its a great way of moving out excess stock and items. And for consumers, refurbished electronics are a fantastic way of getting a high-quality item at an exceptionally low cost.

As with any purchase, due diligence and research is paramount to locating a respectable retailer who can give you the best deal possible when it comes to refurbished electronics. It is no different than, say, purchasing a used car or a pre-owned home. You would never think buying a used car or home is a bad idea, and you would never do it blindly either. The same principle applies to purchasing refurbished electronics. A good idea, when, combined with research, can prove to be a great benefit to the consumer.

With video game consoles becoming more and more expensive, and with more competition to choose from, there needs to be an outlet for people to get what they want without having to exceed their financial considerations. Everyone wants the hottest video game system, MP3 player or video camera out there, but not everyone can afford to purchase them either. For those who cant, there is an option, and that is to purchase a refurbished version of the product. Again, in many cases refurbished does not mean opened, used, enjoyed, repaired or rebuilt. It just means that the item can not by law be defined and sold as a brand new product.

It also means that savvy customers, who dont mind paying a little less, will end up with an exceptional electronic item at an exceptionally low cost.

Mauro Flammini: writer, researcher, affiliate manager and all around good guy!

Yoga has been around for over 3,000 years, and still remains one of the most popular forms of exercise in the world. In fact, yoga popularity has increased tremendously over the past few years, and is rapidly becoming one of the most popular forms of exercise among young people.

Yoga exercise can be used to strengthen the mind, body and spirit by people of all ages and levels of physical health. It doesnt matter if you are in good shape or not, you can reap huge benefits from practicing yoga. There are actually several types of yoga, ranging from the high speed and high intensity level to a gentle, free flowing style of yoga and everything in between.

Regardless of which form or style of yoga exercise that you choose, there are some major benefits that you can expect to achieve from yoga.

The first benefit that comes to mind is increased flexibility. many exercise programs focus on building up muscles through weight training. There is nothing wrong with building stronger muscles, but if all you do is bulk up, without looking to flexibility you are doing yourself a disservice. Bulked up muscles tend to be more susceptible to strain and tears then muscles that are more flexible. many professional athletes have their careers cut short as a result of muscle strains and tears.

Another major benefit of yoga exercise is stress relief. Yoga helps you unwind after a stressful day. By focusing on obtaining the perfect pose, it helps your mind release any negative thoughts, because your active mind cannot focus on two things at the same time.

Yoga exercise also increases your energy level. By continually exercising and building up strength, your body is able to increase its stamina and endurance. This in turns allows you to have more energy.

Most people do not think of yoga as increasing muscle strength. It doesnt bulk up your muscles, but it definitely increases their strength by obtaining and maintaining the various yoga poses. Your muscle groups are straining to maintain your position, which increases your strength. As a side benefit, yoga will also improve your posture, which in turn decreases muscle aches and strains.

Yoga will also improve your general health. By twisting and turning, you will massage your internal organs, which helps them release toxins. This will improve your general health, and will help you ward off other illnesses such as colds and the flu.

Yoga exercise will help anyone improve their health, regardless of what level of physical fitness you currently are at. By utilizing yoga, you can improve your flexibility, relive stress, increase your strength and improve your general health. Yes, yoga really is good for your health in many ways.

Sydney Heiden is a practitioner of yoga and founder of Yoga and Meditation for Beginners. For more yoga tips and information, go to her website, www.Yoga.Cool-Home-Stuff.com.