I must agree with Polish. The PS3 has a lot of attracting qualities, like blue ray and free internet.
But if you're planning on getting a lot of games and playing online, my suggestion would be the xbox 360. I've played COD Modern Warfare 2 and other games online on both systems...all i can say that the xbox360 online competition is brutal. I've played on the PS3 against other PS3 owners and it was like playing against children...In my opinion, the Xbox360 online gaming community offers much more competition.
but then again, it's just my opinion.
I've had the 3 rings only once, and i've had "heavy gaming days" turn into "heavy gaming weeks" since they fixed it and nothing so far.
My friend's PS3 just crapped out and he has to buy another one.
My xbox's drive is messed up and i have buy a new one as well.
But considering the amount of TIME i spend on it, i'm not surprised that it gets busted. LOL.
If you want a cool system with blue ray and free internet, then the PS3 is your best bet.
But if you want to join the best gaming community either on or offline and have MUCH BIGGER variety of games at your disposal, then the xbox360 shoulc be your choice.
By the way, Xbox 360 HD graphics are JUST AS GOOD as the PS3. It also depends on the game you're playing.