DarkYoda

360 plat $399+ HD-Drive(movie use only)We'll say $200 + 2nd Wireless controller $30 + Game $60 + 1 year of Live Gold $50 = $740ish

PS3 $599 + 2nd Controller $30ish + Game $60 = $690ish

Now I have no idea if the PS3 comes with a Remote or headset like the 360. But the PS3 also has the Wi-Fi, the charger and memory options that are useful in other devices(for example Memory Sticks) as well as a 60gb HD and the Blu-Ray can be taken advatage of for use with games.(if they will or not... /shrug)

Start up cost of both systems costs you about the same if your looking for Next-Gen formats. The yearly cost of Live though will really bump up the 360s cost over the course of a couple years.

If you want cheap buy a Xbox, PS2 and GameCube along with the Wii.

If you want Next-Gen gaming then it's going to freakin cost you close to the same no matter which one you pick(360 or PS3 that is, Wii will of course be much cheaper).

HD-Drive when, how much, why USB ?