PS3 Slim Review

Late last month, Sony rolled out the new iteration of their successful Playstation 3 line, called the PS3 Slim. Needless to say, it is much like its older brother, the PS2 slim, in the concept that it is smaller than its predecessor. However, some new things have been added to the console, along with some controversial deletions.

PS3 Slim Overview

New PS3 Slim with Matte finish

As you can see, there was much changed about the new console. Instead of the piano gloss black, you have a matte finish. A lot of people don’t like this better but I do. This is due to the fact that the original PS3 was a dust and fingerprint magnet. Hopefully the new finish fairs better than the original.

PS3 "Fat" vs PS3 Slim

Apart from the finish being different, this model also weighs a good bit less, has actual buttons instead of sensors for power and eject, and is missing the PSU switch on the back of the console. Not really a pro or con, just different. Like the other PS3’s, this one comes with your usual wireless controller, adapter, power cord, and USB charging cord.

The Good

The new model comes with some upgrades thanks to Sony. One of the most important would be the new CPU/GPU. The new processors are now on a 45nm process, and subsequently use less power. I’ve seen numbers ranging from 70-100 less watts during game play compared to the release 60 GB model. This is why the console can afford to be so small. It also will probably have a better future than the PS2 slim had due to the heat issues that plagued it. Also, due to the redesign, the CPU and GPU are said to be faster now, however, I have found little difference other than the console menu seems snappier. This is something you can keep and eye on for later most likely. PS3 games still don’t take full advantage of the current cell architecture, so it’s a toss-up.

The next addition will definitely benefit those who will use the console as a entertainment device. Audiophiles, rejoice! PS3 now supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA audio. Those with high end receivers will be able to appreciate the benefit of the new audio formats. This truly adds value back to the Blu-ray group who just want to watch movies. With the price at $299, its a good piece to get just for that.

Those of you, like me, who have noisy PS3’s also will benefit. The new slim model, on average, is 10-15 dB quieter than it’s predecessor. This really helps with those who are trying to watch movies. I would have to crank my speakers up to compensate for the ridiculous amount of noise coming from the fan in the old PS3. My 40GB PS3 sounded like a fighter jet taking off, this slim has a low hum. This is due to the previous mentioned point that the CPU and GPU produce less heat.

The new PS3 has a better disc drive, which prevents disc scratching while spinning the disc. Those of you who have Xbox360’s that have make rings on the disc would definitely appreciate this.

The hard drive is upgraded to 120GB and is swappable. Any SATA laptop drive will fit in it. Since there are 500 GB drives out now, that’s a whole lot of content.

Bravia Sync is now on the new system. Those of you who have Sony TV’s will benefit from this, due to the fact that it allows direct control of the system with your TV remote. Other than that, its one of the less important updates, due to the fact that most people have Vizio, Sharp, and Samsung TV’s. I have a Bravia II 42? LCD, so it is a nice feature.

The Bad

Like the 40 and 80GB PS3’s, this model does not have PS2 compatibility. Sorry folks, but those of you who actually play PS2 games probably have a PS2 handy. I’d say dig it out and hook it up, because I doubt Sony has any plans to resurrect the format.

Linux compatibility is now gone. Those .01% of you who even thought of this as an important feature might be afraid from buying the slim now, however, Linux does run on PC’s too, so I’d stick with that instead of your PS3. Something about an OS like Linux doesn’t make me nuts about putting it on a game console with a controller. I’d suppose it would be nicer with a Bluetooth keyboard, but honestly, doesn’t seem like quite the loss its cracked up to be.

The Ps3 cannot stand up vertically by default anymore, due to the size reduction and the oh-s%@t factor of the wobble when it starts spinning a disc. To make it vertical again, you have to pay for a $24 dollar stand. I’d wait on this until a third party makes one for cheaper. Personally for me, its not an issue.

There are no SD or compact flash slots on this PS3 like the ones found on the original release PS3’s. While this has been gone since the release of the 40/80GB PS3’s, it’s still a loss.

The disc drive makes a louder noise now, but that’s more of a gripe than a concern (see above).

The Results

The main purpose for me to buy to the new system was two main points:

1. Not to sound like a generator

2. Upgrade the hard drive

Due to the fact that Sony wants $200 to fix your PS3, I was stuck in the middle. I don’t play PS2 games, and I certainly didn’t care about Linux. So, it was worth it to me. I’d rather have a new system under warranty than a recertified one.

So, Who would want this?

Depends on your situation.

For those who do not have a PS3, look no further. It’s cheap, doesn’t use as much power, doesn’t sound like a prop-plane, and has plenty of goodies to keep you satisfied. It gives the Xbox a run for its money, due to its match of specs. Also, the reason I went to PS3 is the fact that online play is free.

For those who want to run Linux, don’t buy, because it obviously won’t work (That goes for all five of you! Buy a 6 year old dell on craigslist to get the same result)

PS2 gamers may want to stay away if you don’t have a working PS2 handy.

Pros:

• Bigger Hard Drive
• Quieter and less heat
• New features for audiophiles, better sync with Bravia TVs
• Smaller and lighter
• Cheap, especially for a Blu-ray player of this quality

Cons:

• Compatibility took a hit with the loss of PS2 games and Linux
• Can’t stand on its own
• Drive is a bit louder

Overall, I’d recommend it. It’s hard to say to who, due to the fact that most people have an older PS3 that does the same. But for those who want to enter the Playstation side of things or want a multimedia player, then look no further.

Rating: 4/5