On November 22, 2005, Microsoft released the long-awaited XBox 360, the next generation of its popular XBox gaming console. The XBox 360, however, goes further than any gaming system users are currently accustomed to. The XBox 360 is more like a fully functional broadband connected entertainment device that appeals to gamers but is equipped to entertain the whole family.
Although it’s smaller than the original XBox (the 360 weighs just 7.7 pounds), this version packs so many nifty features into a small package. If you also own an HDTV, you’ll really appreciate the advanced graphics features and windscreen (16:9) screen format support. Of course, the console will work on regular TV too, but the graphics depth will be particularly impressive on more advanced TVs. The XBOx 360 has an ATI graphics processor and 10 MB of onboard DRAM. This setting allows the XBox 360 to draw up to 500 million triangles per second for the ultimate in realistic graphics.
The XBox 360 drive also has a 12x Dual Layer DVD Rom drive that serves the dual purpose of playing XBox games and regular DVDs. There’s also added support for surround sound audio for the ultimate home theater experience and realistic gaming.
For game saves and other storage media, you can optionally purchase a 20 GB external hard drive which also makes the XBox 360 backwards compatible with original XBox games.
The XBox 360 goes well beyond the range of games and video with its built-in Ethernet port that allows users to connect via their broadband connection to XBox Live (available in several flavors). XBox live will allow you to play live games over the Internet, use voice and even video chat and, of course, buy additional products for your XBox. In addition to ethernet connectivity, you can optionally purchase wireless adapters that comply with the 802.11 wireless standard protocol for integration into your existing wireless network. For other data transfer tasks, like uploading your digital photos, digital home movies, and music, you can use the built-in USB 2.0 port. With all these features, it’s a piece of cake to stream all your digital files.
As you can see, the XBox 360 offers something for everyone. Kids can enjoy the futuristic gaming capabilities (check game ratings to determine if they’re age-appropriate), and mom and dad can enjoy file sharing, music and video streaming, and home theater features.