if you are going to start in gaming then i suggest PS 2 , it got good graphics and almost all the games are available in market. from where you will buy of how much price?
I have PS3 and Xbox 360. If you want a good community, go Xbox 360 all the way. If you don't want to pay to play online, go PS3. If you want better exclusives (in my opinion), go Xbox 360. If you want better graphics, go PS3. It really depends. But I would choose 360 over PS3.
In my opinion, games just look better on the PS3. I played the PS3 version of FFXIII, and it completely blows away the 360 version. However, the Xbox does have a better social interface, I think. Just my opinion - don't want to get into a console war.
I've stuck with the ps2 for many years. I have not ever tried any other gaming console. I hear the ps3 is pretty good.