I have not played the Fallout series, and given the sale, was considering purchasing one. Both Fallout 3 and New Vegas both look interesting, and I am trying to determine which game I should purchase, as I only have enough for one game right now. For anyone that has played it, can it be played with a standard keyboard and mouse, or is a controller needed?

I know I should have posted in the Fallout series forum, but I was hoping this would be seen quicker given the current sale.

Fallout New Vegas without a doubt. There is a reason that I have spent 290 hours on NV while only 40 on Fallout 3. The story, lore, gameplay, characters, weapons, leveling - everything is better, especially the story and the roleplaying. It is also made by the legendary Obsidian Entertainment. Begin with New Vegas, it simply can't go wrong and you'll love it.

I played both games with only mouse and keyboard without any problem or nuisances.

If you love deserts - go for New Vegas.
If you don't love deserts - go for Fallout 3.

Definately New Vegas. Superior in every way. The story, the setting, the side content... everything is waaaaay better. I think F3 is actually pretty ok, underneath the bugs and despite the shite ending, but it doesn't hold a candle to New Vegas.

New Vegas is a much better RPG than Fallout3, but that comes with both positives and negatives. If you don't mind a heavier reliance on skills, more reading of dialog and quest text, and additional character interaction, then New Vegas is a slam dunk. But if what you want is a shooter set in a robust post-apocalyptic environment, Fallout3 might be the better bet for you. It's certainly a more gentle introduction into the genre than New Vegas.

kb+m is the ideal control setup for either of those games.

If you're planning on playing both anyway, I recommend getting Fallout 3 now, and picking up New Vegas down the road.

Fallout 3, depending on your playstyle, along with its DLCs which are included, should last you till the Fall sale when you can pick up New Vegas.

In terms of pure gameplay, New Vegas is better. However, it's easier to get into the series with 3 and then move onto NV, than to start with NV and try to finish 3. Obsidian is just better at storytelling than Bethesda, plain and simple, but 3 is still a good game in its own right.

EDIT: Forgot to mention controls - ideally you want to play with kb+m, controller is usable but unless you're a big fan of console shooters and similar type of games, you're better off with kb+m.

New Vegas is the better game. 3 is definitely also worth a play, I'd say maybe start with 3 since it's harder to go back after New Vegas. Either control scheme works well so whatever is your preferece.

New Vegas is way better. It feels more like an actual RPG.
Gameplaywise New Vegas is better (Iron Sights work, better skill balancing)
It has the better story and way better, more interesting NPCs
Fallout 3 is your basic "We have no clue and our writing sucks"-Bethesda game with tons of bugs, unbalanced gameplay and it just doesn't feel like Fallout even. That people always said it feels like a Oblivion Mod or "Oblivion with guns", is sadly very true.

Also there are some really great mods for New Vegas like Willow and Project Nevada.

Thank you very much to EVERYONE that replied. I really appreciate it!! :)

I am going with New Vegas!!

Good call!!

Now let's see if you'll like the Dead Money DLC ;)