Console-based video gaming is one of the most popular of modern digital technologies, cutting across age, demographic and gender divides. Today's players have three dominant platforms to choose from: Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 by Microsoft. Each is an impressive multifunctional device, with designs meant to encourage integration into existing home entertainment systems and networks, but each goes about this in different ways. Taking a few minutes to examine the main features, and getting more familiar with available options, accessories and possible limitations of each console is the optimal way to determine which is the best choice for the players in a household.

Console Choices

	Wii View larger	PlayStation 3 View larger	Xbox 360 View larger
Models and Pricing (prices may vary)	Wii with Mario Kart Wii - $149	160 GB memory - $250 320 GB memory - $300	4 GB memory - $200 250 GB memory - $300
What's in the Box	Wii console Wii Mario Kart game One Wii Remote Plus controller One Nunchuk controller Wii Sensor bar Standard composite cable and power cord	PS3 console One wireless controller A/V cable for connection to TV USB cable for charging controller Free PlayStation Network (PSN) membership	Xbox 360 console One Xbox 360 wireless controller Composite A/V cable (standard definition) A month free Xbox LIVE Gold membership
Motion Gaming?	Already included	PlayStation Move (sold separately)	Kinect for Xbox 360 (sold separately)
Colors (limited edition colors may be available)	White and black	Black	Black
Drive Type	CD (just games)	CD/DVD/Blu-ray (games, music, movies)	CD/DVD (games, music, movies)
Online Play	WiiWare	PlayStation Network (PSN)	Xbox LIVE
Additional Accessories	Additional controllers - $10-45	Additional controllers - $40-50	Additional controllers - $40-50
Price Range of Games	New releases: ~$30 - $50 Downloadable: ~$5 - $10	New releases: ~$60 Motion: ~$40 Downloadable: ~$5 - $15	New releases: ~$60 Motion: ~$50 Downloadable: ~$5 - $15
Backwards Compatibility	Plays all GameCube game titles	Offers compatibility with PS1 games	Over 300 titles developed for the original Xbox console are currently available
Graphic Quality	480p	1080p	1080p
Great For	Designed for Junior to Grandma with titles generally focused on family fun, party games	High-powered and highly customizable system for the technical-minded consumers	Offers a wide selection of games and accessible entertainment, with user-friendly social tools

Consider Games Before Choosing a Console

There is not just one kind of console video game, and so the machines that are are used to play them are different as well. Considering the types of games to be played, their availability for the consoles being considered and the ability of those consoles' to present the best gaming experience possible for the game's genre and content is important. The games developed for Wii tend to be more easily accessible, family-friendly productions heavily influenced by Nintendo's classic gaming history. Filled with cartoon-like and childlike characters as well as Arcade-style gameplay situations, Wii games are often referred to as "Casual Games," or "Party Games" typified by brief, simple "mini-games." These small games-within-games are tailor-made for players new to the puzzle-solving aspects of gaming and how that is translated through game controllers to the screen by the player.

PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles are the current version of earlier console releases whose user bases were rooted in game genres such as Action-Adventure, Shooters, Racing, Sports, Role-playing games (RPG) and so on. Gameplay developed in these genres tends to require more focus on the part of the player, and more graphics processing power from the console in order to maintain a quality experience. That is what continues to be the main focus of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Capable of full 1080p HD quality graphics presentation when used with the proper cables and displays, in this area Xbox 360 and PS3 are far beyond what Wii is capable of. Iconic game franchises like Halo, God of War, Fable, Metal Gear Solid, Gears of War, Killzone, Mass Effect, The Elder Scrolls and many others have grown up on these platforms, feeding off of their power. And with the rise of online multiplayer gaming through Xbox LIVE and PSN the high energy, fine graphical specialties of these platforms only continues to grow.

Motion Gaming

Although motion gaming has been front and center since the launch of the Wii in 2006, the other two consoles have their own motion gaming offerings that provide unique play opportunities on their respective platforms that have also found a wide audience. See a breakdown of the motion gaming capacity of each of the systems below.

Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk

The Wii Remote Plus controller is the standard wireless controller that ships with each Wii. It combines the intuitive motion controls of the original Wii Remote with the precision technology of the Wii MotionPlus accessory, all built-in to a single unit. The device is handled in a wand-like fashion, and uses internal gyroscope and accelerometer technology to pinpoint the players movements and physical positioning which it then relates into a game via a sensor bar connected to the console. The Wii Remote Plus has only a few buttons making it easy to use. It also contains a speaker, a rumble feature, and an external connector for other input devices like the Nunchuk controller and the Classic Controller.

PlayStation Move

PlayStation Move offers a new and innovative gaming experience for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) system by fusing realistic, high-definition gaming along with accurate, intuitive control. Consisting of a PlayStation Move motion controller, a PlayStation Move Navigation controller (optional in most games) and a PlayStation Eye camera (all sold separately), PlayStation Move enables sophisticated, ultra accurate motion control and immersive gameplay only possible on the PS3 system. In addition, the PlayStation Eye features the ability to process up to 120 frames/second and a built-in 4 microphone array for pristine video quality and video chat capabilities.

Kinect for Xbox 360

Easy to use and fun for everyone, Kinect sensor for Xbox 360 utilizes revolutionary full-body tracking to put players in the center of the fun that is 100% controller-free. After configuring itself by registering a range of points across your body, this amazing technology allows Kinect to recognize and mirror your movements in the game, in effect making your body the controller. The sensor is compatible with every Xbox 360, features a color VGA motion camera (640 x 480 pixel resolution @ 30 frames per second), a depth camera (640 x 480 pixel resolution @ 30 frames per second) and an array of 4 microphones supporting single speaker voice recognition.

Wii Remote Plus & Nunchuk. View larger

PlayStation Eye & Motion controller. View larger

Controller-free Kinect sensor play. View larger

Online Play and Functionality

Online functionality is a major focus in console gaming. Each of the three consoles can be used offline, but by integrating them into your home broadband connection you can greatly expand their potential. Each posses a significant online component, but differ in the ways users can interact with it.

WiiWare is a service that allows Wii players to download games and applications directly to their Wii console in exchange for purchased Wii Points on the Wii Shop Channel. Online gameplay requires a code to play. It's free to play and there are no names, so kids are protected against unwanted contact. Through Wii's online component players can also gain access to hundreds of classic arcade games available for download through Wii's Virtual Console functionality. The Nintendo Channel allows players to watch gameplay videos, trailers, developer interviews, and even download Nintendo DS game demos wirelessly. Additional Wii online functionality includes a web browser and connectivity with Netflix,* which allows users to stream video efficiently and quietly by means of the console's low energy consumption internal processing.

PlayStation Network is an all access pass not only to a world of gaming, but also one of entertainment at-large. The service is 100% free, only requiring a PS3 (or PlayStation handheld) and a broadband connection to the Internet. Once you are in visit the PlayStation Store where users can download games, previews, DLC add-ons for games, game demos, game extras, music and streaming video. Purchases can be made using a credit card or a PlayStation Network Card purchased offline. Content can be stored on your console or external media. Online multiplayer gameplay through PSN is simple, yet robust. Simply slip a compatible multiplayer disc into the console, select the multiplayer option and set up your own game or wait to join one in progress. The service also contains Netflix access,* a range of original gaming-oriented video programming, as well as access to PlayStation Home, a 3D world where gamers can interact in a virtual environment.

Xbox LIVE is the online entertainment hub for Xbox 360. The service was launched with the original Xbox console in 2002, and has evolved and grown with Xbox 360. The service is two-tiered, with every user receiving a free "Silver membership," which allows for access to content such as free game demos, downloaded video rentals, Xbox LIVE avatar functionality and chat. A paid "Gold Membership" provides access to these and expanded features, including online gaming, HD movies and TV shows through services such as Netflix,* HBO Go,** ESPN, and Hulu Plus, downloadable games, facebook, downloadable content (DLC) for games and more. Players use Xbox LIVE points, which as easily purchased online and offline to access much of the online content. Both Xbox LIVE membership levels allow players to increase their Gamer Score, a running tally of the achievements they have unlocked in games. This is commonly shared information among gamers around the world and a source of pride in the community.

* Existing Netflix unlimited membership account required.
** Requires a valid subscription to HBO content through a cable or satellite provider.

Product Highlights

• Braun Series 7 electric shavers for men—your perfect shave with our most innovative shaving technology
• Intelligent Pulsonic Technology with 10,000 micro vibrations—reads your face and adjusts to the density of your beard for our most thorough shave
• 2X closer shave on the 1st Stroke¹
• Three Personalization Modes for an adjustable close shave that best fits your beard and skin: Extra Sensitive, Normal, Intensive
• Patented ActiveLift™ captures flat-lying hair even in problem areas like the neck
• OptiFoil™—our most advanced foil shaver for perfect closeness that lasts longer
• Clean & Renew™ System—at the touch of a button, automatically cleans, charges, lubricates, and dries to keep the shaver like new every day
• Designed and tested to last at least six years (excluding shaving cassette – use as indicated)

 

Product Overview

Braun Series 7 790cc

The most advanced shaver in the Braun Series 7 collection, the 790cc has been engineered to meet the brand’s highest standards. This electric shaver includes revolutionary Pulsonic Technology that uses more than 10,000 micro vibrations to help capture more hair in every stroke. In addition, three Personalization Modes and a powerful linear motor produce a thorough and comfortable shave. Fitted with an LCD display, this electric shaver’s ergonomic design is covered in a Noble Metal color for a style to match its performance. For added convenience after the shave, the advanced Braun Clean & Renew™ System automatically cleans, charges, lubricates, and dries your shaver at the touch of a button. Like all Series 7 shavers, the Braun 790cc is engineered and assembled in Germany, carefully tested to ensure that it meets the highest standards in the world. Yours.

Braun. Designed to make a difference.

Main Product Features

The world’s only intelligent Pulsonic Technology with 10,000 micro vibrations per minute The Braun Series 7 electric shaver adapts its motor’s power to the density of your beard, bringing you the most thorough and comfortable shave ever from Braun. It delivers up to 10,000 micro vibrations per minute to capture and cut more hair in every stroke.
Three Personalization Modes for a more individual shave The Braun Series 7 electric shaver is the only Braun shaver with three shaving modes: Extra Sensitive, Normal, and Intensive modes for the different facial zones—for an adjustable shave that best fits your beard and skin.

	Patented ActiveLiftTM captures flat-lying hair in any problem area ActiveLift™ is the world’s only patented middle trimmer with 130 movements per second, to actively lift and cut flat-lying hair. Many years of research shows that men’s biggest need in shaving is a thorough shave even in the hard-to-reach neck area where flat-lying hairs often grow. Asymmetrical in shape, the ActiveLift™ is specially designed to capture tricky hair in any problem area.
	OptiFoilTM- for perfect closeness that lasts longer The OptiFoil™ is the most advanced foil shaver from Braun. The unique geometry with specially designed holes captures more hair and cuts them closer than ever before. Braun’s OptiFoil™ is the end result of more than 50 years of research and development.
	Fully Flexible Shaving System for maximum facial adaptability The unique Braun combination of a pivoting shaver head and floating foils ensures maximum adaptability to the contours of your face.

Braun Clean & Renew System

Only the Braun Series 7 790cc electric shaver features the automatic and simple Clean & Renew™ System with FastClean: it cleans, charges, lubricates, and dries your electric shaver at the touch of a button. The FastClean program expedites the process, cleaning the shaver in just 25 seconds. Braun is the only brand using alcohol-based cleaning fluid that eliminates 99.999% of all germs in every cleaning cycle.   Clean & Renew™ System Features Unique alcohol-based cleaning solution for hygienic cleaning Automatic charging Automatic lubrication for optimal cutting efficiency Automatic program selection from three modes: short eco, normal, high intensive—Braun Series 7 only Active heat-inductive drying FastClean in 25 seconds—790cc only Fresh lemon scent

Additional Features

	Precision Long-Hair Trimmer for precise styling To trim your sideburns, mustache, or beard with this perfect and precise tool, simply slide the pop-out long-hair trimmer upward.
	100% waterproof and fully washable Braun shavers have a fully sealed body and can be rinsed quickly and easily under running water. For optimal convenience, you can use the Clean & Renew™ System to hygienically clean your shaver at the touch of a button.
	Advanced LCD display for low charge and battery status The Braun Series 7 790cc is the only Braun electric shaver fitted with the most advanced LCD display. An easy-to-read display updates the status of your electric shaver.
	Powerful rechargeable Li-Ion battery with no memory effect All Braun Series 7 electric shavers for men are rechargeable, work corded and cordlessly. Braun Series 7 electric shavers for men use a powerful 3.6V Li-Ion Battery with no memory effect.
	Full charge in only one hour - 50 minutes of cordless shaving One-hour charging time gives you up to 50 minutes of cordless shaving. A quick five-minute charge supplies the power for one cordless shave. The convenient SmartPlug has an automatic worldwide voltage adjustment (100V—240V) for use at home or while traveling.

Made in Germany
Two-year warranty

What's in the Box

• Series 7 790cc shaver
• Clean & Renew System
• One Cleaning Cartridge
• Protective Travel Pouch
• Cleaning Brush
• SmartPlug (100V-240V)

Series 7 Comparison Chart

 

Innovative Pulsonic Technology 10,000 micro vibrations with every stroke help capture more hair—for Braun's most thorough and comfortable shave.	•	•	•
Personalization modes Extra sensitive and intensive mode for the different facial zones—for a more individual shave.	•	•	•
ActiveLift™ Unique oscillating middle trimmer lifts & cuts flat-lying hair—for a thorough shave even in problem areas.	•	•	•
Optifoil™ Braun's most advanced foil with ergonomically sized holes, cuts hair deeper than ever before—for perfect closeness that lasts longer.	•	•	•
Fully Flexible Shaving System Braun's unique combination of pivoting shaver head and floating foils ensure maximum facial adaptability.	•	•	•
Triple Action Cutting System 3 special cutting elements are easy to clean under running tap water.	•	•	•
Washable All Braun shavers are easy to clean under running tap water.	•	•	•
Clean & Renew™System At a touch of a button automatically cleans, charges and lubricates to keep the shaver like new every day. (790cc and 760cc)	•	•
Fast Clean	•
Automatic Program Selection	•	•
Dries	•	•
Cleans	•	•
Charges	•	•	•
Lubricates	•	•
Battery Status Display	LCD	LED
Hygiene Status Indicator	•

Foil & Cutter Comparison Chart

Series 5 and 7

Fits on Shavers	Series 7	Series 5
Color	Silver	Silver
Optifoil Braun's most advanced foil with ergonomically sized holes cuts hair deeper than ever before - for perfect closeness that lasts longer.	•	•
Smart Foil Through its unique foil patterns the Smart Foil captures hairs growing in different directions.

FAQs

What’s the difference between foil shavers and rotary shavers?
Rotary shavers are designed to work with cyclical movements; Braun foil shavers are designed to work with efficient sideways movements on the skin, giving perfect control and precision. The foils protect the skin from irritation and are specifically designed to deliver the most thorough and comfortable shave from Braun.

What are the differences among Braun Series 7 models?
Beyond the shaving technologies found in the 720s, both the 760cc and 790cc models feature the advanced Clean & Renew™ System from Braun. The Clean & Renew™ System automatically cleans, charges, lubricates, and dries your electric shaver. The 790cc model has the Fast Clean setting and offers the most advanced display among Braun electric shavers. Its LCD display offers detailed updates on the status of the charging battery and the hygiene of the shaver itself. In addition, unlike the 720s and 760cc’s black casing, the 790cc is packaged in an elegant Noble Metal color.

Why would I need a Clean & Renew™ System when I can clean my Braun Series 7 shaver under tap water?
It is more hygienic to do so. And, at the touch of the button with your Clean & Renew system, your shaver is automatically cleaned, charged, and lubricated for added convenience.

I already have a Clean & Renew™ System from my previous Braun electric shaver (Pulsonic or Synchro). Can I use it with the new Series 7 electric shaver?
No, the Braun Series 7 Clean & Renew™ System is the latest model from the Braun Clean & Renew™ line and can’t be used with previous models.

How often do I need to exchange the Clean & Renew™ Refill Cartridge?
It is recommended that you change your Clean & Renew refill cartridge at least once every two months or when the Clean & Renew system notifies you that the cleaning solution is ready to be changed. This will vary depending on how often the system is in use.

Do you have any recommendations for how to shave with an electric foil shaver?
We recommend that you shave before taking a shower. After a few days without shaving (for example, the first shave after the weekend), you should trim your stubble before you shave. Stretch the skin and shave against the direction of beard growth. Hold the shaver at a right angle (90°) to your skin. Maintain even pressure to achieve the most thorough and comfortable shave from Braun.

How often do I need to change the shaver head?
We recommend replacing all cutter parts every 18 months. In order maintain optimal performance, we included a replacement part indicator in the display to ensure that you’ll know when to exchange the cutter parts.

Does the battery have a memory effect, as can occur with cell phones or laptops?
No, the Braun Series 7 electric shavers for men use a Li-Ion battery that has no memory effect. You can recharge it whenever you want, and it has a low self-discharge rate (vs. NiMh batteries). Li-Ion batteries are the most powerful and longest-lasting batteries available for Braun electric shavers..

Do the Braun Series 7 electric shavers have a warranty? If so, how long is it?
All Braun electric shavers for men come with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.