Playstation 3 Slim

There is a lot to like about Sony's newest PlayStation, nicknamed the PlayStation 3 Slim.

Undoubtedly an effort to move consoles en masse before Christmas, this games machine seems like a cunning purchase for those who didn't jump on board the PlayStation 3 bandwagon in 2007 when the machine cost $999.

This slimmed-down $499 model replaces that pricey machine, and Sony insists it is just as good. Connect broke the new games machine from its packaging to find out if that is true.

One thing is certain about this new console: it's slimmer and prettier than the one before. The new PlayStation is neither as wide nor as tall as its predecessor, giving the 32 per cent smaller machine a fresh and sleek appearance.

Also improving its aesthetics is the finish on this console: it now has a textured feel on its top and bottom, with glossy accents on the sides alone, limiting fingerprint smudges.
Other changes are more subtle, including the new PS3 logo on its top and the physical eject and on buttons that replace their touch-sensitive counterparts.

It's worth noting that this console also consumes 34 per cent less power than the other PS3, and is 36 per cent lighter.

The game machine still weighs 3.4kg, however, so while convenient this weight loss is not likely to make the PS3 a regular passenger in your carry bag.

Like the last model, this PS3 has only two USB ports, down from four on the original, and no slot for a memory card.

It does, however, boast a sizeable 120GB hard drive that Sony intends to put to use in future with more PlayStation Network games for download and, by the end of the year, movie downloads.

Tricky techy users can also swap this hard drive for an even larger model with instructions provided in the pack.

The operation can be as simple as undoing one screw and slotting in the replacement drive, and goes a long way to future-proofing this device.

The new PS3 still works as a Blu-ray DVD player, making it one of the cheapest players on the market, and it comes with wireless internet connectivity built-in and a DualShock3 SIXASIS controller.

The new model comes with an optical cable that plugs into the red, white and yellow AV ports on older TVs, though it also has an HDMI connection you can use if you own a spare HDMI cable and high-definition TV.

After setting it up, there is no discernible difference between the $1000 original PlayStation 3
and its new, half-price replacement. The graphics are slick, the sound punchy and the controller quakes in your hands as if you really are holding a rifle.

The only difference is if you try and insert a PlayStation 2 game disc into the new machine.

As it lacks the Emotion Engine of the original model, it cannot play these discs and a sad message appears to inform you that ``this PS3 is not compatible with PS2 software''. As long as you keep a working PS2, this should be an inconvenience rather than a deal-breaker.

The new PlayStation 3 seems like it delivers a lot of technology for the money, and is further proof that good things come to those who wait.

With this machine on the market, and a fresh price cut to the top Xbox 360 model, new gamers
appear to be in for an interesting Christmas.