bit-tech Shopping: Sony PS3 Console with 60GB Hard Drive

Rating: 10

Time with product:

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

Weaknesses: Costly Controllers/Games

Summary: 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.http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/51108http://ps3.ign.com/articles/849/849264p1.html?RSSwhen2008-02-04_071900&RSSid=849264The 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 http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080118-new-nlu-ray-2-0-spec-makes-ps3-the-most-future-proof-player.htmlThe 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? DIVXMUSIC? ATRAC (.oma .msa .aa3)? AAC (.3gp .mp4)? MP3 (.mp3)? WAV (.wav)IMAGES? JPEG? GIF? PNG? TIFF? BMPMost 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:http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2007/06/20/future-ps3-firmware-updates-could-improve-upscaling-30-to-40/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.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 4 Weeks

Strengths: The 60GB version is a great BR player and game machine. Plays PS2 games without a hitch.

Weaknesses: none

Summary: The 80GB will replace the 60GB version and that fancy core chip in the PS3 will be no more as we know it. Buy this while you can get this great box.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3

Strengths: Outstanding graphics, great blu-ray disc playback capabilities. Bluetooth interface. Good looking case

Weaknesses: Where are Socom & Metal Gear?

Summary: The console is very well constructed. It feels rugged. The user interface is very intuitive. With the new 1.80 operating system I can stream music and video from my PC. In the future I will be able to use it as a slingbox with my PSP. The graphics on this machine are unbelievable. All we need now are more games. In the mean time it is a great blu-ray dvd player.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Weeks

Strengths: Graphics

Weaknesses: Heat retention, cost

Summary: 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.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Months

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

Weaknesses: expensive

Summary: 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