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182 of 189 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fat on Features, Slim in Price Cut, 1 Sep 2009
Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars
I previously owned the 80GB "fat" Playstation since December '08, but had nothing but trouble with it - three breakdowns, three refurb machines in replacement. It's no secret that the original 60GB models obviously contain better quality components, when Sony didn't consider profit margin.
The first thing you'll notice with this new model is the much smaller packaging, which I believe is a good move in itself as ridiculously large boxing only harms the environment through many different ways. The contents, however, is still the same as the previous generation Playstation 3;
- Console
- 1 x Control Pad (Built in rechargeable battery, charged via the USB cable, SixAxis Motion Sensor built in)
- 1 x USB cable
- 1 x Scart cable
- 1 x Scart block
- Power Cable (Now a 'kettle' lead due to the lower power consumption)
- Manual/leaflets
The pictures you'll see of the console do it absolutely no justice - beautiful is an understatement. While it's so much thinner, the surface area remains about the same, so the console has an almost 'squashed' look. The 'cut out' effect used near the disc drive gives the console a much simpler look that, to me, is more modern, and the reduction of exterior components gives it a neater look. Once in operation the fan noise is a tad quieter, but this depends on what you're doing. If the console is Idle, it no longer whirls up, and its almost silent when just sitting there. Naturally, the fans will whirl up during intense operations, but since such situations were relatively quiet anyway, I have absolutely no issue with the noise it makes.
A nice silver PS badge replaces the previous one above the disc drive, with no axis function. The Power/Disc buttons are no longer touch-sensitive, but to be frank I never understood why a games console needs touch-buttons anyway. They are now click-buttons that give a nice backlight glow when in operation. All the LED lights remain, though the power and disc (green/red and blue) lights are now smaller and directly above each button. During operation in dim light, it looks quite striking.
The PS3 contains a standard 2.5 inch Hard Drive that is easily replaceable - a screw and flap are all that need taking away. 2.5 inch Hard Drives are very cheap these days, so it's fantastic Sony offer you the easiest and cheapest option (the Xbox can only use Microsoft's Hard Drives with a specific moulded shape). Only thing I would say regarding I/O is that the only 2 USB ports are at the front, so you have the cables from an EyeCamera or other permanent peripherals on view which is annoying.
After using this on launch day, System OS 3.0 wasn't pre-installed on the console like Sony promised which was disappointing, but I expect newer consoles may have it installed ready. The new operating system, however, is a joy to use and picks up on many flaws of the old whilst adding new fantastic features, such as a dedicated BBC iPlayer program, Facebook posting, and lots more. Sony should really do a better job marketing these features.
The PS3 provides a fantastic interface and options for DVD and Blu-Ray playback - even better with the additional Remote Control. On our 27" wide TV, the results are stunning - it's such a shame that standard definition DVD's are, relatively, in a mid life cycle. What's most appreciative about the technology is that some of the older films we've bought (upscaled to HD using original cinema film) provide a whole new experience. 2001: Space Odyssey looks like it was filmed yesterday, while Disney Blu-Rays provide beautifully flawless artwork - almost as if they were modelled on a computer. Given Sony have done such a poor job marketing Blu-Ray, Disney have squeezed all the life out it it.
Finally, games. I'll get to the point - I'm not a "hardcore" gamer (the apparent term for considering it a hobby), but the reason I originally got the PS3 was because of the value games from different sources, such as Downloads from the FREE internet service 'Playstation Network' (built in Wi-Fi), and of course Disc. Contrary to popular belief, the PS3 and Xbox 360 actually both have strengths of their own. While the PS3's CPU processor (the brain, named 'Cell') is quite superior to the Xbox 360, the GPU (the graphics chipset, an RSX model) is actually inferior to the Xbox 360's.
Have I noticed a difference? No, not enough to start arguing. Both the PS3 and 360 offer unbelievable graphics, and we should be grateful for the age we live in.
I'll just point out that their is NO HDMI cable included in the box. If you want to use the console in High Definition, you will need to buy HDMI cable separately. If you're moving from an older PS3, back-up your PS1 game data individually (Press triangle above the save file, then Copy), as Copyright issues prevent them from being backed-up. Do the same for your original PS3 game saves for peace of mind! Also note that Game Content can't be copied over due to similar legal issues - you'll need to re-download them.
So why not 5 Stars? The price. Whilst I'm a firm believer that a Blu-Ray player and a games console that utilises this technology is a bargain at this price, not everyone is comfortable paying this, which is very understandable. And for the price, it would have been nice if Sony learnt from Microsoft and included cheap essentials, such as a HDMI cable, an ethernet cable, or even both. Instead, such accessories as the official headset, remote control, or keypad remain expensive extras which I feel is wrong. But if you accept that you're getting two pieces of technology which quite easily transform your entertainment, then you'll appreciate this is a wonderful machine that's now in better shape (excuse the pun) than ever.
I even remember the Sega Saturn costing £399 back in the early 90's...
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27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Does exactly what it says on the tin, 29 Oct 2009
Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars
Look, I hail from the days of Nintendo Nintendos and Sega Megadrives. To me, a console exists so that I can play games in my spare time. Over the years, companies have strived to offer more from this medium to entice the hard earned cash from our wallets and thus, we've reached an age where your console is no longer just a means of playing games. Consoles today are presented as media stations. I can play DVDs and blu rays, browse the internet, download vids, games, demos etc and chat to my friends, all via one piece of equipment. It's quite something when I think about it; this kind of progress in entertainment has occurred in the time it's taken me to age by about 20 years! Yet, in the same period we still haven't quite solved the issue of renewable energy, human and animal rights abuse and a whole myriad of other, more pressing issues. Ah, the power of our great imaginary god (money. And the other guy)!
So, what about the PS3 specifically? What is it about this console that makes it any different to the others? It's quite simple, actually: Blu Ray. I don't care about game exclusivity (except maybe Gears of War 3) or devotion to a company based on some rudimentary geographical location. I simply want to get as much as possible for as little as possible. I could get a blu ray separately but that's is the thing. Why do that when I can just get a console that does both?
I've had this baby for a Month now and it does absolutely everything I want it to do. It plays my DVDs and games. I couldn't ask for more, frankly. Blu rays and Games alike look great on my HD tv and I like not having to pay for an online service (although I appreciate that there are perks that go along with the costs associated with certain competitors, though I couldn't name them off the top of my head!)
There are a couple of things that frustrate me, although it's not necessarily a PS3 'fault' as such.
First, almost every game I've played required an install and an update download. Not entirely Sony's fault, although I've recently moved to a house with a decidedly slow internet service and as such sometimes I have to wait overnight before I can actually play a game (if I want it to have the latest updates of course!). What I'm saying is, don't expect to get a game home and play it straight away. You may have to wait just a short while as it adds all the little bits the developers apparently forgot to stick in when they were busy delaying the game for another Month for 'polishing' purposes.
The other gripe is, while some downloads (eg. demos) can be downloaded in the background while you play (slower than if you just leave the system alone, mind!), updates require you to go and read a book, cure cancer... anything. Just leave the system and your internet connection alone until it's done!
The third and final of my couple of gripes is this; I'm not sure how big a deal this is, but I'm sure that due to the more compact size of the PS3, there's a lot more heat being generated in a much smaller space. The table and wall at the back of the box gets very hot indeed, despite my having it on a suitably sized coffee table with more than enough space all around. It worried me to the extent that I actually have a small fan running along the back to help dissipate some of the heat!
Finally, I used to own an Xbox 360 and I just want to say something on this issue. I really don't think I've made a wrong decision in choosing the PS3 this time round. I'm not sure if I see any immediate benefit either. In the end, 3 things persuaded me that I wanted the PS3:
1. In the long run (or foreseeable future at least!) owning a PS3 is actually cheaper, when you consider peripherals and payments required to get online with the 360.
2. I can not express in words how satisfying it is to be able to play online and not have to tolerate the incessant whining of kids, all of whom, usually, are clearly far too young to be playing the game (mentally if not chronologically!)
3. Have I mentioned blu ray?
All in all, I'm very happy with this purchase. Can I, in all honesty, recommend this over any other console? For me, the answer is a yes, although I can't say you'd be missing out on much if you got the Xbox 360 unless you don't have a blu ray player and value that sort of thing. Simply ask yourself, what do you want your console to do for you?
What I can also say is this. If you approach life with an open, rational mind and are capable of existing without forming asinine alliances with 3rd parties that neither acknowledge you as a person, nor care as much about the fact you were ever born as they do about how much money you can give them, then I can tell you it's unlikely you'll be disappointed with Sony's offering if you take the plunge!
I'm not entirely sure if I could really deduct any marks. I get everything I want from this product and more. Maybe I'm just too easily pleased? Maybe I should be demanding even more from my entertainment centre? I mean, I know that when I had Gillette Mach 3 I thought all my shaving prayers had been answered right up until they turned it up to 11 and released the even more multi-bladed Gillette super fusion for only a nominal increase in price. Now, I know for a fact that I definitely have the best shaving experience this time. I'll have to peruse on this, but in the meantime I'm going to play a little Madden 10, rather sadly pretend I'm Batman (excellent game by any standard, just like the revamped movies!) and ultimately wait for MW2 for the pc, because that's what this is all really about. I just needed a way to waste the hours and days while I waited for the next instalment of what is essentially the perfect online FPS experience, on the best platform for gaming! ;o)
Happy gaming! Or watching DVDs. Or chatting to your friends. Whatever, just go away now.
Cheers
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply Awesome, 6 Oct 2009
Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars
When I started playing video games I preferred PC games... they are easy to control with mouse and keyboard and I never felt comfortable with console gamepads... eventually I grew old, stopped playing games as they need more patience to play through and complete... then one fine day after tedious office hours I just ordered this PS3 from Amazon without thinking twice (well... without thinking anything)... Amazon delivery was fast as usual... got Resistance 2, Hawx and pacific rift... as soon as I switched in on... IT JUST BLEW MY MIND ... Blu-ray, HD output and high quality audio... I immerged into the world of game again... finished Hawx and Resistance 2 within one week... now I feel like I am young again... it's not only about games... I can stream my media contents from my PC... but the best part I liked about this (well it is true with all consoles) you switch on the TV and press the PS logo on the controller... you are ready to go... frag some aliens or shoot down your enemy in a dog fight over Rio!... its your choice... and hundreds of titles to choose from.
Highly recommended for those who want hassle free, fun fill and pure gamming pleasure and entertainment AIO...
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