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The XBox 360, Not Just For Video Games |
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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 farther than any game system that
users are currently accustomed to. The XBox 360 is more like
a fully functional, broadband connected entertainment gadget
that appeals to gamers but is equipped to entertain the whole
family.
Although smaller than the original XBox (The 360 weighs in
at a mere 7.7 lbs), this version packs so many nifty features
in a small package. If you also happen to own a HDTV, you
will truly be able to appreciate the advanced graphics features
and support for windscreen (16:9) format. Of course, the console
will work on regular television as well, but the depth of
the graphics will be particularly stunning on more advanced
televisions. The XBOx 360 carries a ATI graphics processor
and 10MB of embedded DRAM. This setup allows the XBox 360
to draw up to 500 million triangles per second for the ultimate
in realistic graphics.
The XBox 360 unit also has a 12x dual layer DVD Rom drive
that serves the dual purpose of playing XBox games as well
as ordinary DVDs. There is also additional support for surround
sound audio for the ultimate home theater experience and realistic
gaming.
For game save and other media storage, you can optionally
purchase a 20GB external harddrive which also serves to make
the XBox 360 backwards compatible with original XBox games.
The XBox 360 goes well beyond the range of gaming and video
with its built-in Ethernet port that allows users to connect
via their broadband connection to XBox live (available in
various flavors). XBox live will allow you to play live over
the Internet, use voice and even video chat and, of course,
purchase additional goodies for your XBOx. In addition to
ethernet connectivity, you can optionally purchase wireless
adapters that comply with the standard wireless 802.11 protocol
for integration into your existing wireless network. For other
data transfer tasks, such as uploading of your digital photos,
digital home movies, and music, you can use the integrated
USB 2.0 port. With all of these features, it is a piece of
cake to stream all of your digital files.
As you can see, the XBox 360 offers a little something for
everyone. Kids can enjoy the futuristic gaming capabilities
(check game ratings for age appropriateness), and Mom and
Dad can enjoy the file sharing, music and video streaming,
and home theater features.
About the Author:
To find the best deals on the Xbox360, check out the XBox
page at www.iWebshopping.org
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