Part of the reason I got a 360 was because I already had a PS2 and Gamecube, but not an Xbox. So its sort of a reverse backwards compatibility like you said where I can play games from both consoles but not have to buy both.

Yeah when I bought a 360 I was really excited about backward compatibility too for the same reason.  I ended up not getting a ton of original XBox games but there are one or two that I'm really glad I had a chance to get back to.

edit: also
what really did it for me was the backwards compatibility

I don't see why you have a problem with this. There was like, ONE game at launch that interested me, but I had the oppurtunity to get a ps3. My ps2 was on its way out, and I can consolidate all my ps2 saves onto the harddrive instead of having memory cards floating around the house. So yeah, what pushed me over the edge was the FUNCTIONALITY of the system. You might as well argue that the internet browser is a side-effect of having it, since I'm apparently too lazy to go use my computer.

No one mentioned that Oblivion is 360 exclusive also. Basically, if you have a kickin' PC that can handle Oblivion/Gears or War/BioShock/Mass Effect(?) get the PS3.

EDIT: When did Ps3 get Oblivion? O.o I thought it was only PC and 360. weird.

No one mentioned that Oblivion is 360 exclusive also.

Where did you get this from? o.o
http://ps3.ign.com/objects/857/857879.html

Backwards compatibility is a good thing by the way, even if you already have a PS2 or an Xbox. It makes things a lot more convenient, plus you can just sell your old console for some extra cash.

They're about even unless you have a computer that can handle Bioshock/Mass Effect(when it's out) easily.  If so, go with PS3.

I have all three systems and I would have to say go for the PS3 even though I am mildly biased since I've gone through 2 fucking 360s thanks to the baller-ass red ring of death. Bluray's the future and whatnot and the PS3 is an updateable bluray player, pretty sweet. also, backwards compatibility was a gigantic selling point for me. That's what made me rush to get my PS3. My PS2 was pretty much in shambles, i had a suitcase full of PS2 games and when I heard they were removing the backwards compatibility on the PS3 I rushed to get one that had the hardware emulation for ps2 games. technically its a convenience but its a major convenience, i dont have alot of room in my room to be having ps2's/xbox's/gamecubes lying around ready to be switched out when i feel like playing 30 minutes of some old game. Best decision ever. Even though I have all these systems, I could pretty much label my 360 as a "guitar hero player" until gears 2 comes out and my ps3 is a "ps2" until I get gta4 and all those kewl sequels thatre coming out. I mainly use my Wii for SSB:B and it's pretty much the only console i use frequently. so yea. go me.