JaGe Lee Harvey Oswald
02-24-2008, 01:36 AM
First off, I'm very aware that the PS3 is not a game, but I do think that it has earned enough controversy that it needs to be addressed as to why it has its superiorities over the Xbox 360 and where it also has some downfalls.
Disclaimer: Some of the information I will be posting here is not my information but information of sites that I have viewed and have posted here.
Exterior: From an outside perspective of the PS3, it has alot of stuff.
40GB-Front: 2 USB 2.0 ports, one Blu Ray Player slot.
40GB-Back: Optical Drive, HDMI Port, A\V port, LAN port and power port.
80GB-Front: 4 USB 2.0 ports, CompactFlash, SD Memory Card and Memory Stick Duo card slots
80GB-Back: Optical Drive, HDMI Port, A\V port, LAN port and power port.
Guts: The PS3 is a very robust system and put simply: freakin huge. The thing weighs a ton and I'm sure if you threw it at a wall it would stay intact. Although within that heavy piece of plastic is alot more then you would expect. The PS3 uses the IBM designed Cell microprocessor as its CPU. The thing is a beast and runs high-end games and many processes at a very consistent rate. Graphics Processing is handled by the NVIDIA RSX which can run any resolution from 480i to 1080p. The PS3 uses 256MB of XDR main memory and 256MB GDDR3 video memory for the RSX.
Price: Now this is what it really all comes down to. How much you fork out for your PS3 depends on the specific features your going to be able to access. The only two versions out commercially at this moment are the 40GB and the 80GB. There are differences between the two (besides bigger HD's). The 40GB is what I have and it does everything it says it will and runs the same as the 80GB. The 40GB is currently priced at $399 and the 80GB at $499. But if you want more features, than the 80GB is where your going to want to go.
40\80GB Differences: With the exception of the differently sized HD's, there are some bigger differences. The 80GB has flash ports in the front for Compact flash, SD and Memory Stick Duo. It also has 2 more USB slots than the 40GB. The only complaint I do have about the 40GB is that it has ZERO backwards compatibility with any PS2 games. The 80GB has the original PS2 hardware so that it plays any PS2 game, the 40GB has nothing to support this, although it can play all PS1 games.
Graphics: The PS3's NVIDIA RSX runs everything extremely smoothly and at a very high frame rate even on 1080p resolutions. Now the 360's Xenos graphics processor is alot more powerful than the PS3's RSX. But the main difference is that with the PS3's Cell processor, it can overcome the limitations of the 360 and run better, smoother looking games.
Controller: The PS3's SIXAXIS controller is something that should not be overlooked. It has the same motion-effect that the Wii console does. In games such as Heavenly Sword you shoot an arrow and mid-flight you can turn the arrow in whichever direction you please...but not with the analog sticks. Change the roll of the controller to the left and the arrow will move left, roll it back to the right and the arrow will change course and move right. Now if your target is above or below the arrow, simply change the pitch of the controller back or forwards and the arrow will move down or up respectively. Another very good feature of the SIXAXIS is that it is supported by Bluetooth which is a very reliable wireless system with extremely strong feedback time. It also is very easily recharged by simply plugging a USB cord from your PS3 to your SIXAXIS controller (both the controller and cable come with the console).
Game selection: Many blockbuster titles have been released for the 360 that have made it the poster-boy of many gamers. Games such as Bioshock, Halo 3, Gears of War, Mass Effect, Project Gotham Racing and F.E.A.R. have drawn people to the 360 and won't let them go. Although the PS3 didn't have a very impressive lineup at the systems debut, it has made up for it. Exclusive games such as Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Uncharted: Drakes Fortune, Resistance: Fall of Man, Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, Folklore, Lair, Warhawk, Heavenly Sword and Unreal Tournament 3 have captured the eyes of many, me included, and I have to say that I am very impressed. This is another point where you have to stand back and look at what games your going to want to play, because that will decide what system you are going to buy. Many games are multi-platformed such as COD4, Assassins Creed and the soon to be Resident Evil 5, but the exclusive titles are what you want to worry about, and ultimately are going to sway your decision.
Online Support: No doubt, the 360 has better content within Xbox Live. You can chat with people in-game, send invites, and join other peoples servers, all at a push of a button. Currently PS3 has a very weak system in joining friends in games. But that all changes when Playstation Home arrives sometime in Q2 of this year. Watch http://youtube.com/watch?v=UCWYG2syuhI and http://youtube.com/watch?v=I8ore7INF4Q for more information.
Although from a buyers standpoint, the PS3's online content is free, whereas the 360 is $50 a year. It's not much, but its still money your going to have to fork out. For those who are wondering, Playstation Home is still going to be free when it arrives for the PS3, so don't try to stab me with that one, as many have tried. 802.11g/b Wi-fi is also a built in feature into every PS3 console, and if you want there is also a LAN port in the back if you would prefer to have a more stable connection for your gaming. If you want to have wifi on the 360 you will have to buy a $100 accessory (another reason why I think the PS3 is better because everything is packaged together when you buy it, whereas the 360 you have to buy the same accessories the PS3 comes with, and it ends up costing you more).
Internet: Many might not see this as a great deal, but I just think this is a cool feature. You have full access to the internet through your PS3. I've posted on this site many times from my PS3 and can also do anything from check your Myspace to watch videos on Youtube. It uses a cookie system and can save any site accounts you have so you can click 'Remember Me' and won't have to type up your account name and password every time you go on.
Multimedia: Blu ray player blows the HD-DVD player out of the water. Not only is the extra HD-DVD player an add-on (priced at $130) but HD-DVD's are no longer made, and therefore are obsolete. Also from what I have heard from friends and have read from online reviews about the 360 it is extremely loud when playing an HD-DVD and makes it hard to enjoy the movie to its fullest extent. The PS3 on the other hand is extremely quiet and will not overheat while playing it. The PS3 also has a built in DVD upscaler that will automatically make your normal DVD's look better than normal.
PSP Connectivity: The PS3 connects to your PSP and can be used for "Remote Play". Remote play is used by going to any local hotspot or anywhere with a wifi present. Make sure to leave your PS3 in standby mode while you are away from your house, and while you are gone you can link up to the internet and access all of your PS3's XMB (cross media bar) and all of its workings. If you leave a PS1 game in the disc drive you can even play PS1 games from your PSP where ever you are. You can access the Playstation store and buy any new content and have it ready for you when you get home, you can message your friends through Playstation Network or listen to any music you have stored on your PS3. If you have the newer, slimmer version of the PSP, you can even play your PSP games on your big screen TV in 480p resolution via a special cable (although it is sold separately).
Reliability: Heres a big reason I didn't buy a 360. Most 360's are considered ticking time bombs by alot of people, just waiting to get the "Red Ring of Death". Sure they'll send you a new one, but why didn't they create it correctly the first time? They have come out with the Elite version which doesn't have the problems that the other versions have, but only this version possesses the guarantee that it won't happen. I haven't had a single problem with my PS3 since I bought it and if one does arise, I will be sure to inform you all about it.
Best Deal: The PS3 has many amazing features at just $499 (80GB) whereas to get the same amount of things for the 360 (wifi, HD DVD) it would cost alot more.
PS3 80GB = $499
360 Elite 120GB w\wifi and HD DVD = $680
Not such a great deal now...is it?
Conclusion: Thats pretty much it. If I think of anything else I will insert it within the text and include a panel below of what I added to the original post.
I hope this will make you consider buying a system a little harder before you go for it. (I also hope to see a counter to this by someone making a post about the 360.)
Edit: Added Controller and Internet sections.
Disclaimer: Some of the information I will be posting here is not my information but information of sites that I have viewed and have posted here.
Exterior: From an outside perspective of the PS3, it has alot of stuff.
40GB-Front: 2 USB 2.0 ports, one Blu Ray Player slot.
40GB-Back: Optical Drive, HDMI Port, A\V port, LAN port and power port.
80GB-Front: 4 USB 2.0 ports, CompactFlash, SD Memory Card and Memory Stick Duo card slots
80GB-Back: Optical Drive, HDMI Port, A\V port, LAN port and power port.
Guts: The PS3 is a very robust system and put simply: freakin huge. The thing weighs a ton and I'm sure if you threw it at a wall it would stay intact. Although within that heavy piece of plastic is alot more then you would expect. The PS3 uses the IBM designed Cell microprocessor as its CPU. The thing is a beast and runs high-end games and many processes at a very consistent rate. Graphics Processing is handled by the NVIDIA RSX which can run any resolution from 480i to 1080p. The PS3 uses 256MB of XDR main memory and 256MB GDDR3 video memory for the RSX.
Price: Now this is what it really all comes down to. How much you fork out for your PS3 depends on the specific features your going to be able to access. The only two versions out commercially at this moment are the 40GB and the 80GB. There are differences between the two (besides bigger HD's). The 40GB is what I have and it does everything it says it will and runs the same as the 80GB. The 40GB is currently priced at $399 and the 80GB at $499. But if you want more features, than the 80GB is where your going to want to go.
40\80GB Differences: With the exception of the differently sized HD's, there are some bigger differences. The 80GB has flash ports in the front for Compact flash, SD and Memory Stick Duo. It also has 2 more USB slots than the 40GB. The only complaint I do have about the 40GB is that it has ZERO backwards compatibility with any PS2 games. The 80GB has the original PS2 hardware so that it plays any PS2 game, the 40GB has nothing to support this, although it can play all PS1 games.
Graphics: The PS3's NVIDIA RSX runs everything extremely smoothly and at a very high frame rate even on 1080p resolutions. Now the 360's Xenos graphics processor is alot more powerful than the PS3's RSX. But the main difference is that with the PS3's Cell processor, it can overcome the limitations of the 360 and run better, smoother looking games.
Controller: The PS3's SIXAXIS controller is something that should not be overlooked. It has the same motion-effect that the Wii console does. In games such as Heavenly Sword you shoot an arrow and mid-flight you can turn the arrow in whichever direction you please...but not with the analog sticks. Change the roll of the controller to the left and the arrow will move left, roll it back to the right and the arrow will change course and move right. Now if your target is above or below the arrow, simply change the pitch of the controller back or forwards and the arrow will move down or up respectively. Another very good feature of the SIXAXIS is that it is supported by Bluetooth which is a very reliable wireless system with extremely strong feedback time. It also is very easily recharged by simply plugging a USB cord from your PS3 to your SIXAXIS controller (both the controller and cable come with the console).
Game selection: Many blockbuster titles have been released for the 360 that have made it the poster-boy of many gamers. Games such as Bioshock, Halo 3, Gears of War, Mass Effect, Project Gotham Racing and F.E.A.R. have drawn people to the 360 and won't let them go. Although the PS3 didn't have a very impressive lineup at the systems debut, it has made up for it. Exclusive games such as Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Uncharted: Drakes Fortune, Resistance: Fall of Man, Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, Folklore, Lair, Warhawk, Heavenly Sword and Unreal Tournament 3 have captured the eyes of many, me included, and I have to say that I am very impressed. This is another point where you have to stand back and look at what games your going to want to play, because that will decide what system you are going to buy. Many games are multi-platformed such as COD4, Assassins Creed and the soon to be Resident Evil 5, but the exclusive titles are what you want to worry about, and ultimately are going to sway your decision.
Online Support: No doubt, the 360 has better content within Xbox Live. You can chat with people in-game, send invites, and join other peoples servers, all at a push of a button. Currently PS3 has a very weak system in joining friends in games. But that all changes when Playstation Home arrives sometime in Q2 of this year. Watch http://youtube.com/watch?v=UCWYG2syuhI and http://youtube.com/watch?v=I8ore7INF4Q for more information.
Although from a buyers standpoint, the PS3's online content is free, whereas the 360 is $50 a year. It's not much, but its still money your going to have to fork out. For those who are wondering, Playstation Home is still going to be free when it arrives for the PS3, so don't try to stab me with that one, as many have tried. 802.11g/b Wi-fi is also a built in feature into every PS3 console, and if you want there is also a LAN port in the back if you would prefer to have a more stable connection for your gaming. If you want to have wifi on the 360 you will have to buy a $100 accessory (another reason why I think the PS3 is better because everything is packaged together when you buy it, whereas the 360 you have to buy the same accessories the PS3 comes with, and it ends up costing you more).
Internet: Many might not see this as a great deal, but I just think this is a cool feature. You have full access to the internet through your PS3. I've posted on this site many times from my PS3 and can also do anything from check your Myspace to watch videos on Youtube. It uses a cookie system and can save any site accounts you have so you can click 'Remember Me' and won't have to type up your account name and password every time you go on.
Multimedia: Blu ray player blows the HD-DVD player out of the water. Not only is the extra HD-DVD player an add-on (priced at $130) but HD-DVD's are no longer made, and therefore are obsolete. Also from what I have heard from friends and have read from online reviews about the 360 it is extremely loud when playing an HD-DVD and makes it hard to enjoy the movie to its fullest extent. The PS3 on the other hand is extremely quiet and will not overheat while playing it. The PS3 also has a built in DVD upscaler that will automatically make your normal DVD's look better than normal.
PSP Connectivity: The PS3 connects to your PSP and can be used for "Remote Play". Remote play is used by going to any local hotspot or anywhere with a wifi present. Make sure to leave your PS3 in standby mode while you are away from your house, and while you are gone you can link up to the internet and access all of your PS3's XMB (cross media bar) and all of its workings. If you leave a PS1 game in the disc drive you can even play PS1 games from your PSP where ever you are. You can access the Playstation store and buy any new content and have it ready for you when you get home, you can message your friends through Playstation Network or listen to any music you have stored on your PS3. If you have the newer, slimmer version of the PSP, you can even play your PSP games on your big screen TV in 480p resolution via a special cable (although it is sold separately).
Reliability: Heres a big reason I didn't buy a 360. Most 360's are considered ticking time bombs by alot of people, just waiting to get the "Red Ring of Death". Sure they'll send you a new one, but why didn't they create it correctly the first time? They have come out with the Elite version which doesn't have the problems that the other versions have, but only this version possesses the guarantee that it won't happen. I haven't had a single problem with my PS3 since I bought it and if one does arise, I will be sure to inform you all about it.
Best Deal: The PS3 has many amazing features at just $499 (80GB) whereas to get the same amount of things for the 360 (wifi, HD DVD) it would cost alot more.
PS3 80GB = $499
360 Elite 120GB w\wifi and HD DVD = $680
Not such a great deal now...is it?
Conclusion: Thats pretty much it. If I think of anything else I will insert it within the text and include a panel below of what I added to the original post.
I hope this will make you consider buying a system a little harder before you go for it. (I also hope to see a counter to this by someone making a post about the 360.)
Edit: Added Controller and Internet sections.