Sony's latest console is the best yet (Sony Playstation 3 40 GB)

Member Name: agarciavalino

Product:	Sony Playstation 3 40 GB
Date:	29/10/09 (8 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Amazing multimedia capabilities, BD drive, 1080p, Wi-Fi ready out of box, good games, well built

Disadvantages: A little big, power hungry, short controller charge cable

Already owning a XBOX 360, I bought my PS3 predominantly for its multimedia functionality, mostly Blu Ray and Hi def media streaming from my home PC. I have since come to use it as my main console for gaming. Gone are the days of red rings of death (I have had 3 Xbox 360's die) and disc read errors that Microsoft have littered my gaming experience with.

The PS3, whilst big, looks beautifully crafted with its exquisite touch buttons, its glossy black finish and its crisp edges. Its unquestionably the highlight of my home cinema hardware and the size gives you a sense of the power contained within. Standing both horizontally and vertically it looks sensational and its operating isnt affected by either position. The lighting on the front is subtle, thus doesnt end up becoming distracting when watching a DVD or BD.

Once turned on I found the console OS to be mature looking, easy to navigate and without doubt the most practical interface of the 3 major consoles. Navigating the well named menus are easy and all that you would expect is contained within each of the menus. Changing settings on this console couldnt be easier, though for people with little understanding of the options, I would like to have seen a little more guidance about what each of the settings controls. The PS3 supports all the necessary technology to allow it to be the hub within your home cinema set up.

Whilst on the games front the PS3 is still behind Xbox, I will always choose to buy a game on my PS3 if its available for both. I would do this as I have found the PS3 to be incredibly reliable. Off the top of my head I can remember the last time it has crashed on me. I also like the fact that online gaming is free on the PS3, a big plus for me as I dont play online enough to justify having to pay for the pleasure. With the latest software update you are now even able to use the Iplayer service on the PS3, a neat addition though sometimes a pain to navigate.

Overall the PS3 is built fantastically, is reliable, has a good but not great collection of games and truly shoots ahead of the competition in its multimedia hub credentials. A console that I would recommend to anyone, including non gamers. Essential accessories woud be the Dual Shock 3 controller and the Official PS3 remote.

Summary: A complete and well thought out console which can boast the best multimedia credentials of the big 3