Value ps3 vs top model

[UKbob]

When you dont ask, there always seems to be something you dont find out until after... are there any drawbacks to consider regarding the value system vs the full price system, other than no card reader, usb ports, and no PS1 backwards compatibility?

I assume the USB ports are not for controller connections?
Big price difference from 280 - 450!
Cheers

[Mr_Yogi]

Top Model (60GB) is no longer available so there si no choice to make, there is only 1 model.

Differences are:

1. No card reader
2. Only 2 USB Sockets (as opposed to 4)
3. No SACD playback
4. 20GB less space
5. No PS2 backwards compatability

USB sockets are only used to charge controllers (as they are wireless Bluetooth in operation) and connecting additional periferals such as cameras and external hard disks.
PS1 backwards compatability is still in the 40GB model, which includes PS1 games which can be downloaded from the PS Store.

[UKbob]

Mr_Yogi said:

Top Model (60GB) is no longer available so there si no choice to make, there is only 1 model.

Differences are:

1. No card reader
2. Only 2 USB Sockets (as opposed to 4)
3. No SACD playback
4. 20GB less space
5. No PS2 backwards compatability

USB sockets are only used to charge controllers (as they are wireless Bluetooth in operation) and connecting additional periferals such as cameras and external hard disks.
PS1 backwards compatability is still in the 40GB model, which includes PS1 games which can be downloaded from the PS Store.

Strange to think that such a VAST price difference accounts for the changes above. 20gb of HD space id have guessed would have cost the company pounds, card readers are cheap as chips, as are usb hubs/ports. When was the 60gb discontinued, and what is SACD. If there is only one model to go for, there isnt anything to decide as such.
So are the PS1 games free to download?
And is there no way to get PS2 games working on the 3?
Thanks for the tech info

Edited by UKbob on Friday 15th February 20:34

[Mr_Yogi]

The cost savings have mainly come from a more mature chip fabrication process, a die shrink for one of the processors (the Cell is now produced on a 65nm process as opposed to the 90nm which it started on, which means more processor per wafer) and from the vast reduction in the price of the bluray transport (specifically the blu laser diode).

A result of the smaller Cell is that it requires less power and thus produces less heat, this in turn means a lower power (and cheaper) PSU can be used and also a less sophisicated (and cheaper) cooling system is required.

The 40GB model actually has a cheaper bluray transport, which is why there is no SACD (Super Audio CD - Sony's niche Higher Quality mucis CD Format which went up against DVD-Audio) support.

I guess regarding the card reader and USB ports every little helps but mainly it helps justify the price reduction to the masses.

Some PS3 games can be downloaded ans are usually £3.49/99 ish.

There are romours that Sony are working on a 100% software PS2 emulator, but they have also publicly stated that they are not interested in BC any more, as the PS3 library grows it becomes less important. It is certanly technically possible it's comes down to if Sony are prepared to pay for it's development.

Edited by Mr_Yogi on Friday 15th February 21:18

[Polarbert]

How come they ditched the 60gb version?

[UKbob]

Polarbert said:

How come they ditched the 60gb version?

Id guess for the very (interesting!) reasons Yogi posted above, coupled with the fact that less is more. Less HD, more sales later, on upgrades. probablyorsomething.

[BigAlinEmbra]

Most of the questions have already been answered, but this might interest you.
http://www.tech.co.uk/home-entertainment/gaming/ga...

Larger HD model has been going round the rumour mill for some time now.

[UKbob]

BigAlinEmbra said:

Most of the questions have already been answered, but this might interest you.
http://www.tech.co.uk/home-entertainment/gaming/ga...

Larger HD model has been going round the rumour mill for some time now.

It is a heavy machine, thats for sure!