First Impressions.

I am not a power user, neither am I a computer geek, nor am I a complete layman. I am actually, more or less, the target group for the New Xbox360. 20 30 something’s with a gaming background and some spare cash in their pocket for things such as games consoles.

Historically, I have always liked to get my hands on a new console, as soon as humanly possible, though I have never been attracted by purchasing an import system, I have always been one of the first to own a PS2, a Gamecube, an Xbox, even going back to the acorn electron, the commodore64 and such. But in recent times, with my own income, it has become more interesting for me. So my joy was clear, when I heard 360 would gain a global launch. Yay!

So now I am one of the 'lucky' few, as Big M would have us believe... but am I really?

There are things that have been blown out of proportion regarding the 360.

1. Yes, it's quite loud, but do you people have no memory, it's no louder that the original, I suppose more people are placing it in a place of pride, instead of hiding the ugly black X under their TV somewhere. While Playing DVD's it is even a little quieter than the original.
2. Ok, so the power supply is huge, but as my father expressed holding the brick 'Fuck that gives out some power’ which I assume it does, which is why it is so large. Besides, it's on the floor and I never see it, so who cares? really?
3. Mine has not crashed once.

These are some things I don't think are so great about the 360

1. Wireless, big deal, I had it on my Gamecube.
2. HD, really... big deal.
3. On-line. Plugged it in to my Microwave Ethernet Connection. Doesn't work yet. (Can’t comment beyond that.. but I can download stuff on a pc or mac, so it’s not a next gen concept)
4. The styling. It's nice.. But it certainly doesn't feel 'powerful', and is far too 'middle of the road'
5. The Dashboard. Original xbox used to hum and vibrate when left alone, like a bored super computer. My 360 just looks like a badly designed orange web page. I don't feel the 'power'.
6. The Games.
7. The overall feeling of everything about the 360 lacks imagination and vision. It's nice; it's fine... but what?

When friends come round I don't really feel comfortable showing it to them.. Because I am always like "HEY! This is the next generation xbox..." and it is always received with an "and what is so great about that?" reception.

However, I like some of the integration aspects. I can plug my Canon 350D straight in to it. As I can my iPod. The 20GB Harddisk comes full of useless junk, such as a CD database that recognises my CD names, in much the same way as iTunes, even being off line (though only reasonably mainstream Albums).

But, I didn't buy this as a PC; I have a G5 Mac, for which I do all my 'media' things... I bought the 360 to play the new generation of games.. It’s a console, not a window for microsoft in to my home. And don’t let them fool you in to thinking otherwise, Given this criteria, the 360 is currently a bad investment. I am now sure that the PS3 will feature some jaw dropping innovation at launch, which will send MS (microsoft, not marks and spencer) running off with it's tail between it's legs. To use the comparison again, this is just like an Apple with single processor, upgraded to a dual processor with a new case, and a new display... but it still does the same. Just a little better.

Coming first, does not always mean you win.