Hi everyone!  Just had to tell you about my experiences with the Sims 3.  I purchased it on June 2 and couldn't wait to get home and install it.  After I did, I could tell right away that I needed a new video card sooooo back to Best Buy where I purchased one for 69$ and the Kid who helped me in the store told me I had to check the power wattage on my computer because the new video cards require at least 300 watts.  Back home and guess what?  Yep, mine was only 250 watts sooooo back to Best Buy.  I had to get new power pack and was informed that I should also purchase more RAM( I had only 1 GB) so I got 2GB for 60$ and 50$ for the power pack.  They did the installation for me for 50$  So all of that plus the 50$ for the game and I am finally ready to PLAY!!!.  The sad thing is that my computer is less than 2 years old!!!  Anyway, the game is AWESOME!  It takes quite awhile to get used to the new features and when you first start out it takes som time to CAS and build.  There are some great new features though.  I like how easy it is to place objects now and the fact that you can customize everything is unbelieveable!  The drawbacks are that your aren't given much to start with in the way of hiar, clothes, furniture etc.  But I'm sure expansion packs and you great artist out there will take care of that.  The town is amazingly beautiful and walking around town is great.  There are so many cool features and not too many drawbacks that I am hooked and not sorry I had to fork over the money I did.  Mary