Grand Theft Auto and the platform debate

With Grand Theft Auto IV creeping ever closer to release,I find myself debating which platform I should buy it for. Earlypreviews of the title from outlets around the globe suggest that thetwo are virtually identical: a parity that has been a long time coming.The Xbox 360 versions of multi-platform games have generally been thesuperior versions: it's hard to break that preconception.

BothRockstar and Sony have commented that this notion is slowly beingdisproved as the era of PS3 infancy has come to an end. As one IGN article points out,the core differences are as inconsequential as some "minor visualdifferences," as the 360 version is "brighter and has slightly morevibrant color" while the PS3 version "has less aliasing issues." So,then, the only question that remains is one that's not quite so easilyanswered—at least for me.
For many, the exclusive content for the Xbox 360 version of gamewill be the deciding factor. While it's not entirely clear whether ornot the content is merely a timed exclusive or permanently exclusive,the fact of the matter is that those wanting to extend the experiencewith for-pay content will be able to do so first on the Xbox 360. Tackonto that the superior online experience that the Xbox 360 offers, andyou have two big reasons to get the 360 version. Promises for laterHome integration have fallen on deaf ears, and there's little else thatallows the PS3 version to stand out in comparison.
Limiting the discussion to the core experience, though, the biggestdeterrent for me at this point is, surprisingly, the achievements.While some games may benefit from achievements, I feel that addingachievements to a game built upon freedom of action could bedetrimental to someone like me, who tends to get wrapped up in the huntfor those darn points. To take that artificial drive and superimpose iton the freedom so pivotal to the Grand Theft Autoexperience seems like it would constrict, strangle, and suffocate play,reducing the joy of wandering around by channeling play into a set ofdefined challenges and goals.
And so my debate continues. I turn to you guys for a little weekendchat. Which platform are you guys choosing and why? Is there really anyreason to bother with the PS3 version aside from necessity? Isexclusive content now the be-all, end-all for multiple console owners?Or is this all just a matter of "ask a stupid question..."?