Product Description

Included

Game system
Dualshock wireless controller
AC power cord
Audio/Video cable
USB cable

As DVD playback made the PlayStation 2 more than just a game machine, hefty multi-media features make the PlayStation 3 Slim an even more versatile home entertainment machine. 32% smaller, 36% lighter and consuming 34% less power than the originals, this latest edition of the PlayStation 3 has been completely redesigned for a much more streamlined feel. Features such as video chat, internet access, digital photo viewing, and digital audio and video will likely make it the central component of your media set-up. Still, it is first and foremost a powerful gaming console.

Under the Hood
The PS3 features IBM's "Cell" processor and a co-developed Nvidia graphics processor that makes the system able to perform two trillion calculations per second. That makes the PlayStation 3 40 times faster than the PS2. Along with the traditional AV and composite connections, it also boasts an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port, which delivers uncompressed, unconverted digital picture and sound to compatible high-definition TV and projectors. The system is capable of 128-bit pixel precision and 1080p resolution for a full HD experience. This console also provides for a sound experience by supporting Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, as well as Linear PCM 7.1. A pre-installed 120 GB hard disc drive allows you ample room to save games as well as download content from the internet.

Blu-Ray Is the New Way
Sony's PlayStation 3 games are encoded onto the Blu-Ray disc media format, which can hold six times as much data as traditional DVDs. This increase in capacity, combined with the awesome power of its processor and graphics card, promises mind-blowing games once developers have learned how to fully harness the new console's power. The PS3 will al

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #141 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Sony
• Released on: 2009-09-01
• Rating: Exempt
• Platform: PLAYSTATION 3
• Format: Unknown format
• Dimensions: 2.56" h x 11.42" w x 11.42" l, 7.05 pounds

Features

• In spite of itsultra-compact design, the new PS3 Slim is just as power-packedas the original PS3! Step into the world of next-generation gaming, multimedia and more with the PlayStation3 Slim and its built-in Blu-ray player and 120 GBhard drive. In fact, you can listen to MP3 music and view photos and videosdirectly on your PS3 Slim, as well as enjoy all the latest ingaming action. What's more, this sleek console has a wide range of connection ports, with anHDMi socket, two USB ports, and WiF
• i and Bluetooth connectivity. The Playstation 3 Slim is a compact console that's loaded withall of Sony's finest technology!
• SONY COMPUTER 120 GB PS3 Slim Console PS3 Console PS3
• PS3 Console

Customer Reviews

Improvements all round, but still a tricky price
After pre-ordering my Playstation 3 Slim a month ago, I managed to pick it up today which was a relief. 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 were still losing profit).

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 in transportation. The contents, however, is still exactly the same as the previous generation Playstation 3. In the box is;

- The console
- 1 x Control Pad (could be me, but it feels like it has a much more matte surface layer)
- 1 x USB cable
- 1 x Scart cable
- 1 x Scart block
- Power Cable (Now a 'kettle' lead thankfully, due to the lower power consumption)
- Manual and leaflets

Whats struck me with this new machine is that the pictures you'll see of it do the console absolutely no justice - it's absolutely beautiful. While it's so much thinner, the surface area remains about the same, so the console has an almost 'squashed' look about it. The 'cut out' effect used near the disc drive gives the console a much simpler look that, to me, is more eye catching under the TV, and the reduction of exterior components gives it a neater slab look. Once in operation, the fan noise is a tad quieter, but this depends on what you're doing. Remember how even when the old fat Playstation 3's could whirl up even when idle? This seems to have been eradicated, and it's now almost silent when just sitting there. Naturally, the fans will whirl up during intense operations, but such situations reveal a quieter fan all round which is very pleasing.

The simplicity of the construction works well all round, the Playstation logo no longer on a joint, but as a nice silver badge. The buttons are no longer touch-sensitive, but to be frank I never understood why a games console needs touch-buttons (they only left finger marks anyway). They are instead click-buttons that give a nice back-light 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. In operation, it looks a hell of a lot of smarter.

One talking point has been the HDD. Is it replaceable? Yes - but it's hidden very well under the optical disc drive. A flap underneath the console reveals the blue screw that, in turn, allows the HDD to be pulled out of it's bay in front of the console. The original 2 x USB ports, HDMI, Scart out, Opitcal Audio out and ethernet in are still there too. The only thing I would say is that because the only 2 USB ports are at the front, you will have the cables from the EyeCamera and other permanent peripherals on view which is annoying.

System version 3.00 has seen much talk over the past few weeks, and it was to my disappointment that after Sony promised it would be installed ready on the console, it wasn't. Since the software was released on this very release day, I guess it's no big deal, but it's a bit tedious to download when Sony did promise it would be installed. 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. The friends list is 10 times clearer too, but you'll notice plenty of little changes along the way.

Blu-Rays discs certainly transformed the way we watch films in this house. Although we started buying them with out 80GB model, this slim version still provides the fantastic interface and options for playback. We own a 27" wide TV, and the results are fantastic - it's just 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.

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 Playstation 3 was because of the wide range of fun titles I could just pick up and play with the family - both on disc from the shop, or even better, for download. The graphical output is exactly the same as the Xbox 360 from what I've seen, though to be fair I couldn't care less.

If you're new to the Playstation 3, then I'll just point out that their is NO HDMI cable included in the box. If you want to use the console in HD, you will need a HDMI cable separately. If you've owned a Playstation 3 before however, then I'd just like to point out some very important things. Firstly, back-up your PS1 game data individually (Press triangle above the save file, then Copy), because the Back-up utility for some strange reason doesn't copy the files. Secondly, do the same for your original Playstation 3 game saves - the only thing that the Back-up utility actually stores is your music, photo's, videos, and depending on the update files, some PS3 game saves. Any downloads/game update files will need to be re-downloaded.

So why not 5 Stars? It all comes to down to the price. Whilst I'm a firm believer that for a Blu-Ray player and a games console that utilises this very technology is a bargain at this price, not everyone is comfortable paying this, which is 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.

Does exactly what it says on the tin
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

Nice but gets very hot
Originally i purchased a 60gb Premium PS3 at launch in 2007. Very happy with the console, Sony have done really well evolving the console. I recently purchased a PS3 Slim in the hoping it would run cooler and quieter then my original 60gb which is now a tad on the noisey side when watching blu-ray films. The overall look isn't as nice as the original but still looks better then the xbox 360 (my opinion, not fan boy) After setting it all up and playing a few films and games there are a few things i have noticed. The disc drive when inserting a disc or ejecting makes a louder noise then the older blu-ray drive, when loading it makes abit more noise aswell. As for fan noise i found it to be quieter most of the time but found after playing games for a long period the tone of the fan noise was somewhat annoying and the heat it pumps out is quite unreal. Yes they have put it in a smaller chasis and used 45nm technology over the original 90nm technology but if u actually think about it for a second the chasis is smaller it doesnt bring in as much air as the old models and does still get hot, hotter then my original console. My PS3 slim was sat ontop of my Sky HD box and the heat generated from the PS3 caused the plastic on the top of my sky box to warp from the heat. My 60gb never caused this to happen, I contacted Sony to find they do NOT recommend it being put ontop of any other electrical equipment because of the heat generated. So be warned they are newer and use better technology but still get very hot. I only use my slim for blu-ray and use my 60gb for games (consoles in different rooms now)