The Xbox 360 is Microsoft's newest gaming console. It was designed to be a full-fledged multimedia center, offering games in high definition. The Xbox 360 console supports various screen resolutions, including 16×9 widescreen, 480p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p resolutions with anti-aliasing. The console comes with an upgradeable, detachable 20 GB hard drive, and includes 512 MB of RAM, and a 12x Dual-Layer DVD-ROM drive. All this adds up to a high powered console which can handle even the most graphic intensive games.

The Xbox is WiFi ready (with support for 802.11a, b, and g). It has a built right in Ethernet port, and plays DVD-ROM, DVD-Video, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, CD-ROM, CD-DA, CD-R, CD-RW, WMA CD, MP3-CD, JPEG Photo CD. This console can handle streaming media from portable MP3 devices (like your Ipod) and it can also handle streaming data from a Windows XP enable PC. The console has 3 USB 2.0 ports, provides multi-channel surround sound. It weighs about 8 lbs, and can be placed horizontally, or vertically, if you want to save space.  

If you will be using this console heavily (and with all the features, you probably will)- you want to be sure to keep good air flow around the units. This keeps the internal temperature down and will keep your console functioning well for many years. Don't put the Xbox in a closed off cabinet without good air flow. The system is powerful and needs to remain cool.

The Xbox has several accessories you can purchase separately. These accessories take the console to the next level, as they provide greater flexiblity and mobility. An example would be the Xbox wireless controller, which lets you move up to 30 feet away and still control the Xbox console. This would be really useful for getting the kids to move back from the TV screen.

Additionally, the newer Xboxes are backwards compatible with the earlier Xbox games, so you can get some extra games for less money.

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