1) Probably the newest Xbox Elite.
2) Yes; they're pretty much the same. (Depends if you get HDMI or have composite)
3) Your gonna need a connection to your router or WiFi access. You'll also need an Xbox Live subscription if you want Xbox Live Gold (which your gonna need). But, I think if you make a new Xbox account, they'll give you 1 free month of Gold.

On a side note -- before buying cross-platform games, I recommend going for the exclusives.

Between my friends with PS3s, they all say Gears of War sits well with them. I'd try that out, since PS3 has wonderful third-person games to begin with.

Halo is somewhat of an acquired taste. If you want to give it a shot, then by all means, do. I just don't think it's as good as most make it out to be. (The game itself of course, I think the story and Bungie are both wonderful. But nothing will ever amount to the original two Halo games. Reach was great too, and Halo 3 / ODST were a nice follow-ups.)

Fable is a must if you're an RPG fan. The stories never cease to be intriguing and motivating. The combat system is also great. With all the things within the game that you can do, it's hard to not get your money's worth.

I've heard Lost Odyssey was an amazing, and challenging, game. Even I am going to check it out.

Mass Effect is another must, both of them. (Although one is on PS3 now, of course. But it's native to the 360, so I suppose it counts.)

I don't know if first Portal is on the PS3 now, but get that as well.

Anyways, between the controls, interface, multiplayer and features, you should feel right at home when you make your transition. Between the two consoles and their exclusives, it's difficult to own or try just one of them.

The only thing is the Xbox 360 controller is notably larger and heavier than the PS3's controllers, so it may take a while to get used to.

Seeing as your question has been undeniably and accurately answered already, I just thought I'd drop by a give another opinion. Hope it helps. xD

It's not worth switching your console just because PSN is down. I mean, it's not like it'll be down forever.

The PS3 is great, we just have to be patient and hope for the best.

Believe me, waiting for PSN to go back online will save you more money and time than getting a new type of console altogether. :y:

If you've been curious about the Xbox 360 for a while now, and truly want to try it out -- hey, go for it. It's a great console.

they are both great systems( i have both). I have been playing blacks ops for about a day now on XBOX 360 and one thing i tell you is, if you have been a PSN user for a long time it is very hard to get used to the XBOX 360 controller compared to the PS3. The PS3 controller is so much more confortable and easy to use. That is my personal opinion. I may keep playing till PSN is back up, but one thing is for sure i wont switch to XBOX 100%.

I recently purchased a PS3, and I was amazed at how light and small the controller was. xD

Here I've been lugging this heavy thing around, and the PS3's is just so much more comfortable to hold. Haha.

I still like my triggers, though. :p

Yes the first month when you sign up for xbox live is free with any account!

If you just want excellent gaming experience i advise you go to xbox, i sold my ps3 yesterday and bought an xbox 360 that same day. i already noticed how smooth and lag-free the online servers are. it is definately worth switching. friend list doesnt lag either when you add or delete someone it never freezes. more content on the menus and stuff, more organization, everything is better.