In the past, kids would play native games such as Tag, Tumbang Preso, Piko, and so much more. The materials needed to play the games were very primitive, one can get it almost anywhere. As technologies advance, the recreation of kids come along with it. The game "Pong" was first introduced, then brick games, Nintendo, arcade games, Family Computer, and so much more. Through the years, the graphics and gameplay of each gaming console never ceases to improve. Today, the "needs" of a gamer and his or her demands from a modern, next-gen gaming console varies, and the PS3 Slim and Xbox 360 Elite can satisfy those needs. The features that set the PS3 and the Xbox 360 Elite apart from other gaming consoles are its superb hardware, different game selection and prizes, and multimedia capabilities and functions.
People often judge things depending on how it looks, what it's made of, among others. In other words, one would judge according to parts and specifications or "specs". In the gaming consoles, although the PS3 slim and Xbox 360 Elite may look and function the same, but in reality, it doesn't. The PS3 Slim has a Blu-ray and DVD player, it can store up to 120GB worth of files, HDMI output with 1080p support, and no external power supply -- all packaged in a slim, compact design. On the other hand, the Xbox 360 Elite may come close, but it cannot play Blu-ray CDs, it has a noisy DVD drive and cooling fan. It also has a huge power supply, no built-in wireless networking, and proprietary wireless format limits third-party accessories. The PS3 Slim and Xbox 360 Elite are both upgraded versions, but one of them fell short. In terms of hardware performance, it is safe to say that the PS3 Slim wins round one.
Next, graphics-wise, both platforms excel with their high-definition visuals, but the element that really matter are the games themselves. The Xbox 360 came out a year earlier than the PS3, and that helped establish the game titles of Xbox 360. It offers excellent selection of games and most of them are exclusive for the 360-platform only. It also offers Xbox Live for online multiplayer gameplay that requires a monthly subscription payment. On the other hand, the PS3 is not far behind, as the game makers has not yet tapped the maximum potential of what the PS3 hardware has to offer. The PS3 game titles are almost at par with those of the Xbox 360, as it also has some PS3 platform exclusives. It also offers multiplayer gaming, and the clincher is that it doesn't require additional payment. On a side note, since the PS3 games are in Blu-ray format, it cannot be pirated, unlike the Xbox 360 games that are in DVD format. That means all PS3 games must be bought original, which costs around P3000-P5000 per cd, unlike the Xbox 360 games that can go as low as P100 per CD. Piracy is frowned upon, but not every gamer is rich. With these explanations, Xbox 360 Elite evens the playing field; 1-1.
Lastly, every gamer wants to get quite a bit more "bang for the buck" or some extra features that may or may not be connected to gaming, but is still useful and entertaining. Both platforms offer some extra feature, but one seems to outperform the other. The PS3 Slim, for instance, has a built-in web browser, it has a Blue-ray and upscale DVD player, it offers free online multiplayer gaming and it can play PS2 games. On the other hand, the Xbox360 Elite has a user-friendly Dashboard interface, it supports wireless controllers and accessories, doubles as a digital media hub and windows media extender, and the online Marketplace allows users to purchase minigames, add-on gaming content, and movies and TV shows in high-def. Each console has its own strengths but both lack in one area or another. Even so, both are still considered as top-of-the-line gaming consoles. In terms of extra features, it ends in a tie.
In the end, with all the arguments that have been presented, one can weigh his options on what he really wants from a game console. If one prefers the hardware and the potential that it will offer for more better games, he may opt to buy the PS3 Slim. If one prefers the quality and the affordability of games that are being offered now, he may pick the Xbox 360 Elite. Or if one has simply too much money and he wants to enjoy both sides of the fence, he may buy both consoles. It is up to the gamer to ponder on which one is better, but at the end of the day, rest assured that one will find himself or herself spending countless hours playing his or her favorite games, whether it is from the PS3 Slim or from the Xbox 360 Elite.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Destination - Boracay
It's the 3rd and last term of the school year, and while projects keep on piling up, students know that once they finish all of their exams and other requirements, salvation will greet them -- the sweet taste of summer vacation. There are many ways in which one can spend his or her own summer vacation. Spending it alone at home playing video games seems like an okay idea, but that destroys the meaning of "summer". One better way to spend it is to go to a beach, but one must plan efficiently so that everything can go smoothly. In planning a trip to a vacation place like Boracay, one must be able to plan accordingly with friends on how to get there, make sure that his allowance is enough to provide for himself, and that one is always prepared while in Boracay.
First of all, one must know how he or she is going to get to Boracay. There are two options. One option is to book a flight to Caticlan and then ride the boat to Boracay island. This is the fastest method because the travel time is only an hour or two. Although it is expensive, most airline companies offer promos. For example, if one books early for a flight, he or she can get a discount and even extra baggage allowance. On the other hand, one can choose the Ro-Ro(Roll on, Roll off) method. One will travel by car or bus to Batangas, and then ride a boat that will get to Boracay in 12 hours. One can kill time by playing card games, board games, PlayStation Portable, among the others. The advantage is that it is much cheaper, but the disadvantages far outweighs the pros. Rather than spending the time in swimming or playing football in the sand, one is still stuck in the boat, trying to kill time.
After planning on how to go to Boracay, one must make sure that he or she has enough money in order to fully experience what it's like to be in Boracay because the food, rooms, services, and "pasalubong", among others, are expensive. Before going to Boracay, there are several ways on how to save money. First, one can ask from his or her own parents by asking for it nicely and showing "lambing". However, if one is on a bad side of his or her parents, one can "suck up" by showing the parents high grades, by voluntarily doing the household chores, and so much more that would make the parents happy. By then, they have agreed to give one some money, but it still may not be enough, and this leads on to the next method; by saving money from school. Instead of spending all of his or her allowance in a day, he or she can set aside a portion of the allowance everyday. All it takes is proper management and discipline to make it work. Eventually, one will find out that he or she now has enough money to spend in Boracay.
Finally, one has booked his or her own flight or arranged the Ro-Ro schedule, the number of days spent in Boracay is agreed on, and one has enough money to survive in there. The final step is that one must be prepared on what to do while in Boracay. Prior to going to the place, one must make arangements with friends on what hotel or room will they stay at, It is important because that will be the place where the valuables will be kept, it is where the "barkada" will rest, and it is important that the place and vicinity is safe. One may also consider the accessibility of the place to the beach and restaurants, but the ones that are closer are probably more expensive. After everything is set, the fun can start. It is recommended that at least one or two from a group of friends know the place and/or events so that they will not get lost or waste time looking for activities to do.
In the end, planning the trip is crucial because going on a vacation is not all just about fun. Everyone must be prepared and responsible so that when something happens, one will know what to do. When the vacation is over, one may have mixed experiences while in Boracay. It may be good because he or she met new people while in there, or that the whole time while in there, it was always raining, preventing one from getting the tan he or she wanted. One thing remains the same -- one may not be able to experience that if he or she did not make proper plans on how to get to Boracay.
First of all, one must know how he or she is going to get to Boracay. There are two options. One option is to book a flight to Caticlan and then ride the boat to Boracay island. This is the fastest method because the travel time is only an hour or two. Although it is expensive, most airline companies offer promos. For example, if one books early for a flight, he or she can get a discount and even extra baggage allowance. On the other hand, one can choose the Ro-Ro(Roll on, Roll off) method. One will travel by car or bus to Batangas, and then ride a boat that will get to Boracay in 12 hours. One can kill time by playing card games, board games, PlayStation Portable, among the others. The advantage is that it is much cheaper, but the disadvantages far outweighs the pros. Rather than spending the time in swimming or playing football in the sand, one is still stuck in the boat, trying to kill time.
After planning on how to go to Boracay, one must make sure that he or she has enough money in order to fully experience what it's like to be in Boracay because the food, rooms, services, and "pasalubong", among others, are expensive. Before going to Boracay, there are several ways on how to save money. First, one can ask from his or her own parents by asking for it nicely and showing "lambing". However, if one is on a bad side of his or her parents, one can "suck up" by showing the parents high grades, by voluntarily doing the household chores, and so much more that would make the parents happy. By then, they have agreed to give one some money, but it still may not be enough, and this leads on to the next method; by saving money from school. Instead of spending all of his or her allowance in a day, he or she can set aside a portion of the allowance everyday. All it takes is proper management and discipline to make it work. Eventually, one will find out that he or she now has enough money to spend in Boracay.
Finally, one has booked his or her own flight or arranged the Ro-Ro schedule, the number of days spent in Boracay is agreed on, and one has enough money to survive in there. The final step is that one must be prepared on what to do while in Boracay. Prior to going to the place, one must make arangements with friends on what hotel or room will they stay at, It is important because that will be the place where the valuables will be kept, it is where the "barkada" will rest, and it is important that the place and vicinity is safe. One may also consider the accessibility of the place to the beach and restaurants, but the ones that are closer are probably more expensive. After everything is set, the fun can start. It is recommended that at least one or two from a group of friends know the place and/or events so that they will not get lost or waste time looking for activities to do.
In the end, planning the trip is crucial because going on a vacation is not all just about fun. Everyone must be prepared and responsible so that when something happens, one will know what to do. When the vacation is over, one may have mixed experiences while in Boracay. It may be good because he or she met new people while in there, or that the whole time while in there, it was always raining, preventing one from getting the tan he or she wanted. One thing remains the same -- one may not be able to experience that if he or she did not make proper plans on how to get to Boracay.
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