Sony has finally came out with a new slimmed down version of PS3 (via engadget) that will grace you with 120GB hard drive, 2USB ports and will consume 34% less power and will be 32% smaller. It will be available on September 1st for a mere $299 price tag, and features the same I/O as the current PS3. You may also notice a new PS3 logo and the finish is no longer glossy, therefore your finger prints and dust will not be that attracted to the unit. You can also purchase an optional vertical stand for 24 bucks.
Notes from Chris: I have been fond of Sony design since I was able to register what different brands were as a youth. This isn’t the best design I’ve ever seen for a console, but does it really matter? If you want the current design, get what is available now for the same price and replace the hard drive yourself for cheap. I’ve read around and several comments, from those who seem credible and have had longstanding affluence for Sony products say that the slim PS3 is not Sony’s greatest design. I’ve even see the U word. The price isn’t ugly, however, and there is strong possibility that if the $299 PS3 becomes a runaway success now (e.g. explosion in sales) there could be a price drop for Christmas. Imagine the $250 PS3 at Christmas. It would be absurd.
We are a little concerned that there will no longer be an option to install other OS (operating system). No more Linux? Blah. There is also report of Bravia Sync capability, and that it will run more quietly than existing PS3 systems, most likely due to the external power supply.
Here is a great introduction video from Jack Tretton, President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA):
Engadget was kind enough to get the specs, too. They are similiar to the existing PS3:
* Product name: PlayStation 3
* Product code: CECH-2000A (Charcoal Black)
* CPU: Cell Broadband Engine™
* GPU: RSX
* Audio output: LPCM 7.1ch, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD, AAC.
* Memory: 256MB XDR Main RAM, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM
* Hard disk: 120GB 2.5″ Serial ATA
* USB 2.0 ports: 2
* Networking: Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T), IEEE 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 (+EDR)
* Controller: Wireless Controller (Bluetooth) x 1
* AV outputs: HDMI x 1, AV MULTI OUT x 1, Digital out (optical) x 1
* Resolutions: 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i (for PAL 576p, 576i)
* BD / DVD / CD drive (read only): BD × 2 (BD-ROM), DVD × 8 (DVD-ROM), CD × 24 (CD-ROM)
* Power: AC 220 – 240, 50/60Hz
* Power consumption: Approx. 250W
* External dimensions (excluding maximum projecting part): Approx. 290 × 65 × 290 mm (width × height × length)
* Mass: Approx. 3.2kg
* Included in box: PlayStation 3 system × 1, Wireless Controller (DUALSHOCK 3) × 1, AC power cord × 1, AV cable × 1, USB cable × 1
Here is every angle possible:
