Sony PlayStation 3 Slim Console (160 GB Model)

This is my 3rd Playstation now as all the previous 2 have succumbed to the yellow light of death. My previous unit was the old bulky one which was a replacement/reconditioned from Sony. It made a terrible noise when it got warm, I think the manufacturers put in extra fans to try and keep the unit cool but when playing late a night you couldn't hear the game over the noise of the fans. Eventually that bit the dust so I got his one. Its much more slim line and quieter. It's a pleasure to have a decent unit again. Good graphics machine and the added bonus of Blu ray. You can surf the internet, put music and photos on it and even watch catch up TV (only a few channels). Playstation Network (when it's online) is free (unlike Xbox) and easy to set up allowing you hours of endless gaming online. My only criticism with PS3 is that the earlier build quality was not good, cheap soldering made for a short life especially if you're playing online for several hours at a time. I just hope that these models have a longer shelf life than my previous ones. if your after a games console then i wouldn't hesitate in getting one of these. Don't be put off with my experience because i have friends who have the Xbox who have suffered similar fate. this review is about this unit, and this unit only. Both manufacturers are competing for the market but overall the PS3 has the upper hand with its multifunctional capabilities, in my opinion!!!

I would highly recommend purchasing a PS3 as an all in one media device. Its primary function is as a games player and Sony has helped to give the PS3 an enviable software line up. The quality of games that appear on both PS3 and 360 is similar enough to not be a deciding factor in your purchase. On some games PS3 is marginally better and on others vice versa.Where the PS3 differentiates itself for me is its free online network. Rather than paying for an Xbox live subscription all but the most discerning of gamer will be perfectly happy with the Playstation Network. The cost of having to pay for years of expensive online is what made me choose PS3 over the 360.The 360 has caught up on a few areas that it lagged behind in, it is now wireless capable out of the box (i believe) and is much quieter than before, but with the Blu Ray player the PS3 has another ace up its sleeve. It does a decent job of upscaling standard DVD's as well.The internet browser is now usable for web surfing although it could still do with some improvement. Rumors of a deal with Google to get the Chrome browser could be a real coup for the PS3, and it remains a mystery why this hasn't already been implemented.For under 200 pounds now if you have been waiting to get a PS3 then now is the time. There is a seriously good back catalogue of games, most of which are available from Amazon for 15 pounds or less.My only gripe with my first PS3 was that it dies after 4 years so I have had to get a new one, Sony really should have a repair service in my opinion- but some times these things happen. Will try and play it for slightly shorter intervals this time as apparently lengthy play can cause heating which disrupts the processor- the new model does not seem to suffer this same fate though im assured.So yes, its a very good product and its now at a very good price. You really do get a lot more than just a game system. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine.

I looked at several consoles but the PS3 won out because it had BluRay and streaming TV access as well as good HD graphics - the main things I was after. I don't want a big collection of games so quality over quantity or price is more important for me, and the range of games for the PS3 seems to be quality oriented.The sound quality has pleasantly surprised me and playing Dirt2 through my surround system on a 40 inch TV is a great improvement compared to my PC games. Since the games use the DVD drive the size of the hard disk is not an issue - I'm only using about 40G so far.The TV and Film streaming (LoveFilm etc) is good, as is DVD replay both BluRay and SD. So far I haven't had any problems (apart from the infamous Sony hacking affair which happened about a month after I got the PS3!) and the update system has worked flawlessly. The only thing I could ask for is a decent (non combat) flight simulator, a mysterious gap in the PS3 catalogue!