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Sony has shifted gears, and gone on the offensive with the 40GB Playstation 3, selling for $399.99 with free shipping, 99 cent gift-wrap option, and Spider-Man 3. The aggressively priced entertainment center comes hot off the heels of Microsoft triumphant Halo 3 launch. The most expensive next-generation console has officially become affordable with its new price point.
Initially, bloggers smelled blood, and ravaged Sony for removing backwards compatibility from their 40GB model. Gamers must let go of their pointless demand for compatibility with antiquated PS2 games. Even Microsoft has delivered a very small list of compatible Xbox games for the 360. After gamers immerse themselves in high definition gaming, last generation games seem dull and unexciting. 
Design:
Sony’s industrial design team might be living in the shadow of Jonathan Ive, but the PS3 (12.8 x 3.8 x 10.8 inches) remains the swankiest next generation console. The shiny upright monolith might feature a gaudy chrome grill, but it remains leagues ahead of the Nintendo CDROM drive and Microsoft’s slimmed down desktop. The whisper quiet, slot-loading Blu-ray drive is comforting compared to the Xbox 360’s ruckus.
Sony’s engineers should be applauded for cramming the power supply inside the sleek case without dropping a brick on your living room floor.
SixAxis Controller:
Holly absent rumble functionality, Batman! The SixAxis controller adopts the traditional PS2 Dual Shock gamepad shape, but includes wireless connectivity up to 20 feet, L2/R2 triggers, and motion detection. Force feedback will be a welcomed addition in the future iteration of the controller. The rechargeable battery is enclosed within the controller, which means replacing the battery will require sending it back to Sony or cracking it open delicately. The motion sensor could become a valuable feature for creative developers. The PS3’s motion-sensitive controller does not require a motion sensor bar.
Format Wars:
The Blu-ray player adds value to the system. We predict the format war will eventually lead to dual HD-DVD/Blu-ray players and both formats will live on. A subscription to NetFlix will allow you to rent Blu-ray movies without having to buy anything or pledge allegiance to a format.
Xbox 360 or PS3?
Let’s step back from the fanboyism that drowns all human reason. The excellent mutli-platform games have invaded both systems and very few exclusives stand out. If Halo 3 is a must-have, then forget the PS3. GT5 and Metal Gear Solid 4 will be the ultimate system exclusives, which should tip the scales for several individuals.
Sony Menus:
Many loyal Sony buyers will be familiar with the company’s media interface. The Playstation 3 graphical user interface is identical to the navigation implemented in Sony Bravia HDTVs and the Sony PSP. The user-friendly interface is easier to use than the Xbox 360 Dashboard blades, but some features require you to navigate through too an irritating amount of nested folders. Playstation Home has been pushed back to after the holidays.
Media Center:
This holiday season, do not be fooled by the $200 HD-DVD players, which are crippled to the point of being unable of playing 1080p (full HD). The Playstation 3 Remote is a must-buy because video playback navigation is cumbersome with SixAxis controller. The PS3 is currently the cheapest high definition player able to output 1080p. MPEG1, MPEG2, and MPEG4/h.264 video files are supported.
Sony’s converging platform can hold and organize all your photos (JPEG, PNG, TIFF, BMP, and GIFF). The photo album viewer serves up impressive eye-candy for family reunions.
The PS3 jukebox supports MP3, WAV, and AAC. The Blu-ray drive also plays standards CDs.
PlayStation Network:
Sony has been upgrading their firmware quite frequently to slowly refine Playstation Network, which is free. Microsoft’s mature network comes with a $50 per year price tag. Messaging and community interactions still require more patches until they match Microsoft’s efforts. Everything should be remedied with the introduction of Playstation Home, but an annual fee for online play might be in the cards eventually. The Xbox Live annual fee still stings the pockets, when video games have climbed to $70. The Playstation Store rolls out free demos, mini games, and movies.
The built-in web browser is a shining achievements, which unexplainably Microsoft has not implemented. USB keyboard and mouse pairing is spot on. Bluetooth peripherals work smoothly. The browser is flash and java enabled allowing for easy browsing on any site. Up to six windows can be opened. Easily navigate to your e-mail inbox, and download content onto your 40Gb PS3.
The messenger service allow for quick messaging but needs some improvement. Mediocre organization of contacts hinders the navigation.
Cell inside:
The IBM Cell processor has been shrunk to compute and crunch numbers at cooler temperatures than its predecessor. The HDMI port delivers uncompressed high definition audio visual magic. The console supports Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, as well as Linear PCM 7.1.
Backward compatibility:
The 40GB Playstation 3 has not been equipped with the Emotion Engine chip, which means your dusty old PS2 still has a few years in him. Backward compatibility is a luxury included with the 80GB PS3.
Conclusion: The 40GB Playstation 3 hits a sweet spot that transforms it into an awesome HD media center. The Blu-ray drive gives the system a leg up on the Xbox 360, which spews out too much noise for proper movie viewing. GT5 and MGS 4 are shaping up to be legendary games with an avalanche of third party games to hold you over until GTA4.
40GB Playstation 3 deal
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