To PS3 or not to PS3

01/04/10 addendum

Get one.  There might be some useful information for you in my old notes too.  Here is a quick, honest view of the big three home consoles (360, wii & PS3).

Nintendo wii:

Not the obvious choice it once was.  The system is still working well, but I find myself/kids playing new wii titles once or twice then storing them.  Still pretty cool to play older Nintendo games via the easy download interface, but that's getting old.  Buy Energizer's new flat panel induction charger - It's slick.  Charges the batteries through the Nintendo controller gloves.  $29 for the dual charger and $49 for the quad.

Xbox 360:

Halo is getting boring.  I didn't even buy the last (ODST) game and that surprises me.  I hope they release a new Gears game soon.  I refuse to donate monthly fees to Microsoft just to play online.  You now get no online play options with the Silver membership.  The demo access is ok.  Use your computer for online access to music, Netflix and Facebook.  The Microsoft chat pad and controller are still the best accessories on the market.  Their headset is crap and only has a 90 day warranty.  It will last 89 to 91 days if you're lucky - get an alternative to the MS wireless option.  RROD is still a issue if you plan to test the graphics output.

I feel sorry for you if you plan to store any media (movies, pics or music) on this machine.  Storage is expensive, difficult to manipulate and not the most reliable option.  Use your PC to keep backups of everything before you move it to the 360.

Still worth a few bucks here if you've never played Halo, Gears or Crackdown.  Get the Elite system now that the price is reasonable.  You will not want to go through the upgrade process/cost later.

Playstation 3:

The dominant console due to free online play.  Sony continues to add new free options.  The new menu seems to be getting better while the 360 (my opinion) is getting worse.  Game demos are immediately available.  The $299 price point is right.

Don't buy the 250GB console.  Buy the 120GB and a 500GB hard drive online ($60).  Sell your 120GB hard drive on eBay and you have a higher capacity console for less money.  Get your local teenage techie to do it for $20 if you can't.

Processes video better than my PC.  The cell processor design shines here.  Backup process for the PS3 is a bit time consuming but do it anyway if you plan to keep all of your media on it.  The preview menu for video is very cool.  Netflix streaming is neat but expensive and you need to keep a disc in the system (dumb).

The chat pad is weak, so get ready for a disappointment on many points there.  So bad just might get a Bluetooth keyboard.  Make a new one Sony!

Very low RLOD (red light of death) and yellow light failure rate - good job here Sony.  They're still pricks on the phone so keep your receipt handy.

---

Things certainly have changed.  I try to keep an open mind about all three consoles... my old notes are below:

---

I've thought this through.  I like the PS3, and this is a reasonable account of that.

So you're going to get a PS3.  You've done all of the research, convinced you significant other, and have together the $500 bucks to blow...

Consider that for a minute.  $500...

It wasn't easy to convince him/her that it'll be worth it.  One of your main points was probably that it has a Blu-Ray player.  Why pay $400+ for the player alone when you can get a game system too?  A very logical argument.  You've sold the idea well and now you can go for it!

Careful here.  The PS3 is a beautiful system.  Has a lot of potential too.  But is it the best gaming system out there today?  I don't think so.  Consider the options:

Nintendo wii:

Obviously the best game for kids.  If you have a spouse that is not into games (like me,) this system will make them happy.  If you are not a hard core gamer, and you want to try something fun, this system will make you happy too.  Nintendo has rewritten the rules of gaming (again) and filled the wii with many toys and new ideas.  Game interface is fun and different, but if you are going to buy a system for you primarily, and want to start playing FPSs (first person shooters) or RPGs (role playing games) this is not the system for you.  Fit and finish is cheap but aduquate.  Internally less prone to failure due to the fact that it can't be used for DVDs.  Be nice to the wii and chances are it will serve you well for years to come.

Sports fans will like this system too.  If all you buy is the latest Madden you won't be disappointed by this system.

Xbox 360:

The best FPS and RPG system currently on the market.  Can compete with (and sometimes beat) the PS3 on graphics and overall fit and finish.  The controller and other Microsoft accessories are built with the adult gamer in mind.  Simply a better gaming system (today) for the hard core gamer.

The best warranty support.  Microsoft has done very will at handling their current manufacturing debacle which causes the infamous RROD (red ring of death.)  This problem is a result of poor design and overheating. It is still not completely under control.  Yes, they rushed the system to market and cut some corners.  They have saved themselves by offering the most flexible and easy to obtain warranty service on the market for a full 3 years.

HD-DVD is dead!  Unless someone brings this format back (they might) HD-DVDs have gone the way of the Laserdisc.  If you are a collector, buy a used HD-DVD player for $20-50 on auction.  HD-DVD players an the 360 are neat, but they are one of the easiest ways to RROD your Xbox.

Playstation 3:

The best overall system for the future?  Maybe, but are you willing to wait?  Games, as of today, are limited.  Resistance is a quality FPS, but don't count on too many of your buddies playing online - they're playing Halo.

The controller design not changed in ten years.  The new Sixaxis technology is neat but not used regularly.  Sony could have done better here.

The finish of the PS3 is very nice.  So nice that you might want to touch it - Don't!  Don't wipe of dust the wrong way or get any fingerprints on it.  The finish is extremely easy to scratch and prone to blemishes.

Blu-Ray is truly fantastic to watch with the right TV and audio system.  But do you have that together?  I barely do.

People with large DVD collections will be pleasantly surprised with the upconversion options for movies and media.  But do you want to use a your expensive PS3 to play DVDs that can be upconverted with a $50 HDMI player???

Maybe you do.  Sony builds good product and you take care of your equipment.  If you should have a Blu-Ray or overheating issue Sony's warranty is lacking.  Sony has RLOD (red light of death) issues too.  I have worked with them in the past and I find them difficult.  Do you have your receipt?  Is it within a Year?  If not it will cost you. 

If you keep everything in order I still suggest buying an extended warranty to match the coverage of the 360.

What you should do:

Buy a wii for the kids and a 360 for you.  Wait a while for Blu-Ray.  Microsoft will be slashing their prices down to a $200 Arcade System and a wii will cost $250.  You will be considered thoughtfull to the non-gamer in your family; your kids will love you and you'll get the best of both worlds.  If you are on the fence about the whole thing save you money and wait for the next generation.  It's only a year or two off!

Put the wii on your main TV and 360 on an alternate!  You might think this is crazy, but think about it...

It's Sunday afternoon, you've just come home from whatever.  Your kids are looking for something to do.  You lose if both systems are on your main TV.

Look at alternatives for HD content.  There are many.  Your cable/dish provider have many inexpensive alternatives already.  Netflix and online content providers are also fighting for this business.

Like I said, I have all three current gen consoles.  My PS3 is with my pretty plasma (main tv) and most of the time I have it on is due to needed updates.  Every once in a while I get to impress people with a Blu-Ray movie, but not very much fun for me anymore.  I hesitate to use it for movies too much.  The wii and my kids have taken over the plasma.  When I play, it's usually in the batcave with my 360!

To PS3 or not to PS3?  Think carefully before you buy.