PlayStation 3 160GB System

Let me give a little bit of background before diving into a review. When the original NES came out, I was hooked. I didn't think anything could be better than Super Mario Bros. Then there was the Sega Genesis...and as I entered college, the original Playstation. Wow! After college I settled down, got married, had children, and stopped playing games for a while. Just 2 years ago I picked up a wii "for the family" and have enjoyed it since. Mario Galaxy 2 looks great and is a great deal of fun to play...and there are other great games on the wii as well. For the record, I'd never played a PS2, PS3 or Xbox. Don't get me wrong, the wii is great. There are a number of wii exclusives that I love. But I was still wanting something with some better graphics/games and thus began my research between xbox and ps3. Both are great systems! This was going to be harder than I thought. In the end, I felt like the game selection for the PS3 slightly outweighed that of the xbox for the family. The PS3 has LittleBigPlanet and Ratchet and Clank, as well as Uncharted/Metal Gear/etc. And while the xbox has some great exclusives as well, I was leaning toward the PS3. When I saw that the PS3 slim increased the hard drive from 120gb to 160gb I finally bit the bullet. I was wanting to get a blu-ray player sometime so I figured I'd just get the ps3. Just set it up last night. Set-up was a breeze and the graphics, wow, they truly are stunning. As I said, the wii is great and I'll continue to play and enjoy wii-exclusive games, but compared to xbox/ps3 graphics, there really is no comparison. I'm really looking forward to NHL 11 and Gran Turismo 5 (as the wii is lacking in these types of games). Overall, I'm thrilled with the PS3. I'm looking forward to getting my music and other media files loaded onto it and finally beginning the world of blu-ray movies and advanced gaming. While I do wish I could load files to it from a device formatted to something other than FAT, it's certainly not a deal-breaker. The PS3 works as it should, set-up is simple, has free online, great exclusive games, and so much more. Whether or not it's the right choice for you is up for you to decide. The Xbox is also a great system, but I'm happy with my final decision. Note: Extras you may need: - Extra controller, PS3 blu-ray remote control, and an hdmi or set of component cables depending on your video capabilities.

Previously owned an 80GB first generation PS3 that developed an eject disk problem and so it was wiped and passed on to a friend who felt confident in taking it apart and messing with it to repair. Meanwhile we upgraded to the new 160 GB. We seldom if ever game anymore. We use the PS3 to stream Netflix, watch blue ray movies, and view photo slideshows on a larger screen than the computer. This is why we opted for the 160 GB model. If we were gaming a lot still we'd probably go with the larger. This new Playstation streams Netflix very very smoothly and I'd say loads better than the old one did. The old model seemed to seize up/have to do a lot of "loading". I at first thought it was our internet service despite its being 10 mbps and pinging/speed testing at those speeds routinely. This is what tech support for your streaming service and device (not your ISP's support!) will insist is your problem. "It is clearly due to the quality of the service from your ISP, we detect no problems on our end" blah blah blah. Then I chalked it up to Netflix itself being crappy or having a lot of demand on its servers/peak times. But since we have started using the new PS we have not had a Netflix seize up and when loading does occur it is really fast, happens maybe 3 times at most and not back to back, and does not cause a seize up which it often did on the old PS. In fact repeated back to back "loading" was a sign of imminent seize. So I'm now leaning to it being a device issue, sorry Sony. Please note that on both models we have had virtually nothing saved on the hard drive and I at one point completely wiped and reset the old PS HD to factory and went thru set-up all over again, fresh and clean so we know that is not the problem. It also loads up blue ray DVD's, firmware upgrades, and blue ray data upgrades a whole lot faster than the old model. So again I gotta think it is the device, the new model's processor is much improved. Other pluses: The dull coating on the outside is not a dust and fingerprint magnetic like the old model. It seems to run a lot cooler than the old model. Heat is never good for electronics! It's smaller and lighter than the old model. It's not as noisy as the old model. Only cons: HDMI cable falls out the back somewhat easily. If you have sound but a black screen - take a peek and see if the cable fell out. Duh. This has been the case for us twice now, usually after someone has cleaned/dusted around the PS. Wish Amazon and Sony would get together so we could stream from Prime to the PS3!!!!!!

I'll be honest and admit I wasn't at all in the market to buy a game console. Years ago, I had an XBox, loved Knights of the Old Republic on it, but hardly played anything else. Eventually I sold it to a friend. But this year we decided to get a new TV, and not only did the Sony Bravia make the top of the list of candidates for us, back during Cyber-Week, Amazon was offering BOTH the 3D accessory starter kit AND a Playstation 3 for free. Due to delivery scheduling, we got the PS3 before the television, so I hooked it up and began playing a few games with it -- at first just a few freebies from the PS3 network. Then, realizing I was having fun, I got a couple more, including LittleBigPlanet. When the TV finally arrived, it was like the two were made for each other, the Sony Bravia NX810 and the PS3. One thing Sony knows is product integration. Anyway, there are better PS3-oriented bundles out there, and more powerful models, and no, we don't (yet?) have the PS3 Move accessory, but what there is was way more than we expected from a promotional offer. Pros: - Excellent out-of-box experience and pain-free set-up. - Nice wireless rumble & tilt-equipped controller (wish it came with 2 though) - Much faster in loading DVDs and blu-ray discs than our older Sony blu-ray player. - Picture quality (1080p) is amazing. - The PS3's 3D capabilities are also really great. Cons: - While blue-tooth makes for a nice controller, it makes for a lousy remote control set-up and impossible therefore to use a universal remote unless you have extra hardware to do the translating. Still, one can get a PS3 blu-ray player style remote for under $20, so it's not so bad. - Sometimes integration can go too far, in that I can't always tell when I'm operating the TV or the PS3. - Buying the unit straight out, one can find better bundle deals or more powerful models than this. Recommendations: - Do use the HDMI output for maximum quality. It's a must-use if you're going to play 3D games or movies on the PS3. - Broadband internet suggested to get the most out of the online functions, as well as for software updates. - If you add 3D capabilities to your TV -after- having set up and running the PS3, you'll need to enable these functions on the PS3 video settings, otherwise the PS3 will claim there's no 3D hardware available, even if you've already done the firmware update. - If you recently bought a new Sony internet-capable TV, check the documentation for fliers and such. I found among ours an offer for several free downloadable 3D games.

This is my favorite version of the ps3. It's the one Sony released after the release build (nicknamed "the phatty"), and the 3rd(?) build, which I like to call the "cheese-grater." This version is notable for its reliability, compared to the release build (I had two of those fail, within 1.5 years each; finally took advantage of the Microsoft trade-in program to buy an Xbox One, if only to not deal with the headaches of another potential phatty yellow-light-of-death failure). The cheese-grater ps3 is the cheapest and most current build, but it's noisy AF. I'd steer clear of it, if at all possible. I'm surprised they still make this version. I'm in the market for getting a relative a gift, and was looking for cheap, multi-function blu-ray players. You gotta love the ps3 too for its FREE access to online multiplayer for its library of games. That is a one-time gift from Sony. I only wish they had continued on with that program for the ps4, and not borrowed a page from Microsoft (you now have to buy PS Plus in order to have access to most online MP games, except for F2P titles). I mean, alot of adults don't have buckets of free time to play, so I feel like it's a bit of a scam, even if they're giving out free games with the purchase of PS Plus per month. Anyhow, I digress. The ps3 doesn't have as huge a library as the ps2, but...there's no lack of fun things to play. Hell, you could buy COD4, and as hacked as the lobbies are these days probably, at least you can play that endlessly. There's still plenty of joy to be had in Demon's Souls or Dark Souls...The Last of Us has excellent SP + MP as well. This *is* the definitive console with which I had my first experiences with online MP, and COD4 is like a first love. The ps3 is a multimedia, game-playing beast with free online MP. That's all you really need to know. Enjoy!

08/12/10 UPDATE: I started this review back in Oct 2010. The many complaints on the PS3 that I listed then were true at the times of their writing. Some have been fixed by the many PS3 mandatory software updates since then. Some issues remain & I have simply gotten used to them. So, as you read the very long review below or the many comments since, take notice when they were written. Some things have changed, some things haven't. But, all of these issues were issues at least at one time or another as was (is) my disappointment in the PS3. This review I wrote really is too long and too old. You can easily get lost in the details. My latest comment in the comments section of this review seems to sum it all up for me (as of today) and so here it is...again. And, as I wrote somewhere else here in this novel of a review, the PS3 is not a new system and has no good excuse for so many of the issues that were so prevalent in the 2 Slims I bought, albeit some of them now addressed. Here ya go: "Guys, even if I did not have the HDMI issue (or any of the issues I've had that the rest of you say never happens to you) there is still the download and install issues that is a real deal breaker for me. The PS3 requires so many downloads to be done NOT in the background. Even with my high-speed broadband that can still take over 10 minutes a game depending on the content. Then even after waiting for that download(s) the PS3 asks if you want to install the download. Really? I find that completely retarded. Why would I download something and then choose NOT to install? The PS3 should do the install and not make me wait through the download and then wait again through the install. There are very few downloads (and installs) that can be done in the background on the PS3. Most require you to wait and be able to do nothing else on your PS3 during this time. Perhaps for many of you that is just fine. I find it annoying and complete bs given that it is extremely rare for the 360 to require such. I can download games and game updates on my 360 and continue to play other games while the download is happening. Rarely ever does the 360 lock you out while it does downloads and installs. I had quit posting about the PS3 here because it became obvious that this is like debating religion. There are people who love their PS3 and those that love their 360 and there is little to nothing you can do to enlighten them. I never knew this until I posted my negative review of the PS3. I really don't care what any of you buy. It means nothing to me. And I don't even LOVE the 360. I just find it a much better system than the PS3. If my PS3 were to die, I would buy a new Blu-ray player. If my Elite 360 were to die I would buy another. I find the PS3 to be a real let down after having had a no-problem 360 (Elite) for the last couple of years. That's it. You do not have to agree. These are all opinions (reviews) and as such, there is no "right" or "wrong". Oh and as far as my 360 Elite being 100% problem free - it has been. What can I say? I just played an old Splinter Cell on my old white 360 and the console froze up where I had to do a power off reset. I took the game to my other tv with the black Elite 360 (w/ the 20 feet of HDMI) and as usual, not one single hiccup. I HAVE NEVER HAD A SINGLE ISSUE WITH MY BLACK 360 ELITE - NOT ONE. It has been 100% flawless. Not true of the old white 360 crap or either of the two PS3 Slims reviewed here. Believe me or not, I don't care. But those are the facts..." ----and with that, will someone please turn out the lights. CHAPTER ONE- Oct. 26, 2010: The PS3 is more "glitchy" than I would like (hence the 4 and not 5 stars) and the graphics during game play are just slightly less brilliant than what I get from my Elite 360. It is the fastest Blu-ray player I've had, but has some issues maintaining a good connection. If you wanna know more, read on... I have an older model 360, a newer model 360, a Wii and this newest version PS3. Everything is hooked up in the best possible way that the device will allow - (HDMI, Toslink, Digital audio cable and / or component cables) - all depending on what the individual device will allow. Everything is running into my 5.1 Dolby Digital / DTS stereo and into my 1080p HD projector throwing a 12 foot image. Cables are the shortest runs possible in this set up, which happens to be about 20 feet. I consider the Wii in a totally different category than the 360 or the PS3. The Wii is a family friendly, let's-all-get-in-to-the-action type console. Fun for the entire family, but hardly a serious gamer's console. And, with only component cables for video, it cannot be a serious contender for movies. So, the following will be about the Elite 360 and this PS3. My favorite for gaming is hands down the newer 360. I have the Elite 360 from about 2 - 3 years ago. Like the PS3, it is hooked up with HDMI and Toslink outs. The 360 has a slightly more saturated picture. Yes, I have attempted multiple calibrations on both the 360 and the PS3 to try to get the most desirable image. The 360 looks slightly better at times. The sound is the same on both - excellent. The real problem, if it really is one, is the the glitchiness of the PS3. It has frozen up more than a couple of times, both on games and simply on the home menu screen. The Elite 360 - never. However, my older 360 (2004 model, I think) is crap. It has locked up many times and was actually one of those that had the 3 rings of death and leaves marks on the discs. But, it would appear that with the Elite, Microsoft finally got it right. That's not to say that the PS3 sucks. No, it has some really nice features that are lacking on the 360. Namely, a web browser, Blu-ray player and FREE on line gaming. But, it also has some shortcomings that irritate. They are: glitchy graphics and operation that causes freeze-up or image artifacts, low power from the HDMI port that causes digital drop out know as sparklies, no infrared to make using a universal remote simple and easy and a controller that renders itself pretty much useless when the battery dies since you can't simply replace the batteries - you have to plug it in to recharge and now you either wait or continue playing tethered to the console via the charge cord - stupid. Do know that in my set up I have made every attempt to hook up everything the exact same so as to make the comparison apples to apples. I do like the PS3 for it's Blu-ray and browser capability. It's gaming ability is great and had I not a flawless 360 to compare it to on this 12 foot HD screen, I wouldn't think twice about it. I am, however, dissatisfied with the poor power from the HDMI that plagues the PS3 on longer cable runs. That is not an issue with the 360. And the lack of an ir (for simple universal remote use) and no removable battery pack is just simply stupid. Yes, the lithium batteries do last a long time in the PS3, but they still die and need charging. In my 360 I use removable rechargeable AA NiMH batteries. There's always a set charging and thus always a set ready to go. I switch them out and continue to keep gaming - wireless. The PS3 non-removable batteries means you can't. CONCLUSION: If you do not currently own a PS3 or Elite 360 and are trying to decide to buy just one, ask yourself what is most important. If it's having the ability to play Blu-rays and game on-line for free and maybe surf now and again then I suggest the PS3. If it's all about serious gaming, then it's the Elite 360. Note that I do not know when Microsoft got the 360 working correctly. All I know is that I have a white one from 2004 (I think) and it's crap. And I have a black one from 2008 (I think) called the Elite and it rocks! Don't take my word for it about the poor HDMI power of the PS3. Google it for yourself. I have created several theater set ups like my own and each time it is a chore to get the PS3 to communicate continually well with other devices. The average viewer may never notice, but audiovideo geeks like me do. On an all black image, if you are having digital drop off like the PS3 often does, you will see speckles of white like in old films. It's called sparklies and the PS3 is known for them. Again, we're talking HDMI runs over 6 feet. Not a concern in a typical home set up, but definitely a concern for large home theaters. FINAL WORDS: These are not my opinions. I have no love of Microsoft. Actually, I hate Microsoft for several reasons. These are my observations based on my set up and my desires. Yours may be different. I'm simply wishing to inform others of my personal experience... and I hope this helps. UPDATE 11/14/2010 (dropped to 3 stars): Way too many freeze ups / glitches. The PS3 is not a new system and has no good excuse for this! I cannot recommend to anyone to buy a PS3 UNLESS you absolutely want a great Blu-ray player in addition to a gaming system with free on-line play. My Xbox 360 Elite still reigns supreme as the best gaming system...and I hate Microsoft, so that's a tough statement to make, but I call 'em as I see 'em. ANOTHER UPDATE Feb 2011 & loses another star rating: I absolutely hate how it seems like every game update stops all play on the PS3. Unlike game updates on the 360, when the PS3 needs to update a game it CANNOT be done in the background, but rather stops all other activities on the PS3 while it does the game update. Most (if not all) 360 game updates can be done in the background while you are free to perform other activities with your 360. Not so on the PS3. Just another annoying thing about the PS3. Pop in an older game or even a newer one that hasn't been in the machine in awhile and get ready to go do something else for awhile while your PS3 does nothing else but the update (sometimes for 30 minutes or more). I am disappointed in the PS3. While the 360 in general has had several problems in it's past, it is easily argued that it has finally been pleasantly refined to near perfection. The PS3? Nope, not even close. 02/18/2011: I'm done. I've had it. I promise this is the last comment/post I will make about the PS3. Use it as you will. The PS3 sux compared to the newest 360. Quantum Solace just froze up AGAIN and ANOTHER software update consumed the PS3 for over 10 minutes and I'm just sick of it. My Elite 360 NEVER gives me one single issue like this. Hey SONY, ever heard of BACKGROUND downloads? Anyone who recommends the PS3 over the 360 has NOT used the newer 360. It is flawless, but simply lacks Blu-ray. The latest PS3 is so full of shortcomings (as mentioned) that I have grown to despise it. Were it not for the Blu-ray feature, I wouldn't keep it. But hey, you don't have to take my word for it. Buy a new 360 and a new PS3 and judge for yourself.............I'm done!

It's been two years since my purchase of a PS3 slim 160GB system, but better late than never to say the console was in excellent condition when purchased used. I opened it up recently to see not a spec of dust on any part of the casing or heat sink beside the power supply, but the power supply screw was stripped which meant I couldn't completely open the rest & check the motherboard for any aging or thermal paste replacements. I highly doubt it needed it though since it never overheated & the fans always stayed almost dead silent most of the time. It wasn't advertised as 'refurbished' anyways, just used 'good' condition which makes the actual condition of it so surprising. Slims & super slims definitely seem to be a safer option for PS3's these days if you're going to buy used. There's some sellers that are genuinely taking care of these consoles. The console ran super quiet with 0 issues throughout the time I used it with multiple hard drives & games. However it died on its own thanks to a power outage that completely killed the video/audio source & permanently stays idle when powered on these days. "Green light of death". All PS3's whether new or used are infamous for not being able to survive power fluctuations. But I wanted to come back to make sure to give personal feedback when it did operate excellently for what was an affordable price for the bundle ($143.99 before taxes). I would've paid a little more though if I knew the power cable the seller sold me was going to be a what looked like a few centimeters in length. That was the shortest power cable I've ever seen in my life. :P

The PS3 is a great system. Easy to use, futuristic on-screen interface, quality sleek hardware, awesome graphics, lots of benefits. But should you get a PS3 or Xbox 360? And what about the Wii? Note: I own all three devices, and I appreciate all of them. I don't have any bias to one system or the other, just my personal experience and opinion... PS3============================================ What I like MOST about the PS3: 1) Future proof Blu-ray player (Sony updates the player over the Internet for free; it now supports 3D movies/TVs) 2) Clean, more futuristic on-screen interface (feels more mature then Xbox 360) 3) Better/Smoother/Faster graphics (in the 10+ games I own on a 60" 1080p HDTV) 4) Free online multiplayer gaming (no monthly/yearly fees like Xbox 360; which I hate about Xbox) 5) Watch your online netflix shows on PS3 for free (Xbox requires Xbox live account to use your netflix account; another thing I hate about Xbox) 6) Exterior: More futuristic, luxurious, mature "look". Looks more like a sleek Home Theater appliance. (Xbox 360 more oriented to youthful crowd; Xbox looks more like an 'entertainment' device) 7) Lighter, slimmer, smaller controller. Built-in longer lasting rechargeable battery. (the Xbox controller does not come with a standard rechargeable battery, and it feels heavier and more bloated then the PS3 controller). 8) Built-in wireless connectivity. (an option on the Xbox) 9) Built-in optical/toslink connectivity for home theatre audio connection. (an option on the Xbox) 10) I can use my (or any) wireless blue-tooth cell phone headset for voice/chat enabled games. (The Xbox cannot) What I like LEAST about the PS3: 1) My first PS3 (the 'fat' one) had a disc drive failure after 13 months of ownership; 1 month beyond its warranty. The PS3 still works, I just cant use discs. That means I cant watch blu-ray discs on it and I cant play disc based games on it. I can still play games through the PlayStation store (demos, etc), I still can watch netflix on it, and I still can watch movies from my PCs over the network on it. The fact that my PS3 disc drive died after about 1 year of limited delicate usage really concerns me about the quality of the hardware and customer support/treatment. I paid over $400 for my first PS3, and I used it maybe twice a week. After searching the web about my problem, I found this was a rampant problem with the fat PS3. Did they fix this problem with the slim PS3? Time will tell; I sure hope so. I just wish Sony would have fixed my problem for free (as I feel it was shoddy hardware or poor engineering that resulted in this problem, not me). 2) Games (new and used) are generally more expensive then the Xbox 360. 3) I liked the glossy look of the first generation PS3. The new PS3 slim looks a little flimsier/cheaper. It is smaller though, and that's a plus. 4) The rechargeable battery in the PS3 controller is not swappable. That means if your controller dies mid-game, you have to plug it in to use it. (The Xbox controller has swappable batteries) 5) When I download a game (full or demo), I can't play it immediately. After the download (which could take over an hour), I have to install the game (which could take another 10-30+ minutes), at which time my PS3 is unusable until it completes. The Xbox downloads in the background and plays immediately without having to install the game. Also, if I turn off the PS3, the download stops (the Xbox finishes the download even when turned off). Xbox 360============================================ What I like MOST about the Xbox 360: 1) More people have it. In other words, all my friends, family and coworkers have Xbox 360s. Which also means if I want to play online with them, I have to use my Xbox, which is also a con for me. (I'd rather use my PS3 because of the better graphics and lighter/smaller controller). 2) I can download games, updates and demos in the background, even with the Xbox turned off. So I can start a download and go to bed without leaving the box on all night. (The PS3 cant do this) 3) When I download a game (full or demo), I can play it immediately. On the PS3, you have to download it (which could take over an hour), then install it (which could take another 10-30+ minutes), at which time your PS3 is unusable until it completes. 4) My late generation Xbox elite has lasted longer then my first generation PS3 (surprisingly) 5) It doubles as a Media Center extender. I have a PC that records shows for me in Media Center (like a Tivo but no monthly fees). I can access these shows and watch live TV over the network via my Xbox. This is a VERY cool and under-talked about feature. And most people with a Windows PC can do this; look it up. 6) The console and games (new and used) are cheaper then the PS3. What I like LEAST about the Xbox 360: 1) Still no blu-ray player. This is a major con compared to the PS3. It WILL play regular DVDs, however. 2) In my experience, graphics are a little lower quality then my PS3. In Grand Theft Auto IV, I can see farther and more objects at a time on my PS3. The PS3 has a faster frame rate, where the Xbox feels almost blurry. The colors are more crisp on the PS3, the Xbox is more washed out, like water colors. Some may not even notice this, I do. 3) No built-in wireless connectivity. You have to buy a very expensive adapter to have wireless connectivity. 4) No built-in optical/toslink connectivity for home theatre audio connection. You have to buy an adapter to do this. 5) No rechargeable battery. You have to buy a rechargeable battery and kit to do this. 6) Not a major deal, but the on-screen interface is more kid-feeling then the PS3. I'm an adult and the PS3 feels more like its targeted to adults then children/teenagers. 7) YOU HAVE TO PAY TO PLAY ONLINE. I don't understand this. It's ridiculous to me. It's way overpriced. I can't play online with my friends unless I buy a monthly or yearly Xbox live pass. I hate this about the Xbox. I HATE THIS. I already gave them hundreds of dollars in the console, games and accessories; stop asking me to pay to play. As you can see, this is a major con to me. I also cant watch my Netflix account without paying for an Xbox live account. Boo! 8) The Xbox has a pretty bad reliability record. I believe they have eliminated most of the issues that plagued the earlier consoles, however. My neighbor has replaced his Xbox 4 times; FOUR TIMES! I have not. He plays his every day all day though; I play once or twice a week for less then an hour. Wii============================================ I bought the Wii after playing it at a friends house. I was blown away by the idea and experience of motion based controllers. We played golf, boxing, tennis, ping pong; it was an amazing experience - for the first time. After I had the Wii, I quickly lost interest. Here's why: 1) Horrible graphics. I paid a lot of money to have a 60" High Definition full 1080p home theatre. The Wii graphics look like absolute kiddy crap on my TV. The Wii has no high def. Its like playing a first generation Nintendo NES on a HDTV. Its horrible, and for this 1 reason I can no longer enjoy my Wii. Nintendo is way behind the modern day high end graphics of today. 2) The motion controller novelty has worn off. Its fun on a few games, horrible on others. I don't know, the novelty of the Wii has just worn off for me; and several of my friends. 3) It just doesn't feel like a modern quality device. While I'm sure its reliable, it just feels like a child's toy; the exterior, the interface, the games, etc. Sorry, I guess I've just grown up. Conclusion============================================ In conclusion, I would say the Wii is more suited to young children. The Xbox is a great device, and so is the PS3. I can live without my Wii; but I would have a hard time choosing between the Xbox and PS3. For that reason, I choose to have both. If Xbox made online multiplayer free (eliminated the Xbox live cost), and included a blu-ray player, I would choose the Xbox over a PS3 (even with the better graphics on the PS3). But for now, I say buy both. By the Xbox as a gaming device, and justify the PS3 as blu-ray player with benefits. If your a parent shopping for a teenager and only want to buy 1 device, go for the Xbox 360. Chances are, most of your child's friends will already have one, and they can all play online. If your an adult that demands the best and has little time to play games (like myself), get a PS3. Its sleek, its got better graphics, its wireless, and it has a blu-ray player. I hope this review gives you some insight and help with your choice, and a little knowledge of all the systems from an experienced and unbiased owner. [...]

With the XBOX 360 and PS3 both floating at about the price point it gets a bit easier to put the two head to head. I went with the PS3 because... - Built in BluRay Player. An awesome built in BluRay player that is easily kept up to date by Sony via web updates. - The PS3 is a more powerful machine, not by leaps and bounds but measurably faster max. processing makes for a system that will remain current longer. - EASILY upgraded Hard Drive. The PS3 uses the same standardized drives as your laptop, any brand will do. The Xbox requires a custom drive made just for the XBOX. Your options will always be limited by what Microsoft decides to offer unless you are somewhat tech savvy and feel comfortable doing some complicated do it yourself "hacking". - Better HDMI audio(5.1 & 7.1 over HDMI) - Resolution. More PS3 games in 1080 vs 720 - The XBOX 360 is the ONLY system which touts Netflix streaming but MAKES you pay extra to do it. Im already paying netflix, but Microsoft goes out of its way to cripple this function unless you pay for their monthly "LIVE" service. If you already know youll be a "LIVE" subscriber than this isnt an issue. I was already perturbed at being forced to pay for the "LIVE" service if i wanted to do any online multiplayer gaming. This doesnt seem to bother some folks but Im a PC gamer, for the most part, and paying for online multiplayer just doesnt fly for me. Ive got a ton the most popular XBOX games on my PC and Im playing online FOR FREE. In defense of the "LIVE" service i have some friends who swear by it. According to them its a perfect integration of an online social community with every single game thats offered on the platform.also, microsoft occasionally offers deals on the service which can get the monthly cost under $4/month. Thats a powerful argument for some people. The FREE playstation network is just fine for me. - Lastly, i went to my local game shop and strolled through the used section of both systems and found that i found a lot more cheap games i really wanted to play for the PS3.