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Sony: PlayStation 3 Keeps Games And Entertainment Simple

Although it started slow, the PlayStation 3 has continued to build momentum over the past couple of years and now stands in perhaps the best position of its lifespan thus far. To reinforce this position, Sony has just issued a press release that outlines why their unit is most certainly worth the price of admission. It's all about getting a certain amount of bang for your buck…

As they say, the PS3 gives "consumers the most features and functionality out of the box," and with no "immediate need to upgrade," it quickly becomes more attractive in comparison to the competition. As most of you know already, the machine comes fully equipped with Blu-Ray, Wi-Fi, a large hard drive, free online access with the PSN, and what they're calling "ten years of value with a future-proof system via firmware updates that offer new services and features." If you want to check what the Xbox 360 and Wii offers, everyone is quick to point out that you can pick up a 360 Arcade for only $199, but it doesn't include a hard drive or Wi-Fi, and a full Xbox Live membership is $50/person. The Wii has Wi-Fi, but of course doesn't offer a hard drive and only boasts limited online capability. Furthermore, we are reminded that earlier 360 models didn't come with an HDMI output, while all PS3s – obviously due to Blu-Ray – are HDMI-ready. So if you add it all up, even though the PS3 costs $399, an Xbox 360 Arcade at $200 cheaper isn't necessarily a steal if you want to equal the PS3's capability.

"The PS3 is the perfect example of a product featuring superior technology and a sophisticated design creating an ideal all-in-one entertainment product. The Xbox 360 requires additional money, multiple upgrades and additional external devices, putting a burden on the wallet and adds clutter to the entertainment center. And the Wiis lack of enhanced features comes at the expense of a comprehensive entertainment solution. So as PS3 continues to evolve without the need for additional parts or expenses, expect the competition to continue peddling add-ons in an effort to keep up with the Jones."

Now, although we can translate this to mean that we really shouldn't expect a price drop any time soon, it's still a worthy argument. In this economy, everyone wants to dissect exactly what they're getting for their hard-earned dollar, and when it comes to home entertainment consoles these days, it goes well beyond the price tag. Dive in to see what you get, and how you view the product can change…

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WaR_HaWk
WaR_HaWk
15 years ago

cool

GoldenShadow
GoldenShadow
15 years ago

I would spend the $600 dollars all over again, this system has been my center of technology for years now. I have never found so many uses for a console.

chilker
chilker
15 years ago

GoldenShadow, I absolutely agree with you. I spent $600 and got it that first December. I've used it SO much since: Picture viewing (my parents are still blown away by how I can get all our vacation pictures to play on our big TV, and they load so quickly compared to the DVD player with a SD card slot), movie watching, web browsing, news (Yay Life with Playstation–am I the only one who uses it?), curing cancer (yes, I say that slightly tongue-in-cheek, but it still applies), and of course: GAMING.
This is one powerful machine and it does so much. Some people have DVD players, Blu-ray players, other consoles, and will bring their laptops to play picture slideshows all attached to their home theaters.
All you really need is a TV, a surround sound system and a PS3.


Last edited by chilker on 1/8/2009 12:39:26 AM

Troy Powers
Troy Powers
15 years ago

Yeah, what they said!

somethingrandom
somethingrandom
15 years ago

Folding@home has nothing to do with cancer…

chilker
chilker
15 years ago

Sorry, Something random, this is from the Folding at home website:

"What is protein folding and how is folding linked to disease?
Proteins are biology's workhorses — its "nanomachines." Before proteins can carry out these important functions, they assemble themselves, or "fold." The process of protein folding, while critical and fundamental to virtually all of biology, in many ways remains a mystery.

Moreover, when proteins do not fold correctly (i.e. "misfold"), there can be serious consequences, including many well known diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Mad Cow (BSE), CJD, ALS, Huntington's, Parkinson's disease, and many Cancers and cancer-related syndromes. "

somethingrandom
somethingrandom
15 years ago

It's less common in cancer, and last time I was there they said they were working to cure Multiple Sclerosis.

FeyeR
FeyeR
15 years ago

This was probably a statement againts MS after MS predicted that their would be a ps3 price cut pretty soon. Sony is showing that they believe in the price of the ps3 and are not changing it anytime soon.

Although I do believe they do need a price cut, hopefully nearing Christmas 2009.

Anonymous
Anonymous
15 years ago

No one is going to say that they need a price cut and will cut it until they are actually cutting it though.

MetalHead09
MetalHead09
15 years ago

everything they said was totally true. the playstation 3 is in fact the most bang for your buck even if it is 200$ more than the competition, your getting more for your money.

Anonymous
Anonymous
15 years ago

Wired online gaming is actually preferable to me than wireless. Has anyone here played their PS3 and gotten near 100% signal strength?

So, yeah, if wireless internet is something you want out of the box, thats a win for you.

As for the hard drive, yeah. Fool of a move releasing one without a hard drive. But, I know lots of gamers who are fine sticking to memory cards. Don't bring their consoles online.

The truth of the matter is, what one seeks they will find if they actually bother to look it up.

Nintendo are f*ers on account of their Wii-mote and Nunchuck, and how much on top of the system to get them. If you want to have 4 controllers, you are dropping a hefty sum.

But, then, some people prefer the idea of paying for things as they can rather than one lump sum.

I'm not into Guitar Hero or Rock Band or any of that, but I am sure people would find it more palatable if they didn't have to pay in one sum. This is people who are on the fence, naturally.

Also, to jab at Sony. Not everyone wants a blu-ray player. And that big hard drive that comes with the PS3 isn't really all that big when you consider 4 or 5GB installations of a game. So, with a 60GB many of you must have to delete games you want off the system. And, I seem to recall lots of insults thrown at the Xbox that it was going to be just like a PC.

And, yes I know the 360 has the optional install now. Not going to use it because frankly, the 20GB I have is pretty damn lame too. And I am going to look out for a price drop on the overpriced larger hard drives before I get one.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
15 years ago

In reading your posts, it sounds to me like you have a lot of "jabs" for Sony and yet don't have much experience with the console.


Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 1/7/2009 10:32:26 PM

Tim Speed24
Tim Speed24
15 years ago

Pushtrak, you can hook up the PS3 to the internet with a wired connection also.

And I do get 100 percent signal strength for my wireless internet gaming connection. My router is about 15 feet away.


Last edited by Tim Speed24 on 1/8/2009 7:17:58 AM

Evil Incarnate
Evil Incarnate
15 years ago

@Pushtrak I have a 60gig PS3 and own most of the games that require an install. After I did all my mandatory installs and added a few PSN titles, my drive still wasn't that full. I also get 100% signal strength and my router is on a different floor in my house.

I now have a Samsung 320gig SATA drive that I picked up from Newegg for $54.99, because I wanted to download Siren:Blood Curse. Which is a very sweet game for anyone who was wondering.


Last edited by Evil Incarnate on 1/8/2009 9:11:17 AM

tlpn99
tlpn99
15 years ago

I use mine wired too, just easier as its in the same room as the router, if it wasn't I would have to consider wireless.

Anonymous
Anonymous
15 years ago

I do though. Granted my time has mostly been spent going through the Metal Gear Solid games. I've also devoted a chunk to playing CoD4, GTAIV, Pain, watching blu-rays, browsing PSN and the internet browser.

The internet browser was actually quite good. Was good for quickly browsing something to show people when putting it on the PC was more hassle than it was worth.

I haven't played Pain in ages. And I have only recently set up my own name on PSN, it happens to be the same as the one I use here.

psxjunkhead85
psxjunkhead85
15 years ago

pushtrak problem is he only got a 20 gb ps3. So of course u r going to complain about running out of space n knocking the wifi ps3 which I have, and to point something out you can get 100% signal strength on the ps3 cuz i got 100% signal strength, unless u r playin n the attic or basement or something it all depends on your router. If you think about it if you dont like wifi n you u r troubled about memory best buy sells sata hardrives ranging from 250gb to 500 gb which microsoft cant do, that way u made yourself a good purchase. Now i want to talk about the things ps3 has and will have in the future. If you think about it ps3 has alot of features. One of my favorite is going to have to be the internet browser, and seeing that sony strengthn up the web browser, with that flash player that made it a whole lot better. I can check my email and i can watch movie can't wait to sony go bluray 3D and gaming 3D this year just another reason to purchase one. I love my ps3 ( give ps3 a hug.)

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
15 years ago

Guy sounds like a douche.

King James
King James
15 years ago

no he sounds like some type of gaming robot…what is that called again???

Aftab
Aftab
15 years ago

Super human douche-xbot.

Qubex
Qubex
15 years ago

Whilst I had reservations (as stated before) that Sony's promise of real "next generation" was exactly that, a promise, I am heartened to see that the latest game engines being developed exclusively for the console begin to show what is possible with care, attention and a great deal of optimisation. For me personally, "next generation" begins with Killzone 2, Uncharted 2, GoWIII, Heavy Rain etc… Once developers are truly comfortable with the tech, we should see some very interesting results in the following 5 years…

Saying that, my PS3 has given me countless hours of fun thus far, and I use it for everything… browsing, music, movies and games.

I now need to re-install an updated flavour of Ubuntu Linux, called Xubuntu. This latest version has fixed the wireless issue that has plagued previous linux distributions for the PS3. It is also lighter, therefore even on the PS3's restrictive memory base, I can do alot with it except playing Linux based games such as FPS; unfortunately under Linux the hypervisor blocks use of the RSX GPU, so it can feel sluggish. However, that is besides the point. With Linux on the PS3 I can leave my work laptop at work, get home and do everything I need on the PS3; this includes using Firefox to use Google online apps… so it is like having office online… Whilst "hobbled" under Linux… the PS3 is still essentially a 64bit computer, with limited memory – unfortunately!

The PS3 does everything I need, except accelerated graphics under Linux… that is all that is missing…

Q!

"i aM hOMe"


Last edited by Qubex on 1/7/2009 11:59:26 PM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
15 years ago

Can simple linux games be played if you use linux on your ps3?

Qubex
Qubex
15 years ago

Yes they can… in fact; old style point and click adventure games from Lucasfilm etc are all usable. Gimp (the graphics manipulation programme – very similar to Photoshop) and the full Open Office Suite are all very usable.

I use VLC (Media Player) to play any music or movie file I want (VLC is also available for windows). However, because no GPU acceleration, if I try to play video files in full screen the frame rate drops, that is if I am set at 1080p. If you set your Linux resolution to 720p (or lower), you wouldn't have an issue replaying video files. Both Java and Flash are supported in Xubuntu through Firefox, meaning you should be able to run Flash and Java based software; however, depending on how much you are running will depend on how fast and responsive the system will be.

I think for browsing, office packages, image manipulation (limited), ftp etc etc… it is all very usable…

If you want a specific Linux distro for the PS3 (which is actually supported by Sony)… you would need to get YellowDog Linux, however quite a few other exist.

Q!

"i aM hOMe"

chilker
chilker
15 years ago

Really? Have they fixed the wireless issue? That's fantastic news! I had plain old Ubuntu running on my PS3 for a while, but I was frustrated that I could never get my wireless internet connected.
But now that it's been fixed, that is a very very tempting…
I've never used Xubuntu (but I am currently–as in RIGHT NOW–using Ubuntu on my desktop computer), are they very similar? I am already very familiar with everything on Ubuntu, so I don't really feel the need to refamiliarize myself with another OS (OSX, WinXP, Vista, Ubuntu), do you know if Ubuntu for the PS3 will have the same fix that your distro has in the near future? Or is Xubuntu definitely worth looking into? I haven't really done any research on it.

Qubex
Qubex
15 years ago

chilker; you can go to http://www.psubuntu.com to get all the latest news about PS3 linux. The Forums are good to help you solve technical issues for the IBEX release. There are tutorials there that explain how to get the wireless working.

Let me know if this helps! Also, what is your PSN ID; i'll add you!

Q!

"i aM hOMe"

chilker
chilker
15 years ago

I like to be consistent: my PSN account is also Chilker, haha.

Sweet man, I've got the ISO downloading right now. I'll probably really be fiddling with it. Fortunately, though, at the moment I'm in a set up where I no longer need wireless. The other problem I had (I think it was with Feisty Fawn, last time I messed with PSUbuntu) was with video mode. My monitor/TV is 1366×768 and Ubuntu seemed only capable of putting out 1280×720 with a black box around it (which was fairly annoying) or some other lower resolutions, all with black boxes around them. Inexplicably they refused to stretch. But I think I remember hearing that has since been fixed as well.

I'm not sure I really NEED ubuntu on my PS3–but it'll be fun anyway.

Thanks!

Joe_III
Joe_III
15 years ago

yeah sony, keep it simple by breaking the pricing down. At least they keep games simple by having like 4 good ones…

my troll-fu is weak tonight…

Seriously though, the PS3 is the better value for sure, but putting that up front cost still hurts…especially in this economy.

Cut the price, take the loss and get it out there. Because there's a 50/50 chance that M$ will cut the costs on the arcade to 150 by november, and the Wii is probably going to go down to 200 the month after NPD sales slow down…

Scarecrow
Scarecrow
15 years ago

Weeeeeeeeeeeell you do have to buy a pseyetoy camera and that new keyboard thing for the DS3….

But overall that's BONUS stuff, or like extras.

But yeah for the 360 you really have to keep being sh*t for it, if it's not a HDD it's the gold membership.

For the Wii……..goddamn if you want to play a Wiiware game you have to buy the Classic controller and a bunch of other extras for games.

Anonymous
Anonymous
15 years ago

I like how they mention older 360 versions for the HDMi, but fail to mention the 20GB ps3 from launch that didn't have wifi.

Not to mention touting the PS3 as the best HD console ever, and never placing any HD cables in them – not even compnent.

What Sony put out is forum fanboy like damage control.

Tim Speed24
Tim Speed24
15 years ago

You don't get HDMI cables when you buy a HDTV or a new stand alone Blu-ray player either, soooo whats your point?

Anonymous
Anonymous
15 years ago

Ben, can someone own a ps3 and not be a fanboy that simply takes Sony's drivel and slurp it up?

Can people have minds of their own, and think that the ps3 IS way overpriced, when a 360 and a blu ray player can be had for less?

Not everything Sony does is all that good, or smart. This whole gen has shown that Sony has been making one gaff after another.

karneli lll
karneli lll
15 years ago

"way over priced" im guessing you still would be complaining if the ps3 costs $200.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
15 years ago

…a 360 and a Blu-Ray player can be had for less? How MUCH less?

The point is not price; the point Sony is trying to make is what you get for that price. That's all.

King James
King James
15 years ago

@haimon
spoken like a true ROBOT.

somethingrandom
somethingrandom
15 years ago

The lower model PS3 is $299 with Blu-ray and Wifi…

Where can you get a Blu-ray player for under $100?

What do you expect from Sony!?!?! They LOSE MONEY selling PS3's. Their profit comes from software and accessories.

Dingodial
Dingodial
15 years ago

@ haimon
Your post is a lie. Can you do math? The cheapest 360 cost $200 and the cheapest BD player usually cost $200. 200 plus 200 equals $400. That is the same price as an 80gb. PS3 (with a hard drive, unlike the cheapest 360 which doesn't have a hard drive)

Vivi_Gamer
Vivi_Gamer
15 years ago

Saw a chart on PS3Fanboy, heres the problem for my step dad due to buying a 360, he recently bought a 50inch TV and wants to play Blu-ray, which of course the 360 doesnt have, so now after buying a 360 and HD he has to get a PS3 anyway…..

Anonymous
Anonymous
15 years ago

Ultimadream – why does he need a ps3 to play blu rays? There are stand alone players much cheaper.

Vivi_Gamer
Vivi_Gamer
15 years ago

Its been supported by evidence that the PS3 has the best quality Blu-ray player available, also Blu-ray mahcines arent cheaper, why get a Blu-ray player when you can get a PS3 for the same price?

ec0li
ec0li
15 years ago

I don't know the prices are in Europe but you can get very good blu-ray players around 175 to 250 dollars from brand name companies like Sony and Samsung in the US. The main thing though that the PS3 has over most but not all the stand alone players is speed which helps with loading time. In terms of picture quality to me it's a toss up. The main problem that standalone players had just as recently as a year and a half ago was that they didn't have network connectivity and made it impossible for firmware upgrades. You'll see that some older players can't even play the extra features on Blu-ray discs. That's what the PS3 since day one had over the standalones…network connectivity right off the bat.


Last edited by ec0li on 1/8/2009 5:13:34 AM

Anonymous
Anonymous
15 years ago

Underdream – If he already has a 360, and can get a BR player for 200$, is the extra 200$ worth it?

Aftab
Aftab
15 years ago

Definitely, if you have an HDTV, but you'll be less to do so, if you have to purchase it seperately.

And even once you do, you're still left with DVD9 for your 360.

tlpn99
tlpn99
15 years ago

I have seen a blu-ray player in Argos for £95. Couldn't see what make it was though it was on the shelf behind the pick up counter bit.


Last edited by tlpn99 on 1/8/2009 12:49:42 PM

somethingrandom
somethingrandom
15 years ago

The 360 is reaching it's limits, and you can get a PS3 for $299.


Last edited by somethingrandom on 1/8/2009 5:46:10 PM

ceedot
ceedot
15 years ago

It's so fu**ing true, and the 360 fanboys still don't get it.

whooka
whooka
15 years ago

Finally. This is exactly what Sony needed to do, break it down for consumers (at least those who are listening) as, while I don't watch much actual broadcast tv, I can count on one hand how many actual PS3 commercials I've seen on tv the past two years (commercials actually for the console) and as everyone is aware the PS3s biggest thing going against it right now is it's entry price, especially with other game consoles being available for 1/2 the money. I still think the price is reasonable considering the included hardware versus other consoles but the bulk of consumers probably think 'game console' and see the other 'game consoles' out there and just figure Sony is having a laugh. With MS continually dropping their price on the 360, the price gap just makes the PS3 look worse to the uninformed consumer. The only thing that has really bothered me a bit about the pricing is I bought a 40GB model at $399 and now you can get the larger hard drive models for the same price. I'm wondering why Sony just didn't keep the 40GB model out there and knock maybe $50 off the price and label it an 'entry level' unit or something. It wouldn't be as stripped down as the competitor's lite versions as it's still got the wi-fi, bluray, etc, just less hard drive space, and I've downloaded burnout3 and other games and still have 1/2 the space left on my 40GB model.

www
www
15 years ago

Owning a ps3 makes u elite,like the rich guy up the hills with a ferrari,lambo or a bentley.
Regular dudes will go for the cheaper ones and hate on the rich guy,now nobody cares if bentley gt is NOT the fastest selling car,owning it ups your reputation or status,now we don't expect the price of the GT to drop to that of the fast selling car like Toyota.

So,if u are still ranting about ps3 price,nobody's forcing you to buy it,stay in your broke lane and appreciate your 360 arcade/premium or Wii,hell cut Sony some slack they're YET to even start making profits…..damn!

ec0li
ec0li
15 years ago

haha

I would like to hear your take on the people who buy Elite 360s that cost the same as the standard 80gb PS3.

Aftab
Aftab
15 years ago

40 gigs more, but no bluray, wifi, nor rechargeable controllers…

ec0li
ec0li
15 years ago

bah!

I was expecting www_dot_com to say "also elite like the PS3 owner but with a lower IQ".

@Aftab

Since you went the boring route…I'll just continue for you…free HDMI cable, free headset. And not to mention STILL RROD READY!


Last edited by ec0li on 1/8/2009 3:21:19 PM

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