mercredi 28 janvier 2009

Pure Entertainment at Home - Playstation 3

By Matt Ryan

Gaming consoles, in todays market, are offering more than just a place to store, and play games. Most of them offer online communities and multi-media functionality. Sony's Playstation 3 fits right in with the rest of today's gaming consoles with new technologies and multi-media advancements.

The Playstation 3 is available in multiple different sizes - meaning the hard drive size. (This is also how Microsoft's Xbox 360s are sold.) On the larger systems, you are not just paying for additional space; you are paying for bonus functionality.

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.)

Both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity are available on the PS3. The Ethernet connection is easily accessible on the back panel of the unit. An HDMI, SPDIF, and Playstations AV output are all accessible from the back panel of the PS3.

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.)

The front of the box has a hidden compartment. In this compartment, you will find slots for CompactFlash, SD Memory Card and Memory Stick Duo card slots. Additionally, also on the front of the console, are four USB ports. These USB ports are for your convenience as you can plug in any USB device.

You only get one controller with the console. However, they are now wireless! Simply plug the controllers into one of the USB ports for charging. This is the only time you will need to have obtrusive cords protruding out of the front of the PS3.

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 console can also be used as a multi-media device. Image, audio, and video files can be stored and played directly from the PS3. Whether you want to put together a slideshow of your family reunion, listen to your favorite music, or relax in front of latest action flick - that can all be done with the new PS3.

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.

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