PlayStation 3 60GB Console

Best Console in 2008

Strengths: Blu Ray, First Party Exclusive Games, Wide File Type Support

Weakness: Costly Controllers/Games

I bought this system at launch (Fall 06). I even paid extra for it. I have never regretted it. The system, up until now, has suffered from lack of exclusive games and a lag in certain multi-platform release dates. That will change in 08. Games like Metal Gear Solid 4, Little Big Planet, Final Fantasy XIII, God of War III, Gran Turismo 5, Resistance 2, and White Knight Story (as well as the...
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I bought this system at launch (Fall 06). I even paid extra for it. I have never regretted it. The system, up until now, has suffered from lack of exclusive games and a lag in certain multi-platform release dates. That will change in 08. Games like Metal Gear Solid 4, Little Big Planet, Final Fantasy XIII, God of War III, Gran Turismo 5, Resistance 2, and White Knight Story (as well as the development of Home, the new free online community due out soon for PS3 owners), will be a stellar year for the PS3. It has been widely predicted to outsell the 360 this year for many reasons, not just because of games.

www.shacknews.com/onea...
ps3.ign.com/articles/8...

The PS3 is also a fantastic Blu-Ray player. Since Blu-Ray won the format war, there is no risk in upgrading to Blu-Ray via the PS3, especially since the PS3 still plays (and upscales the graphics of) all your old DVDs. In fact, with the advent of Blu-Ray 2.0 technology, the PS3 is the only Blu-Ray player currently on the market that is capable of upgrading. See arstechnica.com/news.a...
The PS3 is extremely versatile with support for the following file types:

VIDEO
• MPEG-1
• MPEG-2 (PS,TS)
• H.264/MEPG-4 AVC
• MPEG-4 SP
• AVI
• DIVX

MUSIC
• ATRAC (.oma .msa .aa3)
• AAC (.3gp .mp4)
• MP3 (.mp3)
• WAV (.wav)

IMAGES
• JPEG
• GIF
• PNG
• TIFF
• BMP

Most of the PS3's versatility is due to the fact that it can accept data from multiple sources, including usb flash drives, usb hard disc drives (including iPods), memory sticks (Sony's technology), memory stick duos, SD cards, and compact flash. Also, firmware updates from Sony consistently increase the number of file types and quality of media you watch/play on the system. DVD upscaling quality could improve by 30-40% through firmware updates according to this source:
www.ps3fanboy.com/2007...

Since this model of the PS3 is one of the first 2 released (this and the 20 GB were the first 2), it has almost 100% backward compatibility with PSone and PS2 games. I have tried games from both systems, and never found one that doesn't work. It is far superior to the 20 GB model because it has extra USB ports (total of 4), WiFi, and Bluetooth technology built in. (It even has drivers for common printers somehow built in! I plugged mine in it worked!)

In summary, the system's ability to play CDs, DVDs, Blu Rays, HD games, DivX and AVI files from USB drives (taken from the computer), its wireless (or ethernet, if you prefer) connectivity, its backward compatibility, its free online community, and its overall quiet running, super-reliable performance make it the top candidate for years to come. And the 60 GB launch model is the best PS3, hands down.

And I didn't even mention PlayTV, which is Sony's new product that will allow PS3 owners to record TV to their PS3s just like with TiVO. And don't forget, if you have a PSP, any files on your PS3, including photos, music, video files, TV, and some games, are accessible from anywhere there is a wireless hotspot.

By wakkawakka - Mar 4, 2008

Sony PS3 is very good

Strengths: Built in wi-fi, bluetooth, blu-ray disc player, capable of 7.1 surround sound and 1080p resolution. free online play and all for just 600 is a completely revolutionary price for all this.

Weakness: not a lot of good games out at the moment, waiting for gran turismo 5, lair, heavenly sword, metal gear solid 4, final fantasy 13 and much more but most of it will come out in late 2007 and early 08

definitely a must buy system, comes with a free 1 year warranty from sony. very reliable system, doesn't break down as much as 360's do. 7.1 surround sound with 1080p? good god, the awesomous power and strength of this machine. a 8 cell core processor makes this a supercomputer. dvd's and blu-ray movies play great on this.

By ddldave - Apr 8, 2007

I purchased the PS3 for two...

Strengths: Graphics

Weakness: Heat retention, cost

I purchased the PS3 for two reasons, gaming and BluRay DVD capability. I have recently upgraded to HD and felt that I had might as well pay the +/- 600 for the Playstation since it was not significantly different then a BluRay player. I have not been disappointed with the gaming aspect of the PS3. I have not been that impressed with the difference between a normal DVD and BluRay. The 7.1 surround...
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I purchased the PS3 for two reasons, gaming and BluRay DVD capability. I have recently upgraded to HD and felt that I had might as well pay the +/- 600 for the Playstation since it was not significantly different then a BluRay player. I have not been disappointed with the gaming aspect of the PS3. I have not been that impressed with the difference between a normal DVD and BluRay. The 7.1 surround output (yes I have a 7.1 setup) does not significantly differ from the 5.1 output to the reciever that then artificially creates 7.1.

I have the PS3 inside a cabinet that houses the rest of my home theater electronics. I have recieved a over heat message because I left the door closed. I have since removed the back panel of the credenza but it is clear that Sony could have done a little better on the heat distribution.

It is no secret that the game selection is still limited for the PS3. This continues to be the case. The games are expensive at $60 each but I have found that you can get them from online stores for +/- $30 each.

By Martenjg - Jun 11, 2007

Happy Customer

Strengths: Great graphics, easy to use, plays audio and video on many mediums, surround sound and internet.

Weakness: expensive

Too expensive for a game machine. But, if you know it's capabilities and use it to it's full potential, it is well worth the money. I use it for DVDs and CDs. My 13 year-old uses it almost exclusively for games. Hooked up to a projector and surround sound it is incredible

By manfromme - May 18, 2007

A year away from FIVE STARS

Strengths: - Wireless Built in - Cheap Blu-Ray Option - Sleek Design - Multiple Memory Type reader - Large Hard Drive - Allows Video and Chat with old PS2 peripherals

Weakness: - Very WEAK launch titles - Its BIG / shoots Hot air like a hairdryer - New Controller feels flimsy/no Rumble - Startup need to install a patch - Internal PS and Slot Load worry me - USB on front

OK..... I've played with every bells and whistles and option that this machine has to offer over the last 4 days. Suffice to say....the PS3 is a quality piece of hardware and an affordable Blu-Ray option if you are into the High Def DVD race (I have both so don't care....and haven't noticed a discernible difference bw the 2 formats). This thing is big (bigger than XBOX)....and its heavy..and it...
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OK..... I've played with every bells and whistles and option that this machine has to offer over the last 4 days. Suffice to say....the PS3 is a quality piece of hardware and an affordable Blu-Ray option if you are into the High Def DVD race (I have both so don't care....and haven't noticed a discernible difference bw the 2 formats). This thing is big (bigger than XBOX)....and its heavy..and it gets smudged easily. The potential is there for greatness but the lack of quality software at launch is a hinderance. Of the exclusives...RESISTANCE is the ONLY game really worth purchasing IMO...but its no GEARS OF WAR.

Setup for this system...to apply the patches and do the The PS Online account signup should take you about an hour. NOW if the patch download is slow (which mine was)....it could be more.....alot more (I fell asleep).

The Playstation store while having a graphically pleasing interface than XBL Marketplace....does not zip from screen to screen as XBL does as it seems to be web-based, and downloads are only allowed 1 at a time. Also...demos....after download....then need to be INSTALLED to work.

Voice chat is not available for all online launch games with Resistance being the only one I saw it active. The PS Online does allow for Video and Audio chat with a USB or Bluetooth headset and the EYETOY Camera. There is a remote play feature with the PSP but has not been activated as of yet and seems it requires you to use WPA-SK. It hooked up flawlessly with my PSP and Archos DVR for access to videos pics and music.

This model is worth it for the extra 100$ over the 20GB model as the built-in Wireless and memory card slots allow a bit of flexibility in networks and transferring items. Anyone telling you anything else probably couldn't get the better model.

The thing that worries me most is the internal power supply and slot-loading mechanism. Granted the unit is quiet and seems to be shooting out all the heat....but as with past Playstation models I'll keep my fingers crossed b/c Playstations are not known for their longtime reliability. As for the slot-loading mechanism.....I have yet to see one that does not eventually have issues....whether it be the rubber wheels leaving marks on discs to discs gettings stuck inside. Slot-loading looks good.....but its long term reliability is still questionable.

The HDMI ran smoothly with my HDTVs....but there seems there could be a possible issue with HDMI 1.1 as some people have reported handshake issues. The screen does go blank when the PS3 handshakes with HDMI...this occurs when ever a resolution is requested or changed (i.e. System is turned on, Game starts, Movie played, etc).

One thing I've determined should have been done is that USB Ports should have been put on the back....as multiple cords coming out of the front kinda ruin the sleek look of the machine (USB Headset, EYETOY, Keyboard, and PSP)

By goosedude - Nov 21, 2006