new low prices on the latest video games consoles from Sony and Microsoft.
HDMI
+ Bravia Sync functionality that provides both 1080p output resolution, and
instant in-synch connectivity between your PS3 and other Sony HDMI enabled
products without the use of multiple remote controls.
A new 33% slimmer, 36% lighter PlayStation 3 entertainment system that is
also more energy efficient.
Includes a Dualshock 3 wireless controller and a built-in 120GB HDD for
storing games, music, videos, and photos.
Built-in Wi-Fi for connectivity anywhere and multiple media format
compatibility, including Blu-ray for crystal clear video on High-Definition
TVs, CD-ROM, DVD, and others.
Free membership and access to all the events, as well as game, movie, TV
and other media content available on the PlayStation Network (PSN).
The fourth generation of hardware
released for the PlayStation 3 entertainment platform, the PlayStation 3
120GB 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 120GB 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 120GB 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 120GB 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
120GB 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, 120GB hard disc drive allows you to save games as well as
download content from The Internet. Unlike The some other models of The
PlayStation 3, The 120GB system does not offer backwards compatibility.
The same functionality now in a smaller,
more quiet and energy efficient package 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. This doesn't mean though 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), meaning you can also connect to The Internet while playing
discs that support this format to obtain additional features. And 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 included with The PlayStation 3 120GB
system provides The most intuitive game play 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 120GB 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 120 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.
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.
Product Description
With the PlayStation 3 120GB system, you get free PlayStation Network
membership, built-in Wi-Fi and 120GB of hard disk drive storage for games,
music, videos and photos. 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.
355 of 375 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out
of 5 starsThe PS3
Reloaded, August 25, 2009
By
A. Dent "Aragorn"
(Minas Anor, GD)
Fun:5.0
out of 5 stars
RATING
I will begin with the rating part so that those who are already familiar with
the PS3 line may save some time.
On balance, I found the PS3 Slim or the 'PS3 120GB' to be a worthy addition
to the current PS3 line. It comes with several major improvements over its
predecessors and the 'trade offs' are few and, to most us, insignificant.
This how the new model compares to its predecessors:
PS3 SLIM vs. PS3 80/160GB
+ $100/200 less
+ Smaller
+ More energy efficient
+ More quiet operation
+ Cooler
+ Smaller Cell processor manufactured using a 45-nanometer manufacturing
process
+ New, more advanced HDMI 1.3 chipset
+ Easier HDD upgrade
- No Linux support
- No on-off switch in the back
- Push rather than touch 'On' and 'Eject' buttons
- Not as pretty
= Unchanged game-playing experience
= Same great Blu-ray player
= Same PSP integration
= Same WiFi, Bluetooth built-in
= Same Dualshock 3 rumble, motion sensitive controller
= Same I/O options
The PS3 Slim is a superior product when compared with the PS3 80/160GB
models. This relatively inexpensive, feature packed, versatile gaming
machine, multimedia hub and outstanding Blu-ray player, earns back the 5th
star that I granted the Classic models and I didn't feel that the PS3
80/160GB models deserved.
Granted, when compared to the PS3 Classic, the PS3 Slim lacks PS2
compatibility, has 2 fewer USB ports and and it lacks media card slots but
these shortcomings are offset by the significantly lower price, energy
efficiency, larger storage and an updated CPU and HDMI. And, keeping hope
alive by feeding it rumors, who knows? Sony just might add PS2 software
emulation once it stops manufacturing the PS2 sometime, next year.
MY TEST DRIVE IMPRESSIONS
The good news is that you can do just about everything you did with the PS3
80/160GB models and in the exact same way. During my test ride, I was able to
play all the games I brought with me without a problem, the Bluetooth remote
controller was recognized immediately and so was the Playstation Eye. Both a
USB-dongle full-size wireless keyboard, a USB-connected wired keyboard and
Sony's own Bluetooth mini-keyboard worked as expected. I was able to upload
pictures, videos and music from a USB thumb drive and a USB-connected SATA
2.5" hard disk and play them in the same way I do it on my own PS3. The
person who allowed me the test drive suggested that I do not sign into the
PSN but I have no doubt that the Slim behaves exactly like its predecessors
on the PSN, running HOME or while browsing the Net.
The Slim has the exact same ports in the back, the same buttons in front -
albeit 'push' buttons instead of the 'touch' buttons, the same 2 USB ports,
comes with the same Dualshock 3 controller, USB cable and Composite AV cable
accessories.
The older PS3s weren't particularly noisy but the Slim seems to be more quiet
and, after several hours of play, it didn't get as warm as my Classic. The
ONLY 2 USB ports bother me a little because I brought along the Eye, a USB-wired
HDD, a USB keyboard and a dongle-based wireless keyboard. That meant that I
had to do a lot of plugging and unplugging when testing. In real life, it's
not so convenient to charge a controller and access more than one USB-connected
peripheral. There are third party generic USB hubs (ugly) or PS3-specific
port extenders and media hubs that could be used to increase the number of
USB ports and bring back the media card slots.
My overall impression of the Slim is "nothing new" at least on
surface. The "cooler, quieter, smaller, more energy efficient" you
don't notice while playing a game or watching a movie. The really great news
about the Slim is that so many more will be able to afford it and, with a
larger user base, more developers will feel more strongly motivated to
publish more, better games that all of us will enjoy.
THE SLIM (PS3) vs. THE 'XBOX 360 ELITE FALL 2009'
This is not meant to be a 'fan' statement. I don't own a Wii but I do own an
Xbox 360 so I will be able to discuss PS3 Slim vs. Xbox 360 Elite and,
hopefully, it may help a little those undecided between the two or those
thinking about getting a PS3 as a second gaming console. Please be aware
that, even though I own both consoles and I try to be as objective as
possible, I do tend to favor the PS3.
Parity
------
- Storage: 120 GB on both systems
- CD, DVD playback: both
- Bluetooth/IR: Bluetooth included with PS3, Infrared remote for Xbox
- Community: PSN/Home memberships are free, Xbox Live includes free Silver
membership and one-month Gold subscription, paid thereafter
Advantage PS3 Slim
------------------
- Blu-ray: PS3 only. Blu-ray disks aren't used for HD movie playback but to
deliver games as well. Since they store several times more data than a DVD
disk, PS3 games can be 'bigger' and be still delivered on one disk,
eliminating the need for swapping during gameplay.
- WiFi: included with PS3, available as an add-on for Xbox.
- HDMI 1.3a on PS3 (more vivid colors, better sound) vs. HDMI 1.2 on Xbox
- Controller: wireless on both systems, rumble on both, PS3's only is motion
sensitive, rechargeable batteries built into PS3's, Xbox rechargeable battery
packs available for purchase.
- Integration with a handheld device: PS3 integrates with the PSP, the Xbox
offers Zune integration. I would call it 'advantage PS3' because the Zune
integration is limited to file transfers.
- Internal power supply: yes for the Slim, a large external 'brick' for the
Xbox.
- Ability to upgrade the Hard Disk: the PS3 could use any cheap 2.5"
SATA on the market (a 500GB can be had for $90 at the time of this writing
and the existing PS3 disk can be recycled to upgrade a laptop or as external
storage) without voiding the warranty. I am not aware Xbox HDD upgrades
beyond 120GB but, judging by the 120GB upgrade HDD for the smaller models,
they are likely to be proprietary, more expensive solutions.
- Slim comes with USB, Ethernet and Composite cables, Xbox has only Composite
in the box.
Advantage Xbox 360 Elite Fall 2009
----------------------------------
- Headset: not included with PS3 but any Bluetooth device will work, wired
headset included with Xbox Elite.
- Ethernet: PS3 supports Gigabit Ethernet, Xbox is limited to 100BASET-T.
- USB ports: Xbox comes with 3, Slim has only 2.
It seems that a PS3 Slim can be brought to parity with the Xbox 360 Elite by
purchasing a Bluetooth headset (possibly for less than $10 and that would
make the PS3 a superior choice since the Xbox headset is wired to the
controller. For the amount, the PS3 will match and surpass Xbox feature for
feature if we don't factor in exclusive Xbox games or unique Xbox Live
features.
To bring the Xbox 360 Elite to parity with the PS3 one would need: a WiFi
adapter ($70) and rechargeable batteries ($10). I will not add the various
cables to the list because, depending on setup, they may or may not be needed
and PS3's Gigabit Ethernet is not likely to make a difference in anyone's
gaming or movie streaming at this time. $80 would bring the Xbox closer to
the PS3 but the Xbox won't support Blu-ray, does not have a motion sensitive
controller, can't function without an external power supply and, Zune
withstanding, it does not integrate with a hand-held gaming device. In
addition, continuing the Xbox Live Gold beyond the initial month would be
another $30-50 per year for the life of the Elite.
I chose not to factor in the quality of available software because it's
impossible to be even remotely objective when it comes to judge Sony's
exclusives vs. Xbox exclusives. My guess is that, in the end, those who must
have Halo will buy a Microsoft Xbox regardless of cost or other features and
those who fall in love with Little Big Planet or Uncharted have no choice but
a Sony PS3. The general consensus is that, at this time, the PS3 has the
superior hardware (see above) while the Xbox has an advantage in exclusive
titles and some exclusive content. In addition, many multiplatform games are
developed on the Xbox first and then ported to the PS3. That can make the
Xbox versions appear to be superior and, more importantly, the PS3 versions
do not always take full advantage of PS3s superior hardware. This seems to be
less the case as developers are becoming more familiar with the PS3 platform
- the software gap, if there is one at this time, it is closing fast.
________________________________________________
Note 1: MY OWN BIAS
We own a 'Classic' 60GB PS3, currently upgraded to 320GB, DualShock 3 and
complemented with various peripherals: PS3 Eye, Logitech Driving Force GT
Racing Wheel, Bluetooth keyboard attachment, headset... etc. We also own an
Xbox 360 Elite, 3 PSP 3000's (got 3 kids) and a second-hand DS. We used to
have a PS2 but we sold it shortly after purchasing the PS3. I've helped
several of my neighbors purchase, install and upgrade their own PS3's. I am
posting this review because I had the opportunity to test drive a PS3 Slim
for several hours a couple of nights before the official launch - someone I
know works at a store that sells gaming consoles.
Speaking for myself only, I tend to favor the PS3 for several reasons and
here they are:
- WiFi - This is a major convenience for me. I hate 'wires' and the PS3 has
the WiFi built in and it's VERY easy to set up.
- Blu-ray - I was an early adopter and I haven't bought 'new' DVDs in more
than a year. Having the PS3 doubling up as a Blu-ray player is another major
convenience for me.
- HDD Storage upgrade - I don't believe that 120GB is sufficient these days
and our console has exceeded the 120GB threshold already after lots of
downloaded games and movies and transferring thousands of photos and songs to
it. A PS3 can be easily and inexpensively upgraded to 500GB today and this is
a big plus.
- Little Big Planet - It's a Sony exclusive and my kids just love this game.
They would probably run away and resettle with a family that has LBP if I got
rid of the PS3.
________________________________________________
Note 2: THE SLIM'S SPECS AND FEATURES
- 45nm, 7-core Cell processor CPU
- RSX - Based on NV47 Chip (Nvidia GeForce 7800 Architecture) for graphics
- Updated HDMI chipset (bitstreams hi-res DTS-HD, TrueHD)
- 256MB XDR Main RAM and 256MB GDDR3 VRAM memory
- 120GB Hard disk - 2.5" SATA - can be replaced with any 2.5" SATA
and a compatible 500GB HDD can be had for about $90 at the time I write this
review
- Blu-ray 2.0 player (possibly still the best) that also plays DVDs and CDs
- Ethernet 10/100/1000Base-T wired networking
- WiFi 802.11 b/g (from 10 Mbps up to 54 Mbps) - wireless networking I
couldn't live without
- Bluetooth 2.0 for game controller, headsets, keyboards and so on
- Video resolution up to 1080p
- Audio supported: LPCM 7.1, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD,
DTS, DTS-HD, AAC
- Other outputs: HDMI, Optical, Composite AV
- Other I/O: 2 High-speed USB 2.0 ports
- Power: dual 120/240V
- Power consumption: 250W
- Weight: about 7 lbs.
- Dimensions: about 12" x 2.5" x 12" (my measurements)
- Included controller: DUALSHOCK 3
- Included cables: USB and Composite AV, power chord
Additional features:
- Displays JPEG stills.
- Multi-featured, surprisingly good slide show functionality.
- Plays MPEG-1, MPEG-2, and MPEG-4/h.264 videos.
- Bitstreams DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD to receiver
- Upconverts DVDs to 1080p over HDMI
- XMB in-game access.
- In-game and off-game text and voice chat (headset, keyboard or Eye are
needed).
- Video chat with up to six people (PlayStation Eye is required)
- Can discover media servers on the home network and stream content from any
DLNA-compliant device.
- Web browser (still has some usability and compatibility issues) but plays
YouTube well.
- Google Web search.
- Remote play on a PSP connected to any wireless access point - play music,
videos, show pics, turn on the PS3 remotely if on stand-by
- Upload PSP games purchased from the PSN Store to the PSP.
- Online software updates improve PS3 functionality and keep the Blu-ray
player features current.
- Online third party updates.
- Online gameplay.
- Download and play PS3 games and demos from the PSN store.
- Download and play PSOne games.
- Download and play movies and shows from the PSN store.
- Supports HDMI Consumer Electronic Control (HDMI-CEC) - control the Slim
through the remote of any CEC-enabled TV such as a Bravia.
________________________________________________
Note 3: HDD UPGRADE
If
you are on the upgrade path, less than $90 would buy you a 500GB drive. The
one that I tested would be the 500GB
Scorpio Blue Mobile Sata 5400RPM 8MB 2.5IN which replaced my laptop's
60GB little drive and a friend's 80GB PS3 HDD. The nice thing about upgrading
your disk is that you are also going to be left with a perfectly good 80GB or
$160GB or 120GB drive which you can place into a cheap enclosure,
Download-Movies.mobi
nr 1 choice for the big database and choice they offer, quality of images
and movie selection , no need to go for a walk if you want to see or download a
movie tonight
__________________________
You should assume that David Norden, the creator of this website
has an affiliate relationship and/or another material connection to the
providers of goods and services mentioned on this page and may be compensated
when you purchase from him or a provider.
You should always perform due diligence before buying goods or
services from anyone via the Internet or offline. See also our earnings and privacy
updated disclaimers.