Cons: potentially heat, size, mediocre game library at the moment
The Bottom Line: This model is perfect for playing for nearly any title in the PS family, as well as surfing the web and viewing various media on one system.
livewire_13's Full Review: Sony Playstation 3 (60 GB) Console
Just looking at the price tag of a Playstation 3 [PS3] is enough to give all but the bravest heart problems, but owning one makes up for it and then some.
Unlike earlier systems, the PS3 costs a fortune. It's expensive for the consumer, but early versions of the console itself were reportedly ravaging Sony. After plugging it in for the first time, I saw why there's so much coin attached - this system is incredibly versitile.
The PS3 is slightly larger overall in size than the PS2 or other systems, and weighs a hefty 11 pounds. The unit itself has also been criticized for heat problems. I was careful to leave lots of space on the sides and top of my unit and have never dealt with overheating, but there are far too many complaints to ignore it completely.
On the other hand, this version features a 60GB hard drive, hardware emulation for PS2 games and 4 USB ports. Other versions limited the number of ports, size of the drive and ability to play older games. The 20 GB is the only other one with hardware emulation, allegedly able to run 96 percent of PS2 games; the 80 GB can only play about 56 percent, the 40 GB play none and the rumored new versions are also expected to play none.
Please note that Sony does give instructions how to replace the internal drive, a standard 2.5 laptop hard disc, without voiding the warranty. The 60 GB phrase is only used to describe this model.
All PS3s can store/play a variety of music, picture and video files on the internal hard drive. They're easily accessed by choosing music or video in the main menu, and then selecting either a playlist or individual listing. Obviously the audio and visual quality is strongly influenced by the TV, cables and sound system built into the entertainment center, everything looks and listens good for the casual user even while just using S-Video and TV speakers.
Another cool toy is the built-in Internet browser. Sure, if you're looking for a full-fledged Internet tool, this probably doesn't help you. However, it does work surprisingly well for casual use, like checking web-based email, news sites or even eBay. Typing typically involves using the controller to hunt and peck words out, although the PS3 will suggest words in its dictionary or that have been written before.
This same typing setup is also used in the PS Network. The first step entails creating an account, or giving Sony all sorts of personal information. You do not need to provide a credit card or financial information to play online, but buying games, movies and other media through Sony's marketplace does require a wallet.
Obviously, the most important feature of the PS3 are the video games. Simply pop in a disc and wait for it to load, or shift over to the disc in the main menu and click X if you shut off the annoying auto-start like I did. Sometimes you want to throw a disc in, but don't actually want to play it right away.
Loading time seems to vary greatly by game, but many popular ones have a very short wait, if any. The biggest exception appears to be Metal Gear Solid 4, which is also unusual in that it saves large parts of the game on the hard drive. The other new issue that occasionally pops up are patches. If you're connected to the Internet and you load certain games, it will prevent the load and prompt you for an update. I don't know if it's possible to bypass the game update, but why would you want to?
In game, the PS3 offers similarly good graphics and audio like playing media files. I should also note that I've got my console hooked up via S-Video on an older TV while my friend used HD cable on a huge projection TV, and I don't notice a massive difference in video quality. Then again, we're often running around in Call of Duty blowing stuff up so there's little time to stare and admire.
Hitting the PS button at any point brings the main menu back up with the game or media in the background, enabling you to quit, change settings or shut off the console. Unfortunately, doing more than one thing at a time typically is prohibited, like setting up bluetooth with a game running, and requires one application to be shut off.
Sony did away with the noticeable buttons on the front to eject discs or shut it off, choosing flat sensor-like buttons built into a ledge underneath the disc player. Using the console without a manual, or even just after years of older systems, takes some getting used to, but becomes second nature.
Beyond the console itself, there are not a tremendous amount of fantastic PS3 only games. That being said, Metal Gear Solid 4 does fit into that category and there are several multi-platform titles, like Rainbow Six: Vegas, NHL 08 and Call of Duty 4 that are well worth picking up. Knowing Sony, there will be more blockbusters available in the years to come, and if a PS4 nears.
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