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PlayStation 3 160GB System by Sony
Product SummaryBrand: Sony Audio: English (Original Language) Release Date: 2010-08-17 Platform: PlayStation 3 Model: 98418 Color: One Color Publisher: Sony Accessories:
Video Game Reviews of PlayStation 3 160GB SystemCustomer Review: Never a better time than right now to buy a PS3 Summary: 4 Stars
In 2006 during the launch of the PS3 the very first thing that turned me off was the gaudy price tag of 600 bucks but not merely because it was simply so expensive. To me what the PS3 represented was an overly priced lesser grade gaming PC computer. In part, what made the Playstation 3 feel too much like a lesser computer system to the PC/MAC were the multi platform games being ported over to it, as well as the computer like design with a lower capacity 20 GB internal HDD. Lack of identity really hurt this system in the market early on. Competition with Microsoft was heating up and I think they lost something of themselves in their overly aggressive campaign to be the best of the current generation. The old adage "anything you can do I can do better" might be the best way to sum up the console wars between Sony and Microsoft. But a major problem (one that still affects the system) has always been the software. Unlike with the Playstation 2, the PS3 has become a hub of sorts for multi platform gaming. Developers are dumping off PC software, sports titles, and multi platform releases, focusing far less on creating unique content for the system itself. This is where you run into the identity crisis that plagues the PS3 in my mind because part of the success of a console in the market is in delivering software that can't be found anywhere else. That one special game you just HAVE to have that only a PS3 can give you.....it's all been lost for the most part this generation. When Final Fantasy was unique to the Playstation, when Grand Theft Auto and Resident Evil could only be found on a PS2, you had a system with identity. I'm not bashing multi platform gaming as some of it's really good stuff. But neither does it do much to explain to me the unique values of owning the PS3 machine as opposed to anything else that might be cheaper. After many small price cuts and various system sacrifices like losing two of the initial four USB inputs and PS2 software support, Sony decided the PS3 system needed a fresh change and a new start. The PS3 was re-designed from the ground up and they addressed some of the concerns that consumers like you and I might have had since the 2006 debut. So just what makes the PS3 worthy of consideration and what has actually changed about the system? Let's take a closer look at some of these changes and why they might make the leap to the PS3 a value you just can't afford to pass up any longer:
--NEW SYSTEM DESIGN CHANGES--
--The PS3 went on a diet and lost some size and weight with the all new Slim version of the console. The older model PS3 uses a 60 nano meter Cell processor whereas the newer models use 45 and (most recently) a 40 nm version of the same processor. The newer processors lose none of their performance but use less energy and require less physical space. As a result, Sony can now use smaller fan units and make smaller mother boards to condense the overall size of the machine's chassis. Why does this matter you wonder? Well besides simply being smaller than it's bulky and ungainly counter part, the PS3 Slim can be manufactured at a more affordable rate which translates to a more affordable purchase for YOU in the end.
--The new design changes include the material used in it's construction. The Chassis is now a textured matte finished surface which is more tolerant of finger smudges when being handled. The new surface was meant to address complaints with handling a PS3 system but some people still like the glossy sheen to the original model, so opinions are mixed on this. The front panel where you would normally turn the power on/off or eject discs, is no longer touch sensitive. There are actual buttons which when turned on, light up. You'll find the newer button style to be less pressure sensitive than the original models were. Turning your system on is much easier. It no longer has a main power button in the back however. Additionally the PS3 Slim has a horizontal design and is not meant to stand in the vertical position although a vertical stand accessory can oblige your needs. Overall the new design strikes a more casual look without losing too much of it's overall appeal, it's a very fine looking next generation electronic device.
--The overall capacity of the internal HDD has been increased by triple it's 2006 amount of a meager 20 GB to a minimum of 160 GB. Meanwhile, the HDD can now be accessed from the front of the system unlike the original models. You will appreciate the fact that a PS3 can use any standard 2.5" Serial-ATA HDD (common in notebooks/laptops) for internal storage, and this opens up a wide range of upgrade possibilities based on your own budget and how much space you actually want.
--Playstation 2 software support is completely gone in the Slim model. The good news is that you can still use the PS3 HDD for PS2 game save storage by using a memory card adapter accessory (sold separately). PS2 consoles are very cheap and still widely sold for around 100 bucks so it's no major loss, but it is a well missed feature no less. You can however still play PSone classics on a PS3 either buy purchasing a download over the Playstation Network, or by having the PSone CD ROM. No memory card adapters are needed for PSone games unless you are still using a PSone console and wish to transfer save files onto Psone memory cards.
--PS3 Slim no longer has the memory card reader slots that the original model had hiding under that door flap. This is a feature that isn't a real loss since virtually everything you'll need in terms of accessing other storage devices/accessories can be accomplished via the USB 2.0 inputs. However, there are only 2 USB inputs on the PS3 Slim so you may require additional battery charger accessories to free up space if your into owning a lot of PS3 accessories or extra external HDD's.
--FEATURES--
--A capable Blu-ray player fresh from the box, the PS3 does all your DVD's, HD DVD's, and Blu-ray movies up to a maximum 1920x1080p resolution. It can also store mp3 music files as well as stream netflix or Hulu Plus HD quality movies and TV shows.
--All games in it's library are capable of no less than a minimum of 720p resolution. The PS3 has a very strong processor for a home console and is capable of greater drawing distances than any current system (Xbox 360 and Wii). This means you can expect massive gaming worlds to explore, dazzling special effects, and an overall deeper level of gameplay thanks in part to the blu-ray medium which can store more data than average DVD ROMS.
--Online play through the Playstation Network is entirely free of charge and available 24-7. Additional features to online access with your PS3 include the ability to access digital copies of popular PS3, PSone classics and PSP full game releases. The PS3 has it's own built in web browser for simple web viewing online. Supports WIFI wireless internet connection as well as ethernet broadband.
--Bluetooth wireless interface. All controllers and accessories are completely wireless and can be charged via it's own built in USB inputs. There are no IR ports however for devices that use this function including your average TV remotes and the like.
--interchangeable internal HDD setup. You can upgrade your PS3 hard drive for larger capacity without voiding warranties.
--BRAVIA Sync. Lets you sync your PS3 with a Sony Bravia TV when you have HDMI cables attached. This allows you to control all your Sony devices with a single controller...including the PS3 over the TV. You MUST have Bravia Sync compatible devices and an HDMI cable for this to work. Look on the retail package of your Sony products to see if it is Bravia sync capable.
--Dualshock 3 Sixaxis bluetooth wireless controllers. They are a hybrid form of the PS2 controller though completely wireless and with tilt/motion functionality as well as rumble capabilities. The R2 and L2 buttons have undergone a change from being mere back buttons to becoming more like pressure sensitive triggers. The controllers now have a home button that gives players more control over the controllers themselves as well as an ability to quit current games or swapping player positions. Interestingly back in 2006 Sony was in a court battle over copyrights for the Dualshock (rumble) technology. During this period Sony only shipped Sixaxis wireless controllers that did not have a rumble feature. Sony eventually won it's case however and now all PS3 Slims ship with at least 1 Dualshock 3 Sixaxis controller.
--Remote Play allows you to use your PSP hand held to access the PS3 over your home network connection, directly on your PSP screen. The PSP can in general be used to access files from a memory stick pro duo. This allows PSP game saves or game purchases for the PSP to be saved to the HDD or placed back onto a memory stick pro duo from the HDD.
--The PS3 uses an XMB (Cross Menu Bar) menu system. The XMB is concurrent with all newer Bravia TV, Sony Blu-Ray devices as well as the PSP. It's an intuitive series of menu operations which can be accessed with the PS3 controller directional pad. It's not too difficult to grasp for anyone with any small amount of tech savvy.
--CONCLUSION--
At an entry level of just $[...] your getting a gaming machine with a heck of a lot to offer. Whether you want just movies, just games, or both, the PS3 Slim can do it and do it well. The Slim model further's this value with larger capacity drives to get you started. You can play online absolutely free of charge and even stream movies from popular movie websites like Netflix or Hulu Plus. While it's gaming library still lacks it's own identity for the most part, it does still have a few good unique titles to look into like Uncharted 2 or the Ratchet and clank series. The PS3 is especially worth a look if you want great PC computer titles but don't have a capable computer system as a lot of PC content will often get ported to the PS3. The Sims 3, Dragon Age Origins, The Elder Scrolls IV are a few such PC titles the PS3 will also do. The Playstation Move motion controller accessory isnt well established just yet but it's definitely going to pick up the slack as developers turn attention to it in the next year. In fact, the Move accessory may just be that defining moment where the PS3 will shine and finally get it's own identity. The future is bright for the well priced, well built PS3 Slim and it's a value you shouldn't pass up.
Description of PlayStation 3 160GB SystemWith the PlayStation 3 160GB system, you get free PlayStation Network membership, built-in Wi-Fi and 160GB of hard disk drive storage for games, music, videos and photos. This system will come with firmware 3.6 or greater. You can easily upgrade to the latest firmware for free, simply by connecting the PS3 to the internet. And every PS3 system comes with a built-in Blu-ray player to give you pristine picture quality and the best high-definition viewing experience available. Whether it?s gaming, Blu-ray movies, music or online services, experience it all with the PlayStation 3 system. All PlayStation 3 systems are already equipped with everything you need to play stereoscopic 3D games. | The fourth generation of hardware released for the PlayStation 3 entertainment platform, the PlayStation 3 160GB system is the next stage in the evolution of Sony's console gaming powerhouse. Loaded with a mix of multimedia features and functions available on earlier PlayStation 3 models, as well as a series of new advancements and refinements, the PlayStation 3 160GB system is destined to push the envelope in the realm of Next-Generation entertainment. What's Under the Hood As with previous models, the PlayStation 3 160GB system features an IBM "Cell" processor and a co-developed NVIDIA graphics processor that together allow the system to perform two trillion calculations per second. Yet the 160GB system manages to improve on this with its 45nm version of the processor, which although running at the same 60+nm speed as previous PS3 versions, uses less energy. This makes the unit's smaller size and quieter fan possible. Along with the traditional AV and composite connections, the 160GB system also boasts an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port, which delivers uncompressed, unconverted digital picture and sound to compatible high-definition TVs and projectors. (The system is capable of 128-bit pixel precision and 1080p resolution for a full HD experience) This console also provides for an extreme sound experience by supporting Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, as well as Linear PCM 7.1. Finally, it features cross connectivity with your PC network and PlayStation Portable (PSP) and its pre-installed, 160GB hard disc drive allows you to save games as well as download content from The Internet. Unlike other models of the PlayStation 3, the 160GB system does not offer backwards compatibility. The same functionality now in a smaller, more quiet and energy efficient package View larger. | Space saving when placed upright... View larger. | As well as when horizontal View larger. | A textured, no fingerprint finish View larger. | Blu-ray, PlayStation Network Downloads and Beyond PlayStation 3 utilizes the Blu-ray disc media format, which gives you the best high-definition viewing experience on your television, by way of the format's ability to hold six times as much data as traditional DVDs. This tremendous capacity, combined with the awesome power of the system's processor and graphics card, promises an endless stream of mind-blowing games, and other multimedia content. However, this does not mean that the PS3 is limited to Blu-ray discs - it also supports CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R formats. In addition, PlayStation 3 system software includes BD Live support that allows you to play discs that support Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0 (BD-LIVE). This means that you can also connect to the Internet while playing discs that support this format to obtain additional features. Of course, PS3 owners also receive free access to the PlayStation Network (PSN), where through the PlayStation Store and PlayStation Home, they can download games, game demos, movies, and other content, as well as chat with friends, play mini-games, compete in tournaments and explore dedicated game spaces. Sensational Controller The Dualshock 3 wireless controller(one controller) included with The PlayStation 3 160GB system provides the most intuitive gameplay experience, with pressure sensors in each action button and the inclusion of the highly sensitive Sixaxis motion-sensing technology. Each hit, crash, and explosion is more realistic when the user feels the rumble right in the palm of their hand. It can even detect natural movements for real-time and high precision interactive play, acting as a natural extension of the user?s body. Dualshock 3 utilizes Bluetooth technology for wireless game play and the controller?s detachable USB cable to seamlessly and automatically charge the controller when connected to the PlayStation 3. By integrating all of these features into the popular PlayStation controller design, the Dualshock 3 further enhances the advanced gameplay experience only available on the PlayStation 3 system. Synch with Your Other Sony HDMI Devices The PlayStation 3 160GB system features HDMI + Bravia Synch functionality. Bravia Synch allows connectivity between Sony HDMI products without having to utilize multiple remote controls. This means that with the push of one button, users can control compliant Sony devices connected to your PS3 via HDMI cable. What's in The Box: - New slimmer and lighter PS3 system with a 160 GB HDD, Internet-ready built-in Wi-Fi, 2 USB ports and HDMI + Bravia Synch output for 1080p resolution and connectivity between other Sony HDMI products.
- Dualshock 3 wireless controller(one controller).
- AC power cord, AV cable and USB cable.
- Free PlayStation Network membership.
System Specifications: | CPU | Cell Broadband Engine (Cell/B.E.) | | GPU | RSX | | Sound | LPCM 7.1ch, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTs, DTS-HD, AAC | | Memory | 256MB XDR Main RAM, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM | | HDD | 2.5" Serial ATA | 160GB | | Networking | | Ethernet | X1 (10BASE-T,100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T) | | IEEE 802.11 b/g | Included | | Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR) | Included | | Controller | Dualshock 3 wireless controller included(one controller)
| | AV Output | Resolution | 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i (for PAL 576p, 576i) | | HDMI OUT + Bravia Synch | 1 | | AV MULTI OUT | 1 | | DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) | 1 | BD/DVD/CD Drive (Read Only) | Maximum Read Speed | BD 2x (BD-ROM) | | DVD 8x (DVD-ROM) | | CD 24x (CD-ROM) | | USB Ports | 2 | | Backwards Compatibility | No | | Dimensions | 13.385"(w) x 13.385"(h) x 6.299"(d) | | Weight | Approx. 7.05 lb. | |
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