Well, this is going to be real tempting after it comes out in September.
The Slim is hitting stores September 1 in North America and Europe and will cost $299 (or for those who live in regions, 299 euros or 29,980 yen). Hirai says the device has the same features and functions as the "old" PS3 but is 33 percent smaller, 36 percent lighter, and comes with a 120GB hard drive. (See photo comparison here).
Sony says that to achieve the new form factor, the internal design architecture of the new PS3 system has been completely redesigned--"from the main semiconductors and power supply unit to the cooling mechanism."
The PS3 Slim is powered by a new 45nm version of the Cell processor, which runs at the same speed as the 60nm processor in the "old" PS3 but is smaller and more energy efficient. According to company reps, power consumption for the Slim has also been cut to two-thirds, "helping to reduce fan noise," which is important.
On the cosmetic front, this model has a textured surface finish that gives the PS3 a fresh, casual look that the company hopes will make it more appealing to a wider audience (read: casual gamers). As previously rumored, the PS3 logo has undergone a redesign and Sony's changing the PS3 brand name from "PLAYSTATION 3" to "PlayStation 3" (we've actually been calling it the PlayStation 3 for a while).
Like the 80GB and 160GB models, the 120GB PS3 Slim has built-in Wi-Fi and two USB ports (sorry, Sony didn't add IR or backwards compatibility for PS2 games). You can also upgrade/replace the hard drive without voiding the warranty, though Sony has moved the hard drive from the side of the unit to the front for "easier access." (To remove the hard drive, you simply unscrew two screws). The one feature missing from the Slim is the ability to install another operating system (i.e., Linux)--Sony is doing away with that feature.
With earlier PS3s, you could prop your unit up vertically or lay it down horizontally. Out of the box, the Slim is only designed to be used in a horizontal position, but Sony will sell a $24 stand that allows you to stand it up vertically.
In making the move to the PS3 Slim, Sony will be upgrading the firmware to 3.00 and phasing out its legacy 80GB and 160GB models, selling them for $299 and $399 respectively.
John Koller, director of hardware marketing for Sony Computer Entertainment America, says they've been able to run down inventory of older models, but he didn't have the best answer as to why someone would buy an old 80GB model over the new 120GB Slim. "Some people want a unit right away and they may like the look of the old unit," he said. "People will have their reasons for wanting one."
source:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10312144-1.html (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10312144-1.html)
I am a bit ticked that I paid almost double this price for my PS3, and the only feature I have that's missing from this model is PS2 backwards compatibility. Funny thing is I am only just now starting to play the thing very often anyway; up to now I almost exclusively played the 360. Oh well.
This is the way tech always goes. I used to jump on every new thing immediately, but lately I have decided to wait and pick up the later generations of items as they come out. Usually much cheaper and better than the first editions. This PS3 - slim is very tempting. Maybe for Christmas.
Quote from: Rico on August 28, 2009, 07:09:29 AM
This is the way tech always goes. I used to jump on every new thing immediately, but lately I have decided to wait and pick up the later generations of items as they come out. Usually much cheaper and better than the first editions. This PS3 - slim is very tempting. Maybe for Christmas.
I was thinking the same thing. I'm probably picking up a big tv (46-52") for the basement and this might make a nice BluRay player.
One thing that might influence your TV purchase is that if you buy a Sony TV you can then control the PS3 Blu-ray functionality with your television remote control. Otherwise you have to use the PS3 controller to navigate the PS3 menus. Sony makes great TVs anyway so you might want to think about that.
The 40" LCD I have in the living room now is a Samsung, they use the same panels as the Sony tv's and I'm quite happy with it. Based on that I'd probably go Samsung or Sony anyways.
Samsungs are great too, they are generally the top rated sets along with Sony and Toshiba. The Samsung set has the swiveling base, which is about the only feature difference between the Sony and Samsung sets. The prices are usually exactly the same too.