How do the consoles differ from each other?

Unlike previous generations where the differences were simple and easy to articulate, such as "Mortal Kombat on the Genesis gots more blood," the differences among these machines involve pushing polygons, bump mapping, and other phrases that sound like excerpts from "Debbie Does Flatland." The actual effect this has on the screen is subtle and often difficult to see, which is why each machine is now bundled with a rabid fan of the system recruited from various discussion boards around the Web. This fan will stand over your shoulder and point out reasons your machine completely rocks over the competition. They will also make disappointed noises and roll their eyes whenever you fail to play the games at optimal efficiency, but that's the price you pay for progress.

Afghans Taste Freedom...


Gordon Trodd in Kabul...

Just 4 days ago, as we liberated their city, these people peered at us through their beards and burqas. Yet today, the men's chins are clipped - and the women - oh yes the women! Their faces are back in make up. And thanks to the new figure hugging clothes I brought through in my back pack, they've rediscovered their waists and some are even refusing food aid parcels! Their daughters show the first signs of anorexia, and I have to say, there's plenty of time before that becomes a problem. Right now, it's an absolute delight. Parts of this city are now just like Amsterdam - only better.

Elsewhere, children play happily in the dust. Half an hour ago I helped an excited group skin a dead taliban fighter and turn him into a kite....

There is peace here this evening - the disagreement with my cameraman about who technically entered the city first is over - a white man's body lies feeding the first flies of winter - and I will be using a video phone from now on.

I think this Autumn we will indeed see bikinis in Kabul.