PS3 Online vs. Xbox Live / Media Capabilities

I currently own a 360 but am looking to also get a ps3 here eventually. My question is, how does the online service for the ps3 compare? I have never played anything online on a playstation so I'm kinda clueless on how it all works. If anyone could fill me in on the advantages/disadvantages of sony's online service that would be awesome. Thanks.

Also, I love using my 360 to stream movies/tv shows from my computer.  Does the ps3 also have an easy way to do this with TVersity or Orb Media? 

Well, IMO, I believe the Playstation Network is better than XBL soley on the fact that it is free.. yea, the PS Store doesn't have as many goodies right now as the XBL one.. but there are some really good exclusive things you can get in the PS Store. It's kinda hard to explain how the online works rather than basically you sign up for free, sign in, and join a game.

Oh and yes, the PS3 is capable of streaming media via different media servers. I.E. TVersity and Orb. 

Thanks for the replies so far.

So when you connect with your ps3 account, is it similar to xbox live where you can see what your friends are playing and invite them to a game, etc?