As DVD playback made the PlayStation 2 more than just a game machine, hefty multi-media features make the PlayStation 3 Slim an even more versatile home entertainment machine. 32% smaller, 36% lighter and consuming 34% less power than the originals, this latest edition of the PlayStation 3 has been completely redesigned for a much more streamlined feel. 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 320 GB hard disc drive allows you ample room to save games as well as download content from the internet.
PlayStation Slim: Leaner and Meaner
A sleek new look
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
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.
In addition, PlayStation 3 system software update version 2.20 and up includes BD Live support. With this you can now play discs that support Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0 (BD-LIVE) and you can also connect to the Internet while playing discs that support this format so that you can obtain additional features. Features that are available vary depending on the software in use.
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.
Online Play all your favourite games online and much more over the PlayStation Network. With the 320GB storage capacity of the PlayStation 3 Slim, you can also store more downloadable games, music, photos, videos and much more. PlayStation network members can also download free applications such as PlayStation Home, a ground-breaking 3D social gaming community available only on PS3 that allows users to interact, communicate and share gaming experiences, as well as Life with PlayStation, which offers users various news and information on your TV by connecting the PlayStation 3 to the network.
What's in the Box?
Game system
DualShock wireless controller
AC power cord
Audio/Video cable (HDMI or Component cable sold separately)
USB cable
PlayStation 3 Slim 320gb Specification:
CPU
Cell Broadband Engine (Cell/B.E.)
GPU
RSX
Sound
LCPM 7.1ch, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD, ACC and others.
I thought Id write a review for this product as there arent many on here... and when I shop for games I really like reading the reviews to get a good idea of what it will be like.
Firstly il start off by saying that the PS3 320GB is a fantastic bit of kit. Fast, reliable (So far) and produces some amazing graphics. Has plenty of options and settings that the user is able to tune to there liking and the menu (XMB) is simple to navigate. The processor is really fast when at the main menu but if im honest it does suffer a little bit when you try pulling it up once playing a game.
The playstation network is a free service (Which is great) and really simple to set up. I have previusly had an xbox 360 and therefor Xbox live and to be honest I feel that Sony have done a really good job with the Playstation Network. Saying this the playstation network doesnt have a party chat feature unlike Xbox live.
The design of the console is simplistic yet smart. The controller fits nicely into your hand and the triggers are at a comfortable distance.
Rating for the PS3 320GB Console:
Value for money: 8.5/10 Graphics: 9/10 Processing speed: 9/10 Playstation Network: 8.5/10
Moving onto Call Of Duty Black ops all I can say is that I was rather dissapointed.. After playing hours of Modern Warfare 2 I had high hopes for this game. I first bought it on the Xbox where I thought it was ok. After selling my Xbox and buying this PS3 bundle things got slightly worse.
As a game in general the graphics seem to have been turned down a notch from Modern Warfare 2's (even thought it uses World At Wars graphics engine) and come sometimes appear to be quite "sloppy".
I cant really rate the sound of the game like other people do as this isnt important to me and I dont generally pick up on "Good" and "Bad" sounds.
The gameplay does suffer some framerate issues as well as lag and connection loss which can be really annoying but then again there are alot of users online so you can make your own minds up on that.. Personally I think the lag/framerate and connection issues should be ironed out..
Online gameplay as I have already said doesn suffer some technical issues but apart from that the actual gameplay is quite good. You will find yourself playing for hours upon hours without even realising it.
The best part of the game for me has to be the return of ZOMBIES! This mode does suffer the same graphical issues as the other modes but let me tell you.. this mode is addictive and is SUPER SUPER fun. As well as this Treyarch have released several map packs which only improve the enjoyment shooting down the zombies.
If I had to give a rating to Call Of Duty Black Ops:
Overall Black Ops is a good game and is definatly worth a play if you are a fan of the Call Of Duty series. Althought at first you might find it a step down (as a lot of people have) you will end up spending hours and hours of time playing through the different modes.
--> As a console bundle I would rate it as a decent: 8.5/10
--> (If Black Ops was a little better I would have rated it a 9/10)
--> P.S. Just wanted to say that PS3 320GB really is a great console :)
I bought this bundle from Amazon the other week to replace my old 40GB PS3 and apart from being more quiet,smaller & with 280GB more memory it,s the same excellent console/multi-media system.