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ccc Originally written 4/20/2007 by Squall
With the huge success of both the Playstation and the Playstation 2; Sony had its work cut out when designing the Playstation 3. Will it be 3 times the success; or possibly will be a bigger bomb than the Atari Jaguar?
One of the things about the PS3 is that it’s the only next generation system to include one of the two next generations DVD formats (Blue Ray). The advantage means obviously HD quality. Even if you don’t own a HD benefit, Blue-Ray has benefits. Mainly that blue ray discs have more storage (25-50 GB of storage on a Blue-Ray disc vs. 4.7-8.5 on a regular DVD) equals more dialogue; more stages, more music, more video, and so forth.
Thanks to it’s built in hard drive (60 GB in the premium which is currently the largest built in hard-drive in any of the current consoles) Allowing for storage of music, videos and images. Music, Images, and Videos can be transferred to the PS3 via one of its 4 USB ports in front (if u have a USB device such as a thumb-drive), or from the built in web-browser (and yes it has a built in Ethernet port). If you have the 60 GB version, it also comes with media card ports that support the Memory Stick, Secure Digital (DS) and Compact Flash (CF). (You could also transfer information from burned CDs and DVDs) The Playstation 3 also comes with built in Bluetooth. (Note: Bluetooth Headsets WILL NOT work on PS2 games; however the USB headsets for the PS2 WILL work on PS3 games)
As stated it does come with a hard drive which will act as primary storage for game data; however, if you own a memory card for either the PSX/PS1 or PS2; the only way to get your data copied onto the hard drive is by spending $15 on a Memory Card Adaptor, which when connected to your PS3 via the USB plug used to charge your controller. Unfortunately you can’t use that same memory card adaptor to transfer data back to your memory cards. (But with USB or flash cards, you can transfer the data from your PS3 to a storage device). <As of 5/27/07 with version 1.80 this has been fixed to where you can use the memory card adaptor to transfer files from cards back and forth ) In terms of loading games, you can create memory cards on the hard drive; and just assign each virtual memory card to a memory card slot to save/load PS1/PS2 game data on during game play. It is also backwards compatible with the PS2 and PS1 games. Though to get the best out of your system and access new features, you will have to download ‘updates’ every once in a while.
Speaking of download, as stated earlier, it comes with a built in Ethernet port which allows you to connect you to the online world. You can set up a free account to the Sony Playstation Network. The only thing you will have to pay for is to download games or other additional content. To play most games online requires no charge; you get a buddy list, and the ability to set up chat sessions; as well as able to message your friends. You can download free trailers, demos, and in some cases, additional material for certain games.
The controller is similar to its predecessor in terms of shape, and for the most part feel; but it currently does not rumble; however it has some motion sensor usage in it as its being called the Six-axis. One of the things that are a serious issue for the controller is the L2/R2 buttons; they are just so sensitive that just barely hitting the button will activate them. Just imagine trying to speed from the cops on Grand Theft Auto and you switch to side view and accidentally run into something. The controller is wireless; but can be played wired by using the included USB cable (which also charges the controller it has a built in battery).
Goods:
*Built in Blue-Ray. High-Def capable DVDs as well as larger storage space on disc
* Built in hard drive to download content to onto the system for a media center
* Backwards compatible out of the box.
* Free access to the online network Playstation Network. (Though third-party games may carry separate charges/subscription fees)
Bads:
* Cost. While understandable with its features; a $600 price tag can easily scare people away.
*Sensitive L2/R2 trigger. Can cause great pains in some games
* Lack of both Built in Memory Card Reader and the fact that the external Memory Card Adaptor can not transfer data from the PS3 to the Memory Card
Final thought
The playstation 3 is definitely worth its price technology wise; the price tag will scare off some people. If you are willing to pay, you surely won’t be disappointed. As one of the most complete systems that are ready to play with out of the box that really doesn’t require you to pay for extra stuff to truly enjoy your system, it does have its hands full in terms of competing. Though unlike its predecessor, its making big strives to capture the online market. The Playstation 3 has some big shoes to fill, but the way things are looking; the PS3 will be able to fill them, and possibly outgrow them.
