The new PlayStation 3 slim model will be officially launched in September 2009 in the US and Europe at a price of $299, which is relatively cheap compared to the original ps3 version. The question is, should you buy the ps3 slim model, especially if you already had the original ps3 model?
Out of the box, the new PlayStation slim model has almost the same functions and features as the previous PS3 model, but it’s 33% smaller, 36% lighter and includes a 120GB hard drive.
The Slim model has a new 45nm version of the Cell processor, which runs at the same speed as the ‘old’ PS3’s 60nm processor, but is smaller and more power efficient. Power consumption has also been reduced to 2/3 and that helps reduce fan noise.
The new slim model has a textured surface finish that gives the system a more pleasing appearance to attract more gamers. Comparable to the 80GB and 160GB models, the new PS3 Slim has built-in Wi-Fi and two USB ports, but there’s no backwards compatibility for PS2 games – disappointing news.
You can swap out the physical hard drive while it’s still under warranty, and Sony has moved the hard drive to the front for easier access. However, you don’t have the option to install another operating system like Linux because Sony removed this feature from the slim model.
It also doesn’t let you stand it vertically unless you want to pay $24 to buy a mount and you’ll have version 3 firmware up to date.
John Koller, director of hardware marketing for Sony Computer Entertainment America, says they’ve been able to run out of inventory on older models, but he didn’t have the best answer as to why someone would buy an older 80GB model instead of the newer 120GB one. . Slender.
“Some people want a unit right away and may like the look of the old unit,” he said. “People will have their reasons for wanting one.”