Reading up on the in-depth reviews on the game, it just sounds massively interesting, something I can sink my teeth into for hours. Of course, there would be other games I had missed (having only a Wii thus far) that I'd pick up, but I don't think I want to miss playing Fable III. Also, Kinect seems interesting, worth checking out. Yeah, I know, I have a Wii, but I'm interested to see how NO controller will work.  Now its a matter of finding the extra cash... grr.

Make sure to research all hidden costs that you will take in order to run a console, and which model is a best. 

Congratulations.  It is a fabulous console, and a fabulous game.

Be sure to play both the first and second Fable games if you can.  I believe you can download both from the Live Marketplace (actually, I seem to recall that option being removed for the original Fable, but that can be had very cheaply second hand and works on Xbox 360).  In the event you do get these two games, try to get the complete ones.  For the first, that is Fable: The Lost Chapters.  For the second, it is Fable 2: Game of the Year Edition.

I second this post.

You have a few options in the US:

• looking for the cheapest way in?  Get the $199 360S.  
• Willing to spend a little more - get the new bundle for $299 (360S with bigger hard drive and Forza 3/Alan Wake I believe). Edit...maybe I'm on crack, I thought I had seen that bundle in NA but don't see it advertised at XBOX.com, so I guess not, sorry.
• Really want Kinect? Wait a week and get the $299 360S/Kinect bundle with Kinect Adventures.

I am lucky enough to own all three current consoles and while they each have thier strengths and weaknesses, I have been very happy with my 360.

Don't bother with Kinect, just buy Gears of Warses instead, best games on Xbox probably

thanks for the info. I'll have to wait a few weeks at LEAST before I can make such a purchase anyway, so I'll prob get the Kinect bundle. Starcraft, I'll check out the other fable games too, and likely pick up assassins Creed II, as I was impressed with what I saw at E3.

For story purposes I would recommend you pick up the 1st Assassin's Creed as it is quite cheap now anyway.

Do you have a capable PC? If you do then you should be able to get Fable III on PC (although I think it'll be later than the 360 version). Might save you shelling out for a new console.

If you don't then definately get a 360. Fable 3 sounds pretty cool. If you like shooters then I'd also recommend the Gears games and the two Mass Effect games. All awesome. You might also want to try Oblivion although the graphics may seem a bit outdated now, the game is still very cool and probably in my top 5 games of all time (as is Mass Effect 2 for that matter).

Well I am glad you are finally getting a 360,  I am just surprised it took you this long to get one.  The 360 has lots of good games so you will be busy for awhile.  

Great.

Get Alan Wake while you are at it. Alan Wake, Fable II, Fable II, Gears of War and Gears of War 2 should keep you busy for this year. Yeah and of course Kinect.