Strengths: Blu Ray, First Party Exclusive Games, Wide File Type Support

Weaknesses: Costly Controllers/Games

Summary: I bought this system at launch (Fall 06). I even paid extra for it. I have never regretted it. The system, up until now, has suffered from lack of exclusive games and a lag in certain multi-platform release dates. That will change in 08. Games like Metal Gear Solid 4, Little Big Planet, Final Fantasy XIII, God of War III, Gran Turismo 5, Resistance 2, and White Knight Story (as well as the development of Home, the new free online community due out soon for PS3 owners), will be a stellar year for the PS3. It has been widely predicted to outsell the 360 this year for many reasons, not just because of games.http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/51108http://ps3.ign.com/articles/849/84 9264p1.html?RSSwhen2008-02-04_071900&RSSid=849264The PS3 is also a fantastic Blu-Ray player. Since Blu-Ray won the format war, there is no risk in upgrading to Blu-Ray via the PS3, especially since the PS3 still plays (and upscales the graphics of) all your old DVDs. In fact, with the advent of Blu-Ray 2.0 technology, the PS3 is the only Blu-Ray player currently on the market that is capable of upgrading. See http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080118-new-nlu-ray-2-0-spec-makes-ps3-the-mo st-future-proof-player.htmlThe PS3 is extremely versatile with support for the following file types:VIDEO ? MPEG-1 ? MPEG-2 (PS,TS) ? H.264/MEPG-4 AVC ? MPEG-4 SP? AVI? DIVXMUSIC? ATRAC (.oma .msa .aa3)? AAC (.3gp .mp4)? MP3 (.mp3)? WAV (.wav)IMAGES? JPEG? GIF? PNG? TIFF? BMPMost of the PS3's versatility is due to the fact that it can accept data from multiple sources, including usb flash drives, usb hard disc drives (including iPods), memory sticks (Sony's technology), memory stick duos, SD cards, and compact flash. Also, firmware updates from Sony consistently increase the number of file types and quality of media you watch/play on the system. DVD upscaling quality could improve by 30-40% through firmware updates according to this source:http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2007/06/20/future-ps3-firmware-updates-could-improv e-upscaling-30-to-40/Since this model of the PS3 is one of the first 2 released (this and the 20 GB were the first 2), it has almost 100% backward compatibility with PSone and PS2 games. I have tried games from both systems, and never found one that doesn't work. It is far superior to the 20 GB model because it has extra USB ports (total of 4), WiFi, and Bluetooth technology built in. (It even has drivers for common printers somehow built in! I plugged mine in it worked!)In summary, the system's ability to play CDs, DVDs, Blu Rays, HD games, DivX and AVI files from USB drives (taken from the computer), its wireless (or ethernet, if you prefer) connectivity, its backward compatibility, its free online community, and its overall quiet running, super-reliable performance make it the top candidate for years to come. And the 60 GB launch model is the best PS3, hands down.And I didn't even mention PlayTV, which is Sony's new product that will allow PS3 owners to record TV to their PS3s just like with TiVO. And don't forget, if you have a PSP, any files on your PS3, including photos, music, video files, TV, and some games, are accessible from anywhere there is a wireless hotspot.

Strengths: The 60GB version is a great BR player and game machine. Plays PS2 games without a hitch.

Weaknesses: none

Summary: The 80GB will replace the 60GB version and that fancy core chip in the PS3 will be no more as we know it. Buy this while you can get this great box.

Strengths: Outstanding graphics, great blu-ray disc playback capabilities. Bluetooth interface. Good looking case

Weaknesses: Where are Socom & Metal Gear?

Summary: The console is very well constructed. It feels rugged. The user interface is very intuitive. With the new 1.80 operating system I can stream music and video from my PC. In the future I will be able to use it as a slingbox with my PSP. The graphics on this machine are unbelievable. All we need now are more games. In the mean time it is a great blu-ray dvd player.

Strengths: Graphics

Weaknesses: Heat retention, cost

Summary: I purchased the PS3 for two reasons, gaming and BluRay DVD capability. I have recently upgraded to HD and felt that I had might as well pay the +/- 600 for the Playstation since it was not significantly different then a BluRay player. I have not been disappointed with the gaming aspect of the PS3. I have not been that impressed with the difference between a normal DVD and BluRay. The 7.1 surround output (yes I have a 7.1 setup) does not significantly differ from the 5.1 output to the reciever that then artificially creates 7.1. I have the PS3 inside a cabinet that houses the rest of my home theater electronics. I have recieved a over heat message because I left the door closed. I have since removed the back panel of the credenza but it is clear that Sony could have done a little better on the heat distribution.It is no secret that the game selection is still limited for the PS3. This continues to be the case. The games are expensive at $60 each but I have found that you can get them from online stores for +/- $30 each.

Strengths: Great graphics, easy to use, plays audio and video on many mediums, surround sound and internet.

Weaknesses: expensive

Summary: Too expensive for a game machine. But, if you know it's capabilities and use it to it's full potential, it is well worth the money. I use it for DVDs and CDs. My 13 year-old uses it almost exclusively for games. Hooked up to a projector and surround sound it is incredible

Strengths: Built in wi-fi, bluetooth, blu-ray disc player, capable of 7.1 surround sound and 1080p resolution. free online play and all for just 600 is a completely revolutionary price for all this.

Weaknesses: not a lot of good games out at the moment, waiting for gran turismo 5, lair, heavenly sword, metal gear solid 4, final fantasy 13 and much more but most of it will come out in late 2007 and early 08

Summary: definitely a must buy system, comes with a free 1 year warranty from sony. very reliable system, doesn't break down as much as 360's do. 7.1 surround sound with 1080p? good god, the awesomous power and strength of this machine. a 8 cell core processor makes this a supercomputer. dvd's and blu-ray movies play great on this.

Strengths: The HD feature is outstanding. The games really come alive much more than PS2.

Weaknesses: Be prepared to spend at least another $150 for an extra controller and the HD wires.

Summary: The PS3 is so much more advanced than the PS2. My son does not want to play any of his old PS2 games any more because the features, picture and even audio on the new games are so much better. It is nice to have the Blu Ray option too. Once more movies come out with this capability we will not need to buy a separate DVD player for the TV with the PS3.

Strengths: Best value blue ray dvd player, built in wifi, true media hub

Weaknesses: Lack of games that takes full advantage of the system's features, no HD upcoversion, system gets etremely hot, glossy paint finish attracts fingerprints, and lastly, you friends will want to steal it

Summary: I've had this system for about a month now so far it's been great. I paired this with a Sony KDS-RXBR2, let me tell you the picture is amazing. One should note that I bought this more as a dvd player for my home theater system. One thing do your self a favor and opt for the Optical cable connection for audio and HDMI ( system doesn't come with one, make sure its version 1.3 compliant- all Monster HDMI cables are). In addition, do yourself a favor and get yourself the Sony remote control and the wireless controller isn't the best remote. Also if you want cheap but high quality home theater set up try pairing the PS3 with the Logitech Z-5500, awesome sound and you bypass the audio receiver. In terms of playing movies, standard dvd play well but the player does not upconvert the video to HD. You should also know that dvds will not play automatically if these are not already in the system if it's not in it when you turn the system on. Rather you have to manually use the controller to select the DVD to play. There have been plans by Sony to release a firmware update to accomplish this but no word yet. It nice to have the player decode dvds is full Dolby Digital, blue ray disks are even better, colors are very vivid and rich. In terms of gaming I haven't had any compatability issue with PS2 or PS1 games, however if you looking to get this as a gaming machine you may want to wait as the selection of titles available currently do not take advantage of the system's capabilities. Also nice is the system's web browser and paired with built in WIFI (make sure you get the 60 gb model for the WIFI). Also you should know you can pair this with your Ipod (can find this on youtube), however you can't view the tracks by artist and albums like to xbox360, but knowing Sony they'll fix this. You know you can upgrade the drive up to 200gb and make sure it's a laptop drive, hopefully Sony will add the ability to record TV onto the hard drive. All in all great system. Also, here's also CNET's detailed review as well Enjoy.Josh

Strengths: HD gaming w/ amazing graphics, blu-ray playability, internet connectivity, wireless SIXAXIS controller, XrossMediaBar like PSP, games load quickly, WLAN, bluetooth, free online gaming

Weaknesses: launch titles, unit is heavy, expensive, initial setup takes forever

Summary: great system for high-quality gaming, although you need an HDTV to really experience it. portability is definitely not the intention of this 11lb monster. wireless controller is great, which also happens to have a decent battery life. whoever complained about hot air coming out of the system is a moron--it's a computer after all and it creates heat. it does not overheat however. its operation is whisper quiet. it can be turned on and off directly from the controller. if you have your ps3 connected to a router, you'll probably have to configure it manually to allow UNuP compatibility and enable gaming mode. for those of you choosing to buy the Wii for the controller, there will probably be controllers just like that from 3rd party manufacturers for the PS3.

Strengths: great HD graphics, free online features, whisper quiet while running and built in blue ray.

Weaknesses: very large, and runs really warm, and setup for the thing takes forever

Summary: I bought it from a friend unopened and it was christmas come early i have wanted this for a long time and now it is here. I bought call of duty 3 poped in and basked in its glow. I got really got into it. the online gaming is pretty good and I dont think that my decision was bad at all its just so cool to know that you have and own the most powerful gaming console ever created on the market.

Strengths: Built in Wi-fi, 60gig HDD(upgradeable), wireless controller, HD gaming, internet access, downloadable items, Blu-ray player, plays PSOne and PSTwo games, upgradeable OS.

Weaknesses: Launch titles.

Summary: I got my Playstation 3 since launch day. I have never been so exited for any other console in the past as I have been with the PS3. Its like having a mini computer in you living room. Operatin System: Its easy to browse. It lets you put pictures, videos, and burn CDs on the HDD. It lets you communicate with you PSP and transfer files via Wi-fi or you can just hook up the PSP through one of the four USB ports. You can have up to 7 blue tooth devices. Internet: It lets you browse the internet wirelessly from your own couch, you can plug in a keyboard and mouse or use any bluetooth mouse or keyboard to type and browse the internet. Controller: The controller is lighter and the analog sticks are better than the ones on the PS2. It lacks the rumble but it has the SIXAXIS motion integrated to the controller. At the beginning I was a little skeptical about the lacking of the rumble, a few minutes after playing the game (Resistance: Fall of Man) I forgot completely about the lack of rumble. Online Gaming/Downloads: Online gaming is free and you don't have to pay a dime to be able to play online games. There are demos ready to download, Sony will be adding more as the time passes. You can buy games also from the online store. You can set up your account and set up how much money you would like for each user. So you can have a limit of $20 dollars. This is great as you don't have to worry that he will spend more than what you want. The only thing that I notice and I wasn't aware of is that they charge you a dollar to set up your online account. They have all the agreements, it was long so I didn't read them, I bet they had a dollar charge for making your account. I don't know if this is for every account you make online or for one Main account. I strongly recommend this console as many great games will be coming out on this console, like Metal Gear 4, Gran Turismo HD, Heavenly Sword, Final Fantasy XIII and many more. It lacks games right now but this has been always the case on every console that launches.

Strengths: - Wireless Built in- Cheap Blu-Ray Option- Sleek Design- Multiple Memory Type reader - Large Hard Drive- Allows Video and Chat with old PS2 peripherals

Weaknesses: - Very WEAK launch titles- Its BIG / shoots Hot air like a hairdryer- New Controller feels flimsy/no Rumble- Startup need to install a patch- Internal PS and Slot Load worry me- USB on front

Summary: OK..... I've played with every bells and whistles and option that this machine has to offer over the last 4 days. Suffice to say....the PS3 is a quality piece of hardware and an affordable Blu-Ray option if you are into the High Def DVD race (I have both so don't care....and haven't noticed a discernible difference bw the 2 formats). This thing is big (bigger than XBOX)....and its heavy..and it gets smudged easily. The potential is there for greatness but the lack of quality software at launch is a hinderance. Of the exclusives...RESISTANCE is the ONLY game really worth purchasing IMO...but its no GEARS OF WAR.Setup for this system...to apply the patches and do the The PS Online account signup should take you about an hour. NOW if the patch download is slow (which mine was)....it could be more.....alot more (I fell asleep).The Playstation store while having a graphically pleasing interface than XBL Marketplace....does not zip from screen to screen as XBL does as it seems to be web-based, and downloads are only allowed 1 at a time. Also...demos....after download....then need to be INSTALLED to work.Voice chat is not available for all online launch games with Resistance being the only one I saw it active. The PS Online does allow for Video and Audio chat with a USB or Bluetooth headset and the EYETOY Camera. There is a remote play feature with the PSP but has not been activated as of yet and seems it requires you to use WPA-SK. It hooked up flawlessly with my PSP and Archos DVR for access to videos pics and music.This model is worth it for the extra 100$ over the 20GB model as the built-in Wireless and memory card slots allow a bit of flexibility in networks and transferring items. Anyone telling you anything else probably couldn't get the better model.The thing that worries me most is the internal power supply and slot-loading mechanism. Granted the unit is quiet and seems to be shooting out all the heat....but as with past Playstation models I'll keep my fingers crossed b/c Playstations are not known for their longtime reliability. As for the slot-loading mechanism.....I have yet to see one that does not eventually have issues....whether it be the rubber wheels leaving marks on discs to discs gettings stuck inside. Slot-loading looks good.....but its long term reliability is still questionable.The HDMI ran smoothly with my HDTVs....but there seems there could be a possible issue with HDMI 1.1 as some people have reported handshake issues. The screen does go blank when the PS3 handshakes with HDMI...this occurs when ever a resolution is requested or changed (i.e. System is turned on, Game starts, Movie played, etc).One thing I've determined should have been done is that USB Ports should have been put on the back....as multiple cords coming out of the front kinda ruin the sleek look of the machine (USB Headset, EYETOY, Keyboard, and PSP)

Strengths: Great system.

Weaknesses: Save money buying the 20GB, you can buy a huge hard drive with the money saved.

Summary: It is finally here, the console that many of us have been waiting for! The Playstation 3 console is so nice and shiny! It is the hot, new toy that everyone wants this holiday. This console comes with two available options the 20GB and the 60GB. However, the 20GB one is a way better deal. You can stick in any 2.5" notebook hard drive in easily. There's even a slot where you can pull it out without opening the case. You could easily stick in a 100+ GB HD with the money you save buying the 20GB version. You can search for this information on Google.Both 20GB and 60GB versions come with HDMI. The 60GB version has a few things extra, but they are not necessary. The games look amazing. Resistance is the game that most people will probably buy when they get this system. The controllers remove the vibration function. However they incorporate the new SIXAXIS motion sensor. You can tilt the controller up and down or left and right to play the game.