The Playstation 3 has to be the best Playstation Sony has ever released. It not only offers consumers a solid gaming console, but it stands as a Blu-Ray disc player as well. It has hoards of new technologies; the Playstation 3 can finally stand proudly next to other gaming consoles.
As with other gaming consoles, the Playstation 3 is available in different sizes or forms. Each form has a different size hard drive, different functionality, along with different games that come with each. Sticker prices, on the larger units, are obviously a bit higher. However, for the additional functionality - it is worth it.
Many of the PS3 consoles support older games from the PS2. However, some do not support them at all. If playing your older PS2 games is important, make sure you look for this in the model that you purchase. (The 60GB console was one of the most popular models, but it has been discontinued. The only way to purchase one would be through a used market.)
You can connect your new PS3, to your home network, via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. In addition to an Ethernet port, the PS3 also has an HDMI output, SPDIF, and Playstations AV output (for analog audio and video).
The PS3 was designed to be robust but handsome. Sony succeeded in this with a shiny black casing, with chrome accents, flush front panel, and measuring only 12.8 x 3.8 x 10.8-inches. Accessible, on the front panel, is the front-loaded optical drive. (If you are familiar with the WII, the optical drive works in the same way.)
Also along the front are four USB ports. These ports are designed for charging your controllers; however, are also used for connecting to any USB device (keyboard, mouse, camera, jump-drive, etc). You will also find slots for CompactFlash, SD Memory Card and Memory Stick Duo card, within a small compartment on the front casing of the console.
Sony caught up with other gaming manufacturers, as their controllers are now wireless. The only reason for plugging them into the console, anymore, is for re-charging the battery. One pitfall; however, is that the batteries are not replaceable. If a battery were to die, you would have to replace the entire controller with the purchase of another one.
Stepping ahead of the Xbox 360, the PS3 not incorporates motion-sensitive controllers. The controllers are sensitive to six different motions: forward, backward, up, down, left and right. These motions perform different actions based on the particular game that you are playing. The technology is not near as advanced as that found in the WII, but it is there to be improved upon.
The PS3 also now has multi-media functionality. Image slide shows, music, and movies can all be stored - and watched - directly on the device. (The most common image, audio, and video file formats are supported.) The PS3 can also be used to stream media through, if you do not want to take up your hard disk space.
You can pick up a PS3 for anywhere from $300 - $500; price will vary based on hard drive size. Overall, the price is pretty sufficient for all the perks you get with the system. An entertainment system and gaming console all for under $600. The PS3 would be a great addition to an entertainment center or game room.