Had a little bit of a problem with connecting to the internet, but have solved the issue. The PS3 is supposed to be able to connect directly through a modem. We have AT&T DSL (wired). Ended up that we had to connect it through a router in order for it to work. So, if anyone is having a problem connecting through a modem only, try adding a router to your set up. (Error Code 80130504)

Otherwise, we love the Netflix streaming capabilities, as well as the ability to play DVD and BluRay discs.

• from

The new PS3 slim is just great... Lighter and less space consuming. It's also much quieter than it's bulky older brother.. The only down side is that do to the size down, some key features dont appear, like the backward compatability, I'm not able to play my favorite ps2 games. But its worth it

• from

Overall we are very pleased with the Playstation 3. It broke on us about a week after we got it but we are VERY pleased with the return/exchange policy with Amazon, they are very easy to work with & very prompt.

• from

OK, I admit I'm new to the PS3, but I'm quite knowledgeable about technology in general and I am a certified PC technician.

First of all this is an amazing piece of technology for the money. An IBM cell 8 way processor with built in Blue Ray, Wifi, graphics, bluetooth, 250GB hdd etc., for $350.00! I would have only dreamed of being able to buy this at this price point ten years ago. I had preordered this thing on Amazon and was surprised to get delivery of it the day after it was released. Bravo Amazon!

I did find the setup of this beast a little intimidating. OK, I admit, I didn't read the directions, but knew intuitively what needed to be done. Connect the cables, power it up, then try and get it on my wireless network. First of all I have a very strong security framework on my router. I use a 64 bit random WPA key with MAC filtering. The first thing I did is have it auto detect the network. No problems here, found my network name just fine. Then it asked for my security key. Here is where the fun began. I know I could attach a USB keyboard, and in retrospect, that would have been much easier to input the key. However, I didn't have a USB keyboard laying around anywhere. So - on I went with inputting it using the dual shock controller. This was a bit unintuitive to learn how to use. Once I got the hang of it, no problem. I then inputted the key and told it to connect. It wouldn't connect. Then I figured out I had MAC filtering and would need to find the MAC address on the thing. That was pretty straight forward but now I found it didn't keep the security key I had spent 20 minutes typing into it before. ARGH!!! So I went through the process again and this time it connected.

Next, I found it was using an older operating system so I had it update it online. I guess I was kind of dissapointed that Sony didn't have the latest operating system on this thing since it was so new - but guess it missed the cutoff on that one. This took about 45 minutes sice I have a pretty slow connection out in the country. That worked fine. Now I had to input and register on the PlayStation Network. Also no problem, but time consuming.

Now, I'm just about done, but I found out I had to register the bluetooth controllers. This also was not very intuitive. You mean it doesn't just find them and register them on their own? Nope. So I went through the procedure of registering the dual shock controller on separate channels. BTW, you also have to charge them up through the USB connectors while the PS3 is powered on.

I also bought one of the BD bluetooth remotes. I put the batteries in and went through the procedure of holding the start and enter buttons until the menu changed on the screen. Nothing happened. I held it for five minutes. Still nothing happened. I tried literally everything and it still didn't work. I got on the forums and didn't find much out here so I could only assume it was a bad remote. Then I pulled the batteries that came with the remote and tested them. They tested perfect. Hmmmmm....very frustrating. For grins, I thought I would change the batteries with a fresh pair of alkaline batteries. Guess what - now it registered! Go figure!!! I'm glad I tried that because otherwise I would have sent the remote back. Why would Sony put batteries in this thing that won't drive the remote properly?

So - Hooray - now it is set up and everything works. Only took me about 2.5 hours. Granted, I have a very secure network, didn't read the directions, and have never used a PS3 before but to be honest, I think Sony needs to do some work to make this thing easier for people to set up. I couldn't imagine giving this thing to my parents and expect them to set it up without them screaming and throwing it through the window in frustration.

I still give it 4 stars, but for a new user, I think Sony still has some work to do on making the setup process and menus easier to use. Now that it is set up, everything works great.

The technology, graphics, and capabilities of this console are awe inspiring. You can find used games on Amazon for a song, and the blue ray player in this thing is excellent. Probably as good as any player out there. I really like the wireless controllers and also like the stealth size of the PS3. I hear virtually no noise from it that others have complained about and actually think it is very well built. I like the capability to upgrade the hard drive in the future and only wished I had a faster network where I live as downloading demos takes me forever.

All in all this is a killer device. If Sony would make the setup process a little easier I think this thing would be perfect and a solid 5 stars. To be fair, it is a very complex piece of gear and with this much functionality, there is a lot to learn.

Your mileage may vary from mine, but this was my experience with it as a brand new user. If you are looking for a gaming console and need a blue ray player anyway - this is a no brainer.

• from

Ive been looking to get one for a very long time now and finally bit the bullet. I am quite happy with it as there are really so many things to do with this thing. You can watch Blue rays, stream netflix, mess around in PS home (its quite hilarious) among a ton of other things. So on the media end i was quite pleased...

On the gaming end however i was a bit disappointed. This thing seems to really be choppy at times. I would estimate most games run around 30 fps with many dips into 20s and lower. Especially coming from hardcore PC gaming where FPS matters this was hard to look at at first. All the screen shots you see look so darn good but they are normally running at 30 fps and not that silky smooth 60. Of course there are games that are much better, games worth mentioning that run great are Bioshock and metal gear, both output HD and seem to hold a higher frame rate than 30. Games worth mentioning that have problems are: pretty much any multi-platform game.... especially EA games. (come on guys...)

That being said you do actually get used to it pretty fast. My first hour was that of cries, now I am like... wow this is pretty cool! :D

There are several games to choose from and MANY downloadable demos for free from the playstation store. Not having to pay for internet functions is also a big plus. All in all, I am happy with it.... now..... waiting for GT5..... :P

• from

I'm glad I finally decided to purchase this item. The PS3 has now replaced my computer from the living room. I'm not much of a gamer but it's nice that it can handle that as well. The browsing capabilities are not as good as it is on a PC but it's good enough for now. I really hope to see a better browser released for this system in the future. It would also be nice to see more applications for this platform.

• from

Got this ps3 more for what "else" it can do rather than play video games.

It outputs by way of HDMI plug to a Sony home entertainment center and then on to the speakers (7.1) and 52"TV monitor.

1. As blue ray player the sound and video very similar to a theater quality.

2. Down lowed over 1500 songs from my CD collection to the hard drive- played from there, the songs are like at a live "concert"!!!!! (Will impress you, its better than played from CD drive) Only problem was the names on tracks did not load at all, on most songs.

3. Serf the Internet on my large 52" 1080p LCD screen--worked somewhat but would not except java plugs to allow down loading my e-news paper I read on line. Also note that I'm hard wire to the network not using the wifi.

4. Video games-my son loves it.

• from

Excellent machine. Price was even better. Good combination of gaming and watch Blu-Ray movies for one price

• from

the ps3 is the best, i do have a few gripes tho, first my computer picks up my wireless perfectly, but my ps3 doesnt, even when i enter the passwords and all the info. this bugs me....... because its recognizes the signal, and tells me to update the running version but then doesnt connect. secondly im having issues with it freezing, everytime i do double kills with my wrist shanks on assassins creed, if i do that move three times in a row it freeses, everytime, sumtimes its just how the sitituation is, i cant even control ezio. anyways also when playing conn, beowolf, and watching there will be blood on blue ray, its seems to be fatally freezing, i dont know if this is a defective machine but its def getting old. the upconversion to blue ray type standards is nonsense...... period. and yeah so those are my gripes. but the price is good, and the design is nice, the games availible are wonderful, essentially i would adore it if it had the internet and stopped freezing.............................. still a def must have item

ANYONE ELSE HAVING THESE ISSUES?????? ANY SUGGESTIONS? IVE ONLY OWNED IT FOR MAYBE 6 WEEKS

• from

OK so the system is pretty cool. It does a lot and was very easy to set up. I'm not much of a gamer yet and wanted it for it's multimedia capabilities as much as anything. It's great for that. I have used it to stream Netflix, which it does without a hick-up (that is when the system works). You can surf the web, which means you can view content from youtube and hula on your TV. The picture quality is not fantastic but it's better than watching stuff on my computer screen. I can stream Pandora to my surround system and I love that feature. I also put all my music and photos on it. It's a little cumbersome compared to your average MP3 player but again, it's great to always have my my music where my entertainment system is versus hooking up my Zune every time I want to play music on the main system. It also lets me play photos and my music playlists at the same time. I'm an avid photographer and I love this function. It means I can run my photos on the tv at a party while playing music. If people want to check out the photos they can but if it bores them, they don't feel pressured to sit through my photo shows. Games are fun too. I downloaded High Velocity Bowling and love it. I didn't realize that PS3 used motion activated controls for some games like the Wii does. Sony Home is interesting but I'm female and guys hit on you there all the time. That is not all bad, I'm 50 years old and it's been a long time since someone put the moves on me but guys, tell me. Why does it matter if you score in a virtual word??? What happens if I come back to your place??? I do like that you can bowl, and play video games in the virtual chat room or beam into the Sodium game. Sony also doesn't charge for Sony Home.

So why am I only giving it 3 stars? Well after using it for 4 weeks, the optical drive stopped working. It would no longer play games, DVDs/Blueray or stream Netfix. I called Sony and they told me I would have to send it back for repair. To Sony's credit, they did send me a box with a pre-paid shipping label but that meant I had to wait a week before I got the box and was able to send the PS3 back. So, I was without my brand new system for about 3 weeks. I got a refurbished unit back and though it looks OK, who knows how much use it's had. Sony's handling of the issued isn't horrible but I think they could do a bit more for someone like me who paid $350 for a system that broke in a month. I got the system back with nothing plus I had to go through the trouble of setting everything up again. Sony didn't even have the latest firmware installed on the replacement unit they sent me. If Sony wants customer loyalty, they could throw me a bone. You know, include a letter apologizing for my inconvenience and letting me know that customer satisfaction is important to them. Include a credit in the online store for like $15 or $20. Even $5 would make be feel like they cared a little. Sony, are you listening? I have many expensive Sony product. This experience leaves me somewhat dissatisfied. I also worry about the system holding up after the warranty is over.

• from

We bought this not so much as a game playing device, but as a combination blu ray player that can stream netflix content. We favored the PS3 over the xBox 360 because the PS3 has no additional subscription fees for net access (XBox is something like $50/year). As a Blu Ray player it is flawless (be sure to get the PS3 adapter for harmony remotes if you have one of those). As a netflix streaming device, it has been a bust. We have a super fast Cable connection to the internet with download speeds in excess of 12 MB/sec, yet the wait to display the available titles is excruciatingly slow, and it can take a couple of minutes after selecting a title to get a "This title cannot be played at this time" message. In contrast, browsing streaming netflix content from the Mac mini on the same internet connection is speedy & flawless. This leads me to conclude that the problem is with the software that netflix provides for the PS3. In the PS3's defense, once playback has begun, the streaming is flawless, and the picture is beautiful. It is just finding and selecting content that will make you run from the room screaming...

On another Note, I was impressed that it discovered our Sonos music system, and was really excited when it displayed all the titles in our music library. Then I discovered it couldn't play any of the content because it is encoded in the Apple Lossless format, which the PS3 won't play. Sigh.

• from

I bought this item on December 30, 2009. I just discovered that it is not compatable with Playstation 2 games. I was informed that the Playstaion 3 plays all original and Playstation 2 games. Why is this happeneing?

• from

I've found the Play Station to be fine. But, my shopping experience was frustrating, at best. I reviewed different brands and decided on Play Station. When I went too buy, I found more the one price offer, on Amazon. When I would try too purchase the lesser price, I would get nowhere. And out of frustration, I purchased direct from Amazon, at a higher cost. So, I'm not very excited about viewing any special offers Amazon sends me.

• from

Considering you can get a 250GB hdd for $50 this really isnt a good deal, you're much better off getting the 120GB and saving yourself some money. 120GB is actually a ton of space anyways and most people are hard pressed to even fill half of that.

• from

When I purchased the Xbox 360 back in June I had no intention of buying a PS3. But I must admit my opinion of the PS3 was greatly influenced by the price. When the price of the system dropped my opinion of the PS3 changed and yesterday I spent my entire pay check on the 250 GB model. I didn't plan on buying this model but when I walked into the stores they were sold out of the 120 GB model. I had just enough to purchase the 250 GB model and Metal Gear Solid 4. It is too bad I'm probably not going to need all that memory.

Now I don't have a HD television but a standard television so I couldn't tell you much about graphics. Metal Gear Solid 4 from what I've been told is supposed to have the best graphics to date. I can tell a lot of attention was put into the graphics but I can't say I'm too impressed with it. In comparison to the Xbox 360 I don't see the PS3 making leaps over the Xbox 360. This should probably explain why the Xbox 360 is still so popular right now. Enough about that. I don't want to turn this into debate over which system is better. I don't have an opinion as far as that is concerned.

I do not regret this purchase. But then again I never thought I would. From the end of 2008 and into this year I've seen some good releases for the PS3 which was why the price drop tempted me to buy this system. The menu on the PS3 has taken some getting used to because I'm used to the Xbox 360. The controller especially takes some getting used to because it is smaller and not as ergonomic as the Xbox 360 controller. It is also much lighter.

Let's see... The controller only takes about two hours by my guess to charge up. I'm not sure exactly how long it takes but it is very quick. Unfortunately you can't charge the controller while the system is off. That is a disappointment fortunately the controller will charge plugged into any USB port. I use the one on my cable box.

As it has already been mentioned, no power brick. There are fewer cords to fool around with and with built in Wi-Fi I don't have all those cables behind my television for my cat to play with.

I only spent about two hours browsing their selections on the Playstation Network. Xbox Live definitely has the better selections when it comes to games. At least in my opinion. There are a few games on PSN that Xbox Live doesn't have that I like so it's not a total disappointment but Xbox Live offers better choices. Again only my opinion. But movie choices on the other hand I am really impressed with the selections on PSN. I haven't browsed their entire selection but it seems all the new releases are available for renting or buying. I like that the PSN has a search feature where I just type in the title of the film and it will find it.

I can't say the PSN is very eye friendly. I'll have to toy around with the settings to see if I can make everything bigger but it is hard sometimes to see what I'm looking at. When I'm looking at games they don't have preview of the game so I'd know if I like them or not. Fortunately they do have YouTube so if I want to find out about the game I simply look it up on YouTube. It would seem the PS3 can be used almost exactly like a computer. I would have to get a keyboard and really test out its internet capabilities.

I've read some complaints about the way PSN is organized. I'm sure most of those complaints are from people who are used to Xbox Live. They do a much better job of organizing things on their service. Everything is larger so it is easier on the eyes and they've divided everything up into so many categories you are guaranteed to find anything you're looking for quickly. The PSN has a much smaller selection of games but they do divide them up into categories so it shouldn't be too difficult to find a game of any particular genre. It just takes some getting used to if you are accustomed to Xbox Live.

All in all I have to say that I couldn't be more pleased with this purchase. I would recommend this system to anyone who is looking to buy a new gaming console.

• from