Sony PlayStation 3 Slim Console (120GB Model) - Cheap Online Store in U.K

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Tom Cat –

  

  

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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…

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Dipayan Aich “DipDaWiz” (Cardiff, UK) –

  

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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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Good Points:
- Free online
- Incredible graphics
- Nearly silent
- Looks very sleek and modern
- Great games
- Built in Blu Ray
- Upscales DVDs
- MUCH more reliable than the Xbox 360 and less noisey
- Great buy!
Bad Points:
- Can run very hot, but can be cured by giving it some airspace

Overall it is a great console, definately worth buying!

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