Thumbs Up:

Free online game service, inbuilt Wi-Fi and Web browser; internal power supply; 1080p HDMI output; 120GB hard drive; works as both DVD and Blu-ray player; easy interface; high-definition games; slimmer and more compact; quieter operation with less fan noise; budget-friendly price tag of $299.

Thumbs Down:

No backward compatibility for PS2 games; lacks infrared port disabling the usage of universal remotes; online commerce, media and gaming options are still not better than that of Xbox Live.

The Whiz Kid Speaks:

Sony PlayStation 3 Slim is a game console that supports CD-ROM, DVD-ROM and BD-ROM. It is powered with 45nm Cell Broadband Engine processor and 256MB RAM. It has BD-ROM Blu-ray disc player and 120GB hard disk drive.

The graphics adapter is 256MB NVIDIA RSX that provides resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. Supported wireless interfaces are Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11. Sound output mode is stereo.

The connector-set of Sony PlayStation 3 Slim includes 1×SPDIF output (TOSLINK), 1×PlayStation 3 AV output, 1×HDMI output (19 pin HDMI Type A), 1×Ethernet (RJ-45) and 2×USB (4 pin USB Type A). The PS3 Slim consumes 250 watt power.

Razzle Dazzle:

Sony PlayStation 3 Slim looks identical to 160GB and 80GB PS3 models. It is 2.6 inches tall, 11.4 inches wide and 11.4 inches deep and it weighs 7.1 lbs. It comes in charcoal black color. It is much 33 percent smaller and 36 percent lighter than original PS3. It feels substantial while taking in hand.

Inside Dope:

In November 2009, Sony had introduced Netflix to its PlayStation 3. The Netflix subscribers can order free PS3 Netflix Blu-ray Disc at its Web site. They have to use that disc always to stream a movie. Now, the company has launched Sony PlayStation 3 Slim for overtaking the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii. If you are a big fan of Sony PlayStation 3 and waiting for its price to come down up, then be ready to buy $299 priced 120GB Slim PS3. On the dark side, Sony has removed the backward compatibility and capability to install any other operating system such as Linux. The Slim PS3 features inbuilt Wi-Fi, inbuilt Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player, two-USB port for charging and using external storage.

Sony PlayStation 3 Slim supports MPEG4/H.264, MPEG2 and MPEG1 video formats and JPEG picture viewing from disc based or USB external media. It can also work as media hub to stream contents from DLNA compatible networked devices such as computers and hard drives connected on routers. It also has inbuilt Web browser to access the Internet.

You will find AV output for analog video/audio, optical digital audio output (SPDIF), HDMI cable and Ethernet jack. Sony has not added any new feature to the PlayStation Slim PS3. Moreover, the company has also not provided any infra red port to control the game console via universal IR remote controls. The Slim PS3 does not have backward compatibility, so it cannot play the PS2 games.

The mirrored strip located next to opening of disc slot and glossy plastic on sides gives glamour to Sony PlayStation 3 Slim. However, both of them works as fingerprint magnet to capture smudges even on gentle touch. However, there are some changes in the design. Sony logo branding has been re-designed for nice look. Touch-sensitive Eject and power switches are replaced by standard push buttons. The master power switch has been removed. The new power button on the front is quick responsive and boots up the PlayStation in less than 20 seconds like original PS3.

Sony has redesigned the complete internal architecture for building a slim game console. We appreciate the Sony’s engineers to build internal power supply instead of using external cabinet like the giant one with Xbox 360. The company had moved the hard disk drive to the front of game console. Without voiding the warranty, you can upgrade and replace the hard drive. You can open the door at the bottom of game console to unscrew the two screws for removing the hard drive. Sony PlayStation 3 Slim is designed to place horizontally. For positioning it vertically, you can purchase additional stand at $25 from Sony.

Sony PlayStation 3 Slim is powered by 45nm version Cell processor that runs at the same speed of 60nm processor in original PS3. However, this new processor is more energy efficient and smaller in size. According to Sony, the power consumption of Sony PlayStation 3 Slim is reduced to 250 watts from 280 watts. As a result, the PS3 Slim generates less heat due to which the company has installed small cooling fan. It also reduces the fan noise. We played game and Blu-ray disc for two hours; still got the light breeze from the fan instead of hot air.

Sony PlayStation 3 Slim performed well for gaming and playing Blu-ray discs while testing. The PlayStation Network is free and PS3 Slim allows accessing and downloading of games, TV shows and movies. Netflix subscription-based streaming service is also available. You can also use Play On software to stream the contents of your computer.

Nitty Gritty:

In fact, Sony PlayStation 3 Slim costs half of the price of original PS3 and lacks IR port, ability to install other operating system like Linux and backward compatibility for PS2 games. If you can overcome above drawbacks and need affordable game console with energy efficiency, home-theater functionality and impressive gaming, then you can buy latest – Sony PlayStation 3 Slim.

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