So which system could I live without? Which would I recommend?

Seriously, those are tough questions.

It's amazing to think back to last November with days-long box-store camp-outs for PS3's and a sad, luke-warm reaction for Nintendo's new system. Flash-forward a couple months to find unwanted PS3's stacked to the ceiling of my local stores and the elusive Wii's transformed into everyone's holy grail. Just like the fickle buying "public" my favorite system has flip-flopped back and forth.

Here's why I like each one:

Wii:
I know WAY more people that own Wii's than any other system I have ever bought. This translates to more fun trading Mii's (online personal characters that you create on your Wii), more fun with online messaging and more fun with bragging conversations.

Also, Wii was a massive hit at our house over the holidays and now everyone in my family owns a Wii (parents included). Each family get-together turns into a Wii-for-all. There's never been a game system that appeals to so many people within my friends and family.

Other things I love about the Wii: Wii sports, the weather information, the virtual console and the controllers.

PS3:
I love the DVD/Blu-Ray player. It has now replaced my regular DVD player. I'm addicted to high-def movies.

I love the downloadable games (Sodoku, Grip Shift, MotorStorm demo and Gran Turismo HD). And, to my surprise, I use the web browser way more than I imagined I would.

Of the games I've purchased, I've enjoyed Resistance, Tony Hawk and Call to Duty 3 the most, but so far the other features of the PS3 make me happier.

What I don't like:

Wii:
Nothing available that's as fun as Wii Sports.
The News and Weather features took forever to go "live."
The VC games aren't quite "there" yet.
Online features have way too much security for adults.

PS3:
Not enough good games.
Constant systems updates that take FOREVER!
Online store not as cool as the Xbox 360 or even the Wii.
Controller already falling apart.

My recommendation: Xbox 360! Just kidding.

I think I use each system equally and each has their own advantages. I need a few more months to work this out. I think it's going to come down to the games and at this point no one has spectacular games. A killer app can really make a system.