For me a BIG plus for the Xtion not mentioned is the 60fps 320x240 mode. While skeleton tracking is degraded at 320x240 (but works), hand tracking is OK. But I use these purely for the point cloud and usually subsample the data anyway, so the 2x improvement in temporal resolution and decreased latency is a big win.
And I have had no USB extension problems with the Xtion that I do not also have with the Kinect. I have found these active 10M extensions to be excellent: Amazon.com
Works with Kinect, Xtion, ps3eye - I just did an installation at GECCO with an Xtion and this cable that ran for two days without a hiccup.
Another thing I love about the Xtion is I can just keep it in my laptop bag, and pop out my laptop, plug in the Xtion, and I’m running anywhere. Without hacking, the Kinect MUST have AC.
And here’s a big surprise: while the Xtion does not have the range the Kinect does (due no doubt to less power for the laser via USB), it is actually superior to the Kinect for working outdoors! Neither will work in sunlight, but in my tests the Xtion will work in open shade where the Kinect will not work at all.
And an Xtion tip: that hex-shaped hole in the base is a perfect fit for a 1/4-20 hex nut - glue one in and now it’s got a tripod mount. Try that with a Kinect.
So I like the Xtion much better than the Kinect, and while I appreciate the MS SDK may offer some benefits, you are then locked into Kinects and MS, period. Use OpenNI, and you can use either, or what other Primesense-based camera may come out.
Good luck!