PS3 v. X-Box 360: Which Is 'Net Ready?

[Angel Tarragon]

So as some of you may know I'm going to be replacing my computer soon with a newer one. All of a sudden I have extra cash and I'd like to get a new console. One of the deciding factors is that I want to be able to surf the 'Net from it as well as play games.

I know the 360 is LAN capable (being able to connect to a computer) and thats a plus. Is the PS3 LAN cpapble as well? If it is and it is Internet ready, then that is what I will be leaning towards.

Also which keyboards and mice should I be on the lookout for regarding either system?

 

[Aus_Snow]

It'd be safe to assuime that the PS3 has LAN connectivity. They're definitely both 'internet ready', what with downloadable content being available for each, online play of course, and other services besides.

KB & mouse, I'm not sure. You can probably get them, yes, but I'm not sure there'd be much point, to be honest. Then again, I haven't tried, so maybe.

I do remember Linux being out for PS2, which - for that era - ran OK, with decent graphics, all things considered. Perhaps, to fully utilise mouse & KB, you'd have to go for something like that (i.e., an alternative OS).

 

[Angel Tarragon]

It'd be safe to assuime that the PS3 has LAN connectivity. They're definitely both 'internet ready', what with downloadable content being available for each, online play of course, and other services besides.

I may be missing your point and a little confused. I know about the donloadable content and online play, but is one capable of surfing the internet from the machines?

 

[Aus_Snow]

Ah, sorry about that. 'Internet' covers a lot of things.

I googled it and well, it seems as though you can web browse and stuff with either one, and you can use USB keyboards, and presumably mouses too. Figures these days, I suppose.

 

[Rackhir]

Both surf the net and both can serve as media hubs/player/streamer. Both can use a USB keyboard/mouse. Though not for games. Microsoft forbids it and while Sony does permit it, only one game (Unreal Tournament 3) supports it for some godforsaken reason.

The PS3 has an edge if internet usage is desired, as It supports bluetooth for wireless keyboards/mice. Plus, while both have ethernet, the PS3 comes with wifi built in. It's also got 2 USB ports, though with a mouse + Keyboard + controller (they charge off of a USB port) you may still need/want a hub or separate controller charger.

Plus it is still one of the best Blu ray players.

If you want to use the console as a media hub, the PS3 is quite simple to upgrade the HD on, though it does use the more expensive/smaller 2.5" (ie. notebook) drives. The 360 is... not. At least if you don't want to buy a highly overpriced HD from MS.

The 360 requires a separate adapter for wifi that is quite expensive ($100 list!) and occupies the only USB port, though AFAIK there's no reason you can't use a USB hub with it. There doesn't seem to be any wireless keyboards/mice for it, though there is a texting keypad that you can put on your controler. Sony has recently introduced a similar item.

 

[drothgery]

The 360 requires a separate adapter for wifi that is quite expensive ($100 list!) and occupies the only USB port, though AFAIK there's no reason you can't use a USB hub with it.

My 360 has 3 USB ports (two are on the front, set up to be used for wired controllers or play and charge kits, but they're still USB ports). I don't know about yours.

 

[Alan Shutko]

As far as I know, you cannot surf the web on an XBox 360. If you have Windows Media Center, you can theoretically use the XBox to remote into your PC and surf from there, but that's it.

It would be nice if it could, but I think that's an advantage the PS3 and Wii have.

 

[Kid Charlemagne]

The PS3 also has a built in browser. I've used it to surf around a bit, but its a lot easier for me to do that on the PC; of course I haven't tried bluetooth keyboard or mouse and that would probably make a huge difference.

 

[Arnwyn]

So as some of you may know I'm going to be replacing my computer soon with a newer one. All of a sudden I have extra cash and I'd like to get a new console. One of the deciding factors is that I want to be able to surf the 'Net from it as well as play games.

I know the 360 is LAN capable (being able to connect to a computer) and thats a plus. Is the PS3 LAN cpapble as well? If it is and it is Internet ready, then that is what I will be leaning towards.

AFAIK, you can only surf the net on the PS3 (it has a built-in web browser). I've never seen that option on my 360.

Both are LAN capable (connect to your PC). I can play my media library sitting on my PC on both my PS3 and 360.

Playing games online is free with the PS3, and $50 per year on the 360.

 

[Steel_Wind]

Well... the PS3 has built in WiFi, the 360 does not.

The PS3 has a built in browser, the 360 does not.

The PS3 makes a sound like this <<__utter silence__>> when running, while the 360 sounds sort of like:

WHIRRRRRRRWHINEEEEEEEEEEEE

and does not stop making that sound.....ever. *sigh*

XBox Live at $50 is a better value than PSHome for free...but that's mainly because XBL is a far better product than PSHome.

That said, I'm really liking my PS3 right now. As a Media Centre for streaming divx tv shows? It's pretty much giving me a feces eating grin. Sure the 360 will do it too...but movies and TV are things I like to listen to, rather than the whirr of a Jump Jet.

Seriously, if you got the money and doing more than playing a console game is remotely on your horizon? Grab the PS3.