Sony Playstation 3 Console (40GB Version)
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Editorial Reviews:
As DVD playback made the PlayStation 2 more than just a game machine, hefty multi-media features make the PlayStation 3 an even more versatile home entertainment machine. Features such as video chat, internet access, digital photo viewing, and digital audio and video will likely make it the central component of your media set-up. Still, it is first and foremost a powerful gaming console.
Under the Hood
The PS3 features IBM's "Cell" processor and a co-developed Nvidia graphics processor that makes the system able to perform two trillion calculations per second. That makes the PlayStation 3 40 times faster than the PS2. Along with the traditional AV and composite connections, it also boasts an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port, which delivers uncompressed, unconverted digital picture and sound to compatible high-definition TV and projectors. The system is capable of 128-bit pixel precision and 1080p resolution for a full HD experience. This console also provides for a sound experience by supporting Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, as well as Linear PCM 7.1. A pre-installed 40 GB hard disc drive allows you to save games as well as download content from the internet. Unlike the other models of the PlayStation 3, the 40GB does not offer backwards compatibility.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Blu-Ray Is the New Way
Sony's PlayStation 3 games are encoded onto the Blu-Ray disc media format, which can hold six times as much data as traditional DVDs. This increase in capacity, combined with the awesome power of its processor and graphics card, promises mind-blowing games once developers have learned how to fully harness the new console's power. The PS3 will also support CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R formats.
Sensational Controller
New gamers intuitively move the controller while playing, even though that movement has traditionally had no relation to what's going on in the game. Sony has picked up on this tendency and is using it to bring a new level of control to the PS3. Inside the controller is a high-precision sixaxis sensing system that accurately detects fine movements in pitch, roll, and yaw, as well as three dimensions of movement. This means that future PS3 games will be controlled by the movements of your hands rather than just your thumbs. For example, you might be able to steer a car by holding the controller like a steering wheel.
While the PS3 controller looks much like its Dual Shock predecessors, it will lack the force-feedback vibration since that would only interfere with the sensing system. It uses Bluetooth 2.0 wireless technology and can support wireless controllers. It's a hot-swappable system, so if your controller is running low on power, just pause your game and connect a USB 2.0 cable. You can continue playing while your controller recharges automatically.
A Slew of New Games
A whole host of game publishers back the PS3. Current and future titles for the system, include The Eye of Judgment, Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, Final Fantasy XIII, Metal Gear Solid 4, Devil May Cry 4, Tekken 6, and Heavenly Sword.
Online
Sony has stated that the PS3 will have similar online connectivity and services as the next generation of Xbox Live. Calling it "an always on, always connected device," SCEI's chief technical officer Masa Chatani said the PS3 would be constantly in touch with a "PlayStation World" network "fundamentally based on community, communication commerce, and content." Technically, the infrastructure is there to make that connection. The PS3 supports 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T Ethernet, as well as IEEE 802.11 b/g wireless networking protocols.
What's in the Box?
- Game system
- Sixaxis wireless controller
- AC power cord
- Audio/Video cable (HDMI or Component cable sold separately)
- USB cable
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Custom Reviews:
| High Definition Dream Box |  |
Also Grand Turismo Prologue with the graphics so high it seems almost real. I rate PS3 5/5 and i reckon it beats all the consoles out
| Reliability concerns hamper good games console |  |
Specification-wise, the console offers both SCART and HDMI outputs (meaning that people with old style CRT displays can still play, and HDTV owners can benefit with hi-def graphics), with an additional optical out for hooking the console through an A/V amp. The console also offers an ethernet socket, enabling you to download updates to firmware and also play on line (depending on game title). On the front of the console are 2 USB ports to connect a variety of devices, such as digital cameras, flash drives, and a USB lead (provided) for charging up the supplied wireless controller. Styling of the console is bulky, rather than beautiful (however no larger or bulkier than an X-box 360), and is finished in glossy black.
The primary reason for buying my console was for its use as a blu-ray player. First generation blu-ray players were expensive and did not have any means of updating firmware, meaning that some of the first generation blu-ray players were obsolete technology-wise before they were 12 months old. Thankfully the PS3 has an ethernet cable to download updates available from Sony's website to ensure that the system can be updated. Please note that by now several new blu-ray players have SD card slots on their facia to enable owners to download updates as and when required. Blu-ray playback in my opinion is sharp and clear. Apparently some blu-ray only players can offer better sound or picture, however the PS3 is okay for me (I use HDMI and my PS3 is connected to a Sony 32" HDTV with sound via a Yamaha A/V amp and Acoustic Energy 5.1 speaker set-up). Games are quite variable, with some excellent titles and some poor titles. I've shopped carefully and read various reviews, so most games I own look good, sound good and are quite playable (even if they don't have the addictable pick-up-and-play feel to some old-skool Playstation One titles (such as Crash bandicoot, Ridge Racer, etc)). If you buy games after establishing what games you are looking for and read some reviews (both professional and amateur), you won't have a problem investing in good games for the PS3.
On reading the review, you are probably wondering why I've only rated the PS3 with 2 stars overall. There is one major issue (at least with my console)- reliability. After nine months of occasional use (probably at most 10 hours use per week) and following manufacturer guidance on ensuring the PS3 is in a well-ventilated location and out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, my PS3 has expired. What happened was when I turned the console on, the green power light on the front of the console lit, but without any audio or visual output from the console. In addition, the controller couldn't link to the PS3 console. I've bought Sony products extensively before this one (TV, dual-deck CD-R, minidisc, mp3 walkman, TAPE walkman (I am showing my age!!), etc), however I was not expecting this console to fail after only a few months. Sony customer services have been effective, but not great. A phone-call got Sony to send a replacement console, however the replacement will be a "reconditioned" unit, rather than a new console. As their product failed, I thought that I should receive a like-for-like replacement- I paid for a new console, their console failed, therefore I thought that I would receive a new console, but according to the small-print, Sony can either send a new or reconditioned console. The warranty on the reconditioned replacement console only lasts until 12 months after date of initial purchase.
In summary, if you want either a multi-media games console/blu-ray player, seriously consider the PS3, but think about adding on optional warranty extensions for additional peace-of-mind. If you consider using the player primarily for blu-ray playback, think about carefully selecting a good dedicated blu-ray player (I understand the Panasonic DMP-BD30 - Blu Ray Disc Player - Black is very good), as they are simpler devices with theoretically less likelihood of failure. I hope this review has been useful to you in what-ever option you follow!!
| why would anyone buy this? |  |
the ps3 40gb is £285 from amazon.... for an extra £5 you can have double the hard drive? why would anyone not buy the bigger one?
| Rubbish |  |
When you can get an 80GB for just £5 more on Amazon, there's no reason to.
| Simply The Best | |
Dont quote me, but to my knowledge the ps3 is only using something like 20% of its power, so the best is yet to come once the rest of this power is unleashed.
Heres to sony for a great buy :)