Gaming-Consoles

Gaming-consoles are computers designed specifically for playing video games. Keep in mind that they are computers, and can do many functions like a computer!

Wikipedia - video gaming consoles

Nintendo Wii	Sony Playstation	Microsoft Xbox 360

The best known of the current crop is Nintendo Wii, Sony Playstation and Microsoft XBox 360. These are normally connected to your TV, and you put in your game (exercise videos are now common), and you can shoot the bad guys, drive a racecar, or play other games.The firs Nintendo Wii I used, we played all kinds of action games. I saw this as a way to get exercise from the computer! Now, they have dancing and exercise programs! Alos, the others (Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony have followed suit.) Exercise and Dance are big with these!

Many people also use their gaming console, to watch movies. either DVD or from the internet. This is a major new trend. I expect serious changes in coming months with internet TV.

But can they surf the web? Run word processors, spreadsheets, play other computer games? The answer is not likely, though technically feasible. These units have a built-in processor similar to regular PC's, but are not designed for regular computer functions. Users do not typically even try to do normal PC work on a game console. But, a technically oriented user could make some of these functions work! Personally, I would compare this activity to using a sports car as a Garbage truck!

Below is an excerpt from Wikipedia that compares the numbers of Gaming console sold in the United States. Nintendo has sold the most, but Microsoft Xbox is used more!

United States

Based on figures from the NPD Group:

Xbox 360 is most-used game console, Nielsen says

These units are being re-designed, and you may see more computer functions on them in the future! Remember that you can play many similar games on a regular PC. For now, gaming consoles are not typically an alternative to a computer.

Kinect

Kinect - What is it? Kinect is a motion sensing device from Microsoft, used on Xbox 360 Video game console. It enables the user to control the Xbox 360 with touching the game controller. It is used for games and exercise (dancing!) I first saw this on Wii, a few years ago, and was fascinated by it's potential. It is soon to be available for Windows PC. It is available for pre-order from Kinect Sensor for Windows

Kinect from Wikipedia

Gaming Consoles from Amazon check these out for prices, and read the user reviews. These are very educational!