I'd say go for the 360. Seeing as you already have access to the internet, and also since your not in college. The 360 opens up a whole new world of gaming. Just ask DK, he just his last week. I'm sure he'd share with you how cool it is to play Halo 2, GoW and Rainbow Six Vegas. Those are the biggest games out right now, and they are the sick. You can always get a laptop used later on down the road, probably one with Vista if that is what you need.