I wonder where some of you get your information. First of all, HD-DVD has nothing to do with game loading speed because Xbox 360 games are not made on HD-DVD's. The HD-DVD has become extinct as of February 2008. Second of all speed difference is hardly noticeable and mostly dependent on the game. Third, installing a game on the PS3 hard drive takes little effort and instantly puts the PS3 ahead when it comes to speed. Fourth, expecting a Microsoft product to be reliable is like expecting Master Chief to walk through your front door and hand you an energy sword in the next 5 minutes. Before I continue, I'd like to mention that the only console I own is the Wii, because I am a PC gamer and don't really like consoles for several reasons. Games aside, I feel that the PS3 is the overall better console. I can deal without Xbox Live chat, because I'd be fine with a headset. Anyone who has gone the HD way *cough*cheapest Blu-ray player you can buy*cough*. I find that its media aspect is also above that of the 360 (especially if you have wifi and a PSP). I refuse to pay to play online, especially when non-Xbox versions of multiplayer games are the same on other consoles with the free option, and I'm a huge fan of mods, another thing I would never pay for. Also, first person shooter fans get mouse and keyboard support to leave joypad users in the dust. Technology-wise, the PS3 should outlive the 360 (dubbed '4D gaming' ready). And the ability to install Yellow-dog Linux is a plus. Sorry to get off topic so much, but in the end, the PS3 is slightly slower than the 360 when it comes to disc speeds, a lot faster when using the hard drive, more reliable and better in a lot of ways. However, usually the deciding factor is the games available and the 360 still has the lead there (though the PS3 is quickly catching up).