buy a guitar instead

I'd go for the PS2.
Although XBox has better graphics, A PS2s graphics are still really, really good.
And then there is the games, and the controller. Much better than on XBox

I'd go for PS2. Not only does it play games, but it's also a DVD player and CD player as far as i know (anyone who wants to correct me on this, please go ahead!)

If you already have a dvd player, you could sell that, get the ps2, and you've got a few extra $ in your pocket. :o)

Aside from that, most games are coming out on ps2, and computer and stuff anyways, and most games you can get on the net if you have a computer.

Think it really depends on what kinda games you want too. If you're into strategy and war games ie: day of defeat, halflife, battlefield 1942 (lots of fun :o)) then your probably better off with a computer, but if you want car games and stuff, probably ps2. I havn't had much to do with x-box yet, so dont' really want to comment. But if you have a computer, i'd recomend just looking into a joystick for it, or playstation type consoles.

but FPS are always better on the pc cuz they allow online play, if halos such a good game r they gonna release it on the pc? ive played cs which is a kickass multiplayer game and if halo is as good as cs then i might just get that on the pc and get a ps2 for the racing and rpg games

Go with a XBOX. Wack in a 30Gb hard drive and copy games instead of buying them. You can copy PS2 games but only the DVD format games as far as I know. After playing copied PS2 games on your machine, your PS2 has trouble playing legit games... Haven't figured that one out yet...

XBOX is less of an hassle when you want to steal games from the video store... Not that I know anything about that sort of thing.

I found myself in the same position a few months ago. I couldn't decide between Xbox and PS2 as well. So in the end I went for the one in between them, the GameCube. Now I'm definitely not saying YOU should throw your well earned cash on a failed console. Your decision should really come down to if there are more points you like about one console than the other, if you can't decide. For instance, one thing that bugged me with the Xbox was its controller. You get the idea that the standard one was designed for large hands (i.e my hands). But the buttons are way too small for my thumbs, and it honestly feels like I'm holding two plastic potatoes. It's quite hard to fault PS2, though. Yes, on paper its graphics power isn't astounding. However, all consoles have a limit in their graphics capability which people often overlook: the disc (or otherwise). Take the almighty GTA3 for this example. It's a big game, therefore the graphics have to reasonably crap for it all to fit into the disc. Graphics power can only emulate what can fit into the game, so the Xbox shouldn't be bought for its graphics power alone. If you can't decide after all this, go for the games decision. I bought a GameCube mostly for its platform games (although it has an excellent controller). With PS2 you've got games of legend like Final Fantasy X, GTA3 and others. It's games are most of the reason why its the best selling console in New Zealand.

OK, take a breather. I could rant on about consoles all day. If you want any advice, just ask. Yes I'll admit there might be a couple of things wrong there.
I'm sorry if I ranted on a little bit too much......

*sigh* It must be the image. Yes, the GameCube is a flop, I'll admit that. But geez, that Xbox controller is terrible. Oh, and YES I go outside and YES I have a life.