PS3 Slim

jmx009

Hello everyone
I am planning to buy the PS3 Slim when it coms out next week. I was doing some research on the playstation and came across the fact that the new slim model does not allow users to install linux onto it. So i started wondering if i should get the slim or the old 80 gig version?
What are the advantages of the slim model (apart from the size and power consumption ) over the previous models?

N.B: Where can i get cheap blue ray movies (used and new) ?

AlmightyCushion

I think it has a bigger hard drive as well.

dmcg90

jmx009 wrote: »

I was doing some research on the playstation and came across the fact that the new slim model does not allow users to install linux onto it.

Yeah, if you want linux get the old PS3, if not, then get the Slim with a bigger hard-drive.

jmx009 wrote: »

So i started wondering if i should get the slim or the old 80 gig version?

There is a good few deals for the old version going around at the moment. Harvery Normans I think have an offer on it. Most places will have the old PS3 with a free game or two for €299, the Slim without games will be €299. Depends if you want the slim badly enough to wait and pay more effectively.

jmx009 wrote: »

What are the advantages of the slim model (apart from the size and power consumption ) over the previous models

Think HD audio streaming has been improved. If you have one of the new bravia tvs (with Bravia Sync) you can use your television remote to control your PS3. That's it.

jmx009 wrote: »

N.B: Where can i get cheap blue ray movies (used and new)?

HMV and Xtravision have offers on the older BluRays, not too bad on new ones either.

mailrewop

do you want to install linux ?

Kintarō Hattori

Naughty naughty, someone hasn't read the rather large PS slim thread for his answers.

Anywhooo:

It's smaller and consumes less power
The HDD is easier to take out and install a new one
Proper HD bistream support

That's pretty much it. The main thing really is the price.

WarZoneBrother

jmx009 wrote: »

Hello everyone
I am planning to buy the PS3 Slim when it coms out next week. I was doing some research on the playstation and came across the fact that the new slim model does not allow users to install linux onto it. So i started wondering if i should get the slim or the old 80 gig version?
What are the advantages of the slim model (apart from the size and power consumption ) over the previous models?

N.B: Where can i get cheap blue ray movies (used and new) ?

If you want the old version I have an old originally 60gb version with 320gb hard drive installed. Check my add on adverts should be near the top.

The Slim PS3 also can not play PS2 games, and has a bigger HDD than the 80gb version (120gb).

mailrewop

dmcg90 wrote: »

Harvery Normans I think have an offer on it.

any idea on what the offer is.

i saw a good deal in xtravision ps3 with mirrors edge, infamous, terminator the game, terminator 3 blu ray and another blu ray from a list plus some vouchers and an orb headset all for €299.

dmcg90

mailrewop wrote: »

i saw a good deal in xtravision ps3 with mirrors edge, infamous, terminator the game, terminator 3 blu ray and another blu ray from a list plus some vouchers and an orb headset all for €299

That would be about 400 if you had bought slim with all the extra stuff, thats a crackin offer.

WarZoneBrother wrote: »

The Slim PS3 also can not play PS2 games

PS3s havent been able to do that for a long time. The consoles on sale now cant either.

jmx009

Well, it would be nice if they had the faccility to install linux on the slim as well.
Is it true that the processor is a lot faster than the previous models?

I went around dublin city centre asking various retailers about the price and bundles and came to the following conclusion.

a)From what i understood, HMV will have the cheapest retail price, It will be sold at 279 euros. Everybody else (Including GAME, GAmestop, argos,xtravision etc) will be selling it at 300 euros

b) There are no Sony bundles deals announced as of yet, However everyone of the retailers said that there will be a free game or an xtra controller thrown with the slim as an instore deal.

c) A salesgirl at HMV told me that there wont be an actual Sony bundle for the PS3 slim released until the following friday 4th of september. What this means is that on the release day u might get an extra controller or a game with the console but if you wait till the following friday you might get a SONY bundle deal which may include 2-3 games or a controller and 2 games.

I am not a 100% percent sure about c) as she wasnt very convincing.

jmx009

I am new to the PS3 consoles. I have always been a hardcore xbox 360/ PC gamer throughout my life. I am looking forward to this new Playstation experience. I am also thinking of ordering a new LG 32 inch HD Ready tv to enhance my gaming experience. I hope i wont be let down.

Otacon

jmx009 wrote: »

Well, it would be nice if they had the faccility to install linux on the slim as well.
Is it true that the processor is a lot faster than the previous models?

No. It has a new processor alright but the only difference is the size, reduced from 65nm to 45nm. There is no [reported] difference in performance.

jmx009 wrote: »

I went around dublin city centre asking various retailers about the price and bundles and came to the following conclusion.

a)From what i understood, HMV will have the cheapest retail price, It will be sold at 279 euros. Everybody else (Including GAME, GAmestop, argos,xtravision etc) will be selling it at 300 euros

Could be true. As I am not home in Ireland atm, I can't discuss prices. I'm sure someone here will fill you in.

jmx009 wrote: »

b) There are no Sony bundles deals announced as of yet, However everyone of the retailers said that there will be a free game or an xtra controller thrown with the slim as an instore deal.

See above. Again, as I'm not home, can't say.

jmx009 wrote: »

c) A salesgirl at HMV told me that there wont be an actual Sony bundle for the PS3 slim released until the following friday 4th of september. What this means is that on the release day u might get an extra controller or a game with the console but if you wait till the following friday you might get a SONY bundle deal which may include 2-3 games or a controller and 2 games.

I am not a 100% percent sure about c) as she wasnt very convincing.

TBH the best bundles tend to be instore ones. Though Sony did release a bundle a few months ago with Killzone 2 and Metal Gear Solid 4. Shop around for a bundle with the games and extras you want.

jmx009 wrote: »

I have always been a hardcore xbox 360/ PC gamer throughout my life.

How old are you? Four? :pac:

jmx009

[quote=Otacon;61795367
How old are you? Four? :pac:[/quote]


LOL !! I was sure someone was going to ask me that. !!!
No i am 22. Its just that i was a hardcore PC gamer throughout my life. I like the way you can mod games on the PC. I have only started playing console games recently. Unfortunately some of the good games are exclusive to the consoles.
That being said, I am impressed by the raw power of consoles.

N.B: One of my mates (in USA) was saying that he got a call from his delivery company saying that his pre ordered PS3 slim will be delivered to him TODAY !!!

Otacon

jmx009 wrote: »

One of my mates (in USA) was saying that he got a call from his delivery company saying that his pre ordered PS3 slim will be delivered to him TODAY !!!

I have read that certain retailers are getting their shipments and releasing the console early [I think it was Kotaku, can't check, at work]

I suppose the best thing is to ask his opinion when he gets it then.

jmx009

Otacon wrote: »

I have read that certain retailers are getting their shipments and releasing the console early [I think it was Kotaku, can't check, at work]

I suppose the best thing is to ask his opinion when he gets it then.

Thats the problem. He wont be playing it untill next week. He got the call when he was at the airport on the way to Mexico !!!

dmcg90

Otacon wrote: »

I have read that certain retailers are getting their shipments and releasing the console early [I think it was Kotaku, can't check, at work]

I suppose the best thing is to ask his opinion when he gets it then.

It was Kotaku and Engadget who ran with that story. They were being sold in Best Buy in the US.

Chumpski

Now that Linux support has been removed, support for linux ps3 distributions will only decrease. I'm disappointed they have chosen to remove it but i'm in the minority. It makes sense for them to reduce costs i suppose which will be better for PS3 in the long run.

Its handy to have linux installed to use it as a desktop but you must have a HD TV or a monitor or it looks terrible. If you like using linux get the old model if not go for the slim.

CrazyIrishKid

dmcg90 wrote: »

It was Kotaku and Engadget who ran with that story. They were being sold in Best Buy in the US.

Well this is what Engadget heard from Sony:
We just got confirmation from Sony that retail stores are being told they can sell the Slim as soon as they receive it.

Source:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/ps3-slim-popping-up-all-over-the-us/


Also Does anyone know or can find out when GameStop here in Ireland are getting their shipment of PS3 Slim's?

nkay1985

I'm going to buy a PS3 within the next month.

If you guys were me, what would you do? Spend 300 Euro on the new Slim and another bit on games etc or buy the bigger model for a similar price but with a few goodies thrown in? I suppose what I'm really asking is if you're not too worried about the space that the console takes up, is there any compelling reason to buy the Slim?

jmx009

CrazyIrishKid wrote: »

Also Does anyone know or can find out when GameStop here in Ireland are getting their shipment of PS3 Slim's?

The salesman at Gamestop in stephens green shopping centre dublin, told me that they wont be selling it until monday the 1st. This was on tuesday though.

amacachi

nkay1985 wrote: »

I suppose what I'm really asking is if you're not too worried about the space that the console takes up, is there any compelling reason to buy the Slim?

Warranty.

nkay1985

amacachi wrote: »

Warranty.

Which is how long on the Slim as opposed to on the Phat?

amacachi

nkay1985 wrote: »

Which is how long on the Slim as opposed to on the Phat?

Same length, misread your post, thought you were referring to people upgrading their consoles.
I don't see any point in not buying the Slim, also the trade-in/sell-on value will be larger should the need ever arise.

jmx009

nkay1985 wrote: »

If you guys were me, what would you do? Spend 300 Euro on the new Slim and another bit on games etc or buy the bigger model for a similar price but with a few goodies thrown in?

good point, but i am under the impression that the new slim will be in a bundle with a few games or an extra controller. So it doesnt make much difference. Its just my thought though..

Orizio

Just to get this straight - if I go into Game tomorrow and buy a new PS3, slim or normal, I won't be able to play PS2 games on it?

jmx009

Orizio wrote: »

Just to get this straight - if I go into Game tomorrow and buy a new PS3, slim or normal, I won't be able to play PS2 games on it?

nope u wont be able to do that...

Orizio

jmx009 wrote: »

nope u wont be able to do that...

Dear god what a load of bollocks.

Will just stick with the Wii.

dmcg90

Orizio wrote: »

Dear god what a load of bollocks.

Will just stick with the Wii.

Why not just keep your old PS2, its not that much of a dealbreaker.

JDxtra

Orizio wrote: »

Dear god what a load of bollocks.

Will just stick with the Wii.

Well, thats not going to play your PS2 games either. ;-)

paulhealy1991

so if the ps3 slim is out is there any word of a ps4???

dmcg90

paulhealy1991 wrote: »

so if the ps3 slim is out is there any word of a ps4???

Give it about 4 years.

Orizio

dmcg90 wrote: »

Why not just keep your old PS2, its not that much of a dealbreaker.

My old PS2 isn't working right now for reasons beyond my comprehension.

Considering that, the backwards compatability matters. I still might get the PS3 but wait for its to drop in price some more and when the games catalogue improves somewhat.

dmcg90

Orizio wrote: »

My old PS2 isn't working right now for reasons beyond my comprehension.

Considering that, the backwards compatability matters. I still might get the PS3 but wait for its to drop in price some more and when the games catalogue improves somewhat.

Price isnt going to go lower than 200 for a long time, the catalogue is looking good. Uncharted 2, DIRT, GT5, MW2, it has such a strong line up this year. The deal in Harvey Normans with the old PS3 with a game (or two?) for €249 is an absolute steal, it wont go lower than this for a good while.

meep

If I wanted to trade my XBox 360 in against a new PS3s, what store tends to offer the best deals?

How much could I expect off? Would I be better trying to sell on adverts.ie?

How much are hardly used 360s in original packing going for these days?

Thnaks

Peter

jmx009

http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/27/playstation-3-slim-review/
here is a detailed review of the PS3 slim. Apparently the rumours about using a cheap Blue ray drive is true. These guys compared the blue ray loading times of both the slim and the old models and found out that the slim model is a lot slower.
Check it out for yourselves.

I am still not sure if i should go for the 80 gig model or the slim model.

Flaccus

They tested 4 BD movies in that review above..1 loaded 2 seconds slower, 2 loaded 4 seconds slower, and the last 10 seconds slower. Still not a disaster.

The fact the PS3 slim bitstreams lossless TrueHD and DTS-HD MA audio is a big plus for some. And it now supports Bravia Synch (HDMI switching) which is great.

jmx009

Flaccus wrote: »

They tested 4 BD movies in that review above..1 loaded 2 seconds slower, 2 loaded 4 seconds slower, and the last 10 seconds slower. Still not a disaster.

The fact the PS3 slim bitstreams lossless TrueHD and DTS-HD MA audio is a big plus for some. And it now supports Bravia Synch (HDMI switching) which is great.

From what i read, bravia synch isnt a big deal unless you have a Bravia TV. Nor is the lossless TrueHD and DTS-HD MA audio a big thing unless you are an audio enthusiasist.

Flaccus

I have a Bravia TV allright so will come in handy though it looks like I will have limited control with my Sony remote.

Am using a Sony HT-SS1300 5.1 system which wont decode those HD audio formats (only on BD movies so far I think). As you said only audio enthusiasts have such amps and their pricey. Instead I let the PS3 decode the signal and it get's passed as Linear PCM 5.1 over HDMI to my amp which supports this. Same result, I get HD audio output on my speakers. And to my ears it's a HD audio is a big improvement over a compressed dolby digital signal over optical. All subjective I guess.

The main pluses on the slim I think are smaller size, bigger hard drive, less power consumption so runs cooler and hopefully quieter, and the matte finish if the shiny finish on the original annoys you as it does me I wouldn't say the benefits are enough to justify selling your current PS3 though.

noodler

Flaccus. I am considering an audio purchase in the near future but don't want to spend more than 150-200. What do you recommend since you appear to have a decent knowledge about these things?

Is 7.1 a HDMI only affair or does it work through optical out? (I am well aware 7.1 are outside my budget quoted above by the way- just wondering).

At the moment I play the PS3 through a fairly old Sharp Hi-Fi (Has two main L+R speakers, 2 small surround ones and a small central one), I think it is Dolby Pro Logic (so old basically) and I have to output through the red and white cables. One thing I do like about it is the ability to turn off the other 3 speakers and just have audio (music files) play through the L + R speakers.

Would lossy formats sound crap on a 5.1 system with an optical connection? (Like, would you be hearing the imperfections?). As much as a new system would be great for Blu-Rays/games, I also have almost my entire music collection on the PS3 (in 192kps WMA - unofortunately the highest quality I can go with WMA and I use WMA to retain the ID3 tags).

Wow, what a rant.

Flaccus

My setup is only 5.1. For games, the PS3 will ouput 5.1 over optical (dolby digital/dts 5.1). Optical doesn't have the bandwidth to take a lossy signal. Only hdmi, and I believe up to 7.1 over hdmi is supported by the PS3..but we are still talking about non HD audio here (games, music etc..), so whether you do it over optical or hdmi makes no odds really. Any decent 5.1 amp will do the job for you.

A hdmi amp only comes into it's own with Blu Ray movies which support the new HD audio standards. You can either get an amp/5.1 speaker setup that can take a 5.1 or 7.1 lossless LPCM signal over HDMI (ps3 decodes BD signal into LPCM). That's what my amp does (max 5.1 LPCM). They are typically up to 400-600 euro depending on where you shop around. 2nd option is an amp which actually does it's own decoding but that's more expensive again. Both types have a single hdmi cable that goes from the amp to tv. And it has a number of hdmi inputs for your PS3,Xbox360,BD player etc. These inputs act like a passthru repeater for video so you get no signal loss going from say PS3 to Amp to TV, and these amps usually have the added advantage of upscaling the video signal to 1080p if your dvd player doesn't. The audio is outputted directly to the amps speakers of course.

For your budget, you will probably have to make a compromise and rule out hdmi video passthru/repeating and LPCM. A good compromise is this samsung system dropped from 300 to 189 euro.

http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/1175061/art/samsung/ht-tz215-home-cinema-syst.html

These type of systems often include a DVD player, and have HDMI output to your TV and will upscale to 1080p. Sound will be Dolby Digital / DTS 5.1. From a PS3 point of view you would just use an optical cable from the PS3 to the back of the amp. No disadvantage to what I have as most games if not all are limited to DD/DTD 5.1. And no advantage having anything beyond 2.1 for music.

To be honest, your current sharp setup could be as good if not better than these relatively cheap 5.1 setups that are out there right now. Unfortunately you will need to spent some more if you want full HDMI connectivity. This is over budget but would be better quality than what I have, although bulkier. I was actually going to get it but needed something less bulky for the bedroom.

http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/1112083/art/sony/ht-ddwg800-home-cinema-sy.html

noodler

Thanks for the tutorial. Very informative. A upscaling DVD player seperate to the PS3 would be a nice bonus. I am currently using a Philips one via component - thats 480p I think (haven't actually seen what an upscaled DVD loosk like yet).

I am sure I have seen that sammy one before, looks good. I will give it serious consideration on payday. I am in the market for a new TV as well (do these things usually come as packages or would you generally be sceptical of anything bundled).

Do you play any lossy files on your PS3 then? Do they sound okay via those speakers (digital)? (The Sammy ones are absolutely tiny compared to the old ones I am using!)

Cheers again for taking the time here.

Notorious

jmx009 wrote: »

a)From what i understood, HMV will have the cheapest retail price, It will be sold at 279 euros. Everybody else (Including GAME, GAmestop, argos,xtravision etc) will be selling it at 300 euros

I can vouch for the €299 price tag in GAME. I'd also add that anyone who wants one should pre-order.

b) There are no Sony bundles deals announced as of yet, However everyone of the retailers said that there will be a free game or an xtra controller thrown with the slim as an instore deal.

Seems like there is a fairly high demand for the slim ps3. If you were to buy a ps3 slim where I work, you pay €300, and with that I'd be sure nothing extra would be thrown in. Especially not a controller, they sell for €60. The deal advertised is for €299 for the console, so they aren't going to throw in anything extra for that price. Maybe on the release day you'll be able to buy a bundle if you've already pre-ordered.

Flaccus

Noodler,

The PS3 upscales DVD's nicely to 1080p in my opinon by the way.

Lots of stores now trying to shift LCD sets and bundling BD players with them. I wouldn't be sceptical. If you are heavy into gaming take a look at hdtvtest.co.uk because they discuss the pro's and con's in their reviews when it comes to suitability for gaming. Input lag is a big issue and some people notice it and some don't. Up until recently Sony had the lowest input lag on their V and E4000 and 4500 series (better than any PC LCD screen) but the latest 5500 series screwed that up. Samsung sets have poor lag as well. Panasonic are somewhere in between. Of course there are other factors that may be important to you in buying a TV (image quality, internet features, number of inputs, contrast ratios etc..). I'd generally stick with Samsung,Pansonic and Sony, and go with whoever offers you the best deal once you have had an instore demo.

My 5.1 setup sounds fine for music in stereo mode, but I don't use it much for that as any dedicated 2.0 or 2.1 system is going to sound better. I stick with my 15 year old ancient HiFi system (Audiolab 8000a preamp, dual 8000m monoblocks, Mission 753 speakers, and Meridian CD Transport/Dac )

Notorious

meep wrote: »

If I wanted to trade my XBox 360 in against a new PS3s, what store tends to offer the best deals?

How much could I expect off? Would I be better trying to sell on adverts.ie?

How much are hardly used 360s in original packing going for these days?

Thnaks

Peter

IMHO you're better off selling the console yourself. I think that the stores offer you very little for preowned consoles. However much you get for a trade in, they will sell on for at least 1/3 above the trade in value you got. Only advantage is that it'd be a quick sale for you.

The value you get for a trade in would depend on which xBox360 you own (Arcade, Premium, Elite).

Flaccus

Notorious wrote: »

I can vouch for the €299 price tag in GAME. I'd also add that anyone who wants one should pre-order.



Seems like there is a fairly high demand for the slim ps3. If you were to buy a ps3 slim where I work, you pay €300, and with that I'd be sure nothing extra would be thrown in. Especially not a controller, they sell for €60. The deal advertised is for €299 for the console, so they aren't going to throw in anything extra for that price. Maybe on the release day you'll be able to buy a bundle if you've already pre-ordered.

Gamestops official deal is a PS3 Slim with Infamous and a 2nd controller for 299. Mine is preordered. Cost me 150 euro

Aidan812

Personaly i think the orignal ps3 Looks:cool: better. Idont like the ps3 slim's looks it's ugly but got better features than the orignal. BUT STILL LOVE THE PS3 SLIM:o

Flaccus

Notorious wrote: »

IMHO you're better off selling the console yourself. I think that the stores offer you very little for preowned consoles. However much you get for a trade in, they will sell on for at least 1/3 above the trade in value you got. Only advantage is that it'd be a quick sale for you.

The value you get for a trade in would depend on which xBox360 you own (Arcade, Premium, Elite).

You'll also loose out approx 50euro from today on if you have an Elite as the prices just dropped on Elites.

Otacon

Flaccus wrote: »

You'll also loose out approx 50euro from today on if you have an Elite as the prices just dropped on Elites.

You might gain on the Arcade version though as it went up in price!

Flaccus

It went up over the exchange rate though..you never know I suppose.

noodler

Flaccus wrote: »

For your budget, you will probably have to make a compromise and rule out hdmi video passthru/repeating and LPCM. A good compromise is this samsung system dropped from 300 to 189 euro.

http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/1175061/art/samsung/ht-tz215-home-cinema-syst.html

c.

To be honest, your current sharp setup could be as good if not better than these relatively cheap 5.1 setups that are out there right now. Ul

Really? The Sharp thing is ancient and isn't even digital. I assumed digital would be an improvement over a 9 year old Hi-Fi.

Another thing, I though 5.1 meant 5+1 speakers. The Sammy above only has 5?


Also saw this http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/1573676/art/samsung/ht-tz212-dvd-divx-hdmi-us.html

Kind of cheap for HDMI one? Strange?

jmx009

Notorious wrote: »

I can vouch for the €299 price tag in GAME. I'd also add that anyone who wants one should pre-order.



Seems like there is a fairly high demand for the slim ps3. If you were to buy a ps3 slim where I work, you pay €300, and with that I'd be sure nothing extra would be thrown in. Especially not a controller, they sell for €60. The deal advertised is for €299 for the console, so they aren't going to throw in anything extra for that price. Maybe on the release day you'll be able to buy a bundle if you've already pre-ordered.

Thanks for sharing the info mate. I wont be buying from game then. I was told that at HMV they are selling the PS3 slim with either assasins creed or farcry2 for 300 euros. They also have some other deals with blue rays. CAnt remember them all.
Source: I rang them earlier today.

N.B: IF my memory is correct there is a package at HMV where u get the slim +the new batman game or COD (modern warfare or WAW, i am not sure) for 350 euros.

jmx009

Flaccus wrote: »

Gamestops official deal is a PS3 Slim with Infamous and a 2nd controller for 299. Mine is preordered. Cost me 150 euro

Wow, that sounds like a cool deal. The best i have heard so far. I will be going to the store tomorow to confirm.

Thanks for sharing