PS3 initial Impressions...

avelanchefan

Got the 40gb version for my kiddos and they were enjoyed. I set it up with a newly purchased HDMI switcher from monoprice.

Pro's (So far)
1) Setup was a breeze and it recognized my HDMI and TV settings.
2) Setup of the wireless router was easy, and PS3 recognized it fast.
3) Watched a regular DVD and upscaling was great. Nice quiet DVD/BluRay Player.
4) Downloaded some different themes, and installation of the new themes were a breeze. It gave the unit a nice face lift from the ugly normal/basic theme.
5) Games Look great. Ratchet and Clank is awesome. Resistance:FOM is cartoony looking but still pleasing to the eyes. Motorstorm is a nice driving game, crashes are a hoot to watch.

Con's (Ugghh a lot)
1) Six Axis controller is not very functional. In games it is, but the layout is just not very good. Sorry but the 360 controller wins hands down on this.
2) No Rumble in controller....I knew this going in but it still is a nice feature to have. Plus is it me or does the controller just feel to light?
3) While the internet connection was a breeze, staying connected was a different matter. Constant kickoffs on the network was just to frustrating. When I googled it I brought up the phone book on complaints. Basically the wireless connection in the PS3 has a very small radius. All this despite having a 90% connection rate. (According to the ps)
4) Wired connection was much smoother but I constantly got a "NAT3" connection. Basically I would get sketchy game play, plus no voice support. Getting this setup correctly to get a "NAT2" connection took about 3 hours to achieve. A lot of work just to be able to chat with people. Xbox Live wins handsdown.
5) Is it me or am I button mashing in certain areas of the menus? Like I was at the PS3 store and I just wanted to bo back to were I was moments before, only to have to choose an area were I began with, then I would have to find the area where I wanted to go with again. Over an over I had to do this. Why not use the triangle button to just go back to where I was at? Very frustrating.
6) Constantly got kicked off my media area. And then I would have to scan again to get my media folders to pop up again. Just really buggy!
7) Music is not played in DD like the 360, and it just sounds really tinny to me.

I really went into this with an open mind. And I have only really monkeyed around with this for 20 hours or so. But I am a little disappointed overall. Basically it really came down to the whole internet connection deal. I mean it was just so frustrating, that I was more pissed than relieved to finally getting it to work correctly. No way should it be that hard to get a connection to chat with people and play some lag free games. And what concerns me more is that from what I read my connection maybe good for only a day or two, only to have it go on the fritz again. And here I am running 4 computers, a Wii, and two 360's on a network that has not given me one ounce of trouble since I set it up a year ago.

Right now a solid 5/10....not to good for a 550 dollar purchase.

BIZILL

another negative, let it play a standard-def dvd and wait a few minutes and just enjoy the loud fan kick in. wowsers. but basically, i think its positives outweigh the negatives. i have zero issues with wireless connectivity. and it sits far away from my router in another room. cd's played through it sound awesome to me. i do listen to it via pcm and then in all channel stereo on my setup. the remote is light and i hate the triggers that go inward vs out like a true trigger and the 360 remote. and rumble is now available on the new remotes. they haven't made it to the states yet. but they are out now. only some games utilize it. and my kids LOVE ratchet and clank! but for me, it's basically a blu-ray player exclusively.

Demiurge

avelanchefan wrote: »

Right now a solid 5/10....not to good for a 550 dollar purchase.

It was a $600 Blu-Ray player for me, which I knew going in. It's definitely not holding it's own in the gaming arena well over a year after release. I don't own a single game for it, which will change soon. However, given the option of multi-platform games, I will take the 360 version every single time. Tons of people playing on-line, all of my friends have it, and pretty much zero issues.

sbpolk

Funny, I have a 60gb PS3, and a 360 Elite, and I thought the PS3 was a far superior music player!

skipf

The "0" button back you up one screen in the menu areas. I've got the 60GB model and think it's great. No issues at all. I've heard it is much better built than the 40GB version, and has extra capabilities. My only problem with the controler is it's made for a kids hands, not someone that is 6'-3 and 220 lbs. Hard to get my big ole mitts scrunched down that small.

AsSiMiLaTeD

I've compared Assassin's Creed on both versions. Anyone who owns it on both should do the same. Check out the shadows particularly, they're much better on the 360 version of the game.

AsSiMiLaTeD

How is the 60GB version 'better built' than the 40GB? More feature, yes, better built, I'd like to know specifics on that.

Did they use different parts, different processor, different cooling, etc?

BIZILL

EMOTION ENGINE chip is in the 60 gb version. plays all ps2 games. 40 gig plays none, as far as i know. 80 gig software-emulates most games.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Right, I know there's a feature difference, and more than that just mentioned above - I'm wondering if the 'better built' statement is to be taken literally.

The features of the 60 and 80 version are well documented, and have no appeal to me so I bought the 40 - I'm wondering if there's truly a quality difference in the three units, as I still have the opportunity to upgrade to one of the other units...

avelanchefan

BIZILL wrote: »

EMOTION ENGINE chip is in the 60 gb version. plays all ps2 games. 40 gig plays none, as far as i know. 80 gig software-emulates most games.

That is exactly right. The reason I did buy the 40 and not the 80 is because I have no ps2 games, and really have not need to buy any.

Sherardp

Good info here, Im thinking about buying one from a friend then I'll have all three. Wii is for the kids buts its pretty fun. Then I'll be able to compare, Im sure xbox is the better for online play.

sbpolk

As of Christmas, we are format neutral with the game console trifecta!

I have ZERO games for the PS3, probably 15 or so for the 360, and just wii sports for the wii.

I love the PS3 for bluray and music, and I really enjoy the downoads and that kind of thing. The wii is mainly for the kids, especially since it is only 480p. I am going to try to buy a bunch of gamecube games cheap for them, since they are still small. The 360 just seems to be where it's at for me, game wise. Older 360 games can be had for very cheap. It has just been around long enough I guess.

Sherardp

sbpolk wrote: »

As of Christmas, we are format neutral with the game console trifecta!

I have ZERO games for the PS3, probably 15 or so for the 360, and just wii sports for the wii.

I love the PS3 for bluray and music, and I really enjoy the downoads and that kind of thing. The wii is mainly for the kids, especially since it is only 480p. I am going to try to buy a bunch of gamecube games cheap for them, since they are still small. The 360 just seems to be where it's at for me, game wise. Older 360 games can be had for very cheap. It has just been around long enough I guess.

I agree with you on this. Though I'll have to see how the PS3 performs when I pick one up.

kingcars66

avelanchefan wrote: »

Got the 40gb version for my kiddos and they were enjoyed. I set it up with a newly purchased HDMI switcher from monoprice.

Pro's (So far)
1) Setup was a breeze and it recognized my HDMI and TV settings.
2) Setup of the wireless router was easy, and PS3 recognized it fast.
3) Watched a regular DVD and upscaling was great. Nice quiet DVD/BluRay Player.
4) Downloaded some different themes, and installation of the new themes were a breeze. It gave the unit a nice face lift from the ugly normal/basic theme.
5) Games Look great. Ratchet and Clank is awesome. Resistance:FOM is cartoony looking but still pleasing to the eyes. Motorstorm is a nice driving game, crashes are a hoot to watch.

Con's (Ugghh a lot)
1) Six Axis controller is not very functional. In games it is, but the layout is just not very good. Sorry but the 360 controller wins hands down on this.
2) No Rumble in controller....I knew this going in but it still is a nice feature to have. Plus is it me or does the controller just feel to light?
3) While the internet connection was a breeze, staying connected was a different matter. Constant kickoffs on the network was just to frustrating. When I googled it I brought up the phone book on complaints. Basically the wireless connection in the PS3 has a very small radius. All this despite having a 90% connection rate. (According to the ps)
4) Wired connection was much smoother but I constantly got a "NAT3" connection. Basically I would get sketchy game play, plus no voice support. Getting this setup correctly to get a "NAT2" connection took about 3 hours to achieve. A lot of work just to be able to chat with people. Xbox Live wins handsdown.
5) Is it me or am I button mashing in certain areas of the menus? Like I was at the PS3 store and I just wanted to bo back to were I was moments before, only to have to choose an area were I began with, then I would have to find the area where I wanted to go with again. Over an over I had to do this. Why not use the triangle button to just go back to where I was at? Very frustrating.
6) Constantly got kicked off my media area. And then I would have to scan again to get my media folders to pop up again. Just really buggy!
7) Music is not played in DD like the 360, and it just sounds really tinny to me.

I really went into this with an open mind. And I have only really monkeyed around with this for 20 hours or so. But I am a little disappointed overall. Basically it really came down to the whole internet connection deal. I mean it was just so frustrating, that I was more pissed than relieved to finally getting it to work correctly. No way should it be that hard to get a connection to chat with people and play some lag free games. And what concerns me more is that from what I read my connection maybe good for only a day or two, only to have it go on the fritz again. And here I am running 4 computers, a Wii, and two 360's on a network that has not given me one ounce of trouble since I set it up a year ago.

Right now a solid 5/10....not to good for a 550 dollar purchase.

Nice post, but there are a few things I'd like to disagree on:

Resistance Fall of Man looking cartoony? Huh? That's like saying Saving Private Ryan looks like a Pixar film. Cartoony looking game: http://media.ps3.ign.com/media/819/819456/img_4802740.html Resistance: http://media.ps3.ign.com/media/748/748483/img_4007470.html

The button layout is bad? They've used the same button layout since 1995 (other than the dual joysticks added a couple of years later) and it is a tried and true layout. I also have a 360 Controller that I use for some PC games. I dont prefer either controller because they both have their ups and downs.

Someone else already commented on using the O button to go back a page.

I'm not sure why you had so much trouble with the internet connection. I just plugged in my ethernet cable and downloaded demos, played some games online, etc with no issues. I have done NO configuring or tweaking to it. Just plugged it in and went on my way.

As for the media problems, I wouldnt know because I only use my PS3 for gaming and the occasional blu ray movie. I use my high end gaming PC for media, and my DVD player for...well...DVDs. I love my PS3 and I love its exclusives. Resistance Fall of Man is awesome, Motorstorm is really fun and exciting, Ratchet and Clank is as good as ever, etc etc. I have Gran Turismo 5 Prologue being imported from Japan as I type. Should be here any day now . I give my PS3 an 8.5/10. It'll probably get a higher score once I get GT5P, but most of that 1.5 points is due to the $400 it cost me .

avelanchefan

kingcars66 wrote: »

Someone else already commented on using the O button to go back a page.

Nope in the Playstation store when you use the "o" button it asks you if you want to leave the Playstation store. Maybe because the playstation store is web based. But still, if the "o" button is for back in all other apps, why not integrate that into the web based areas?

And I am happy i you have it so easy to get online and play. You were lucky, because quite honestly when you have to watch a ten minute youtube video just to get chat support, then there is an obvious flaw in the system.

And I never said I totally hated Resistance, in fact I think it is an excellent game. It's just the characters have this look about them that appears to be cartoonish to me.

Also picked up Warhawk and COD4 last night. Warhawk is very impressive. For some reason it reminds me of Lost Planet. But Fun none the less. I know I already have COD4 for the 360, but damn it if Target did not have it onsale yesterday for 40 dollars even out the door. Just could not pass it up.

LessisNevermore

avelanchefan wrote: »

Nope in the Playstation store when you use the "o" button it asks you if you want to leave the Playstation store. Maybe because the playstation store is web based. But still, if the "o" button is for back in all other apps, why not integrate that into the web based areas?

For the PS3 browser....
L1=Back
R1=Forward

I do wish they had stuck to the "standard", but it beats all the excessive button mashing.

Systems

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polktiger

I have have the 60gb version for about 5 months and am very happy. But I will admit that I game "alone." I started playing video games well before the advent of the internet, I still do not have a need to connect my game console to the internet (guess I am an old codger). I actually like the no rumble, and I think they now have rumble controllers available if that is what you like. Of course I don't go to the PS3 web site or anything, I update firmware using USB stick, pretty easy. I have been very impressed with game play. Haven't tried a movie yet as I just connected it to the "movie TV" over Christmas.

bruss

Datastorm wrote: »

Apparently you've never heard the fans on a 360:)

my 40 gb is louder than my launch 360 when the fans kick on...

avelanchefan

bruss wrote: »

my 40 gb is louder than my launch 360 when the fans kick on...

Wow I have to say that this/my ps3 (40gb) is very very quiet.

For the PS3 browser....
L1=Back
R1=Forward

I do wish they had stuck to the "standard", but it beats all the excessive button mashing.

Lessisnevermore,

THANK YOU!! You know it would be nice if they "showed" that to you some way or another. Like have a little menu at the bottom showing what buttons do what.

BIZILL

Datastorm wrote: »

Apparently you've never heard the fans on a 360:)

YEAH, my 360 fan gets loud. but i had no idea my ps3 could equal and even surpass it in db's. at least my ps3 doesn't sound really loud playing blu-ray. only standard def dvd's. that's my experience and the concensus on other forums.

LessisNevermore

avelanchefan wrote: »

Wow I have to say that this/my ps3 (40gb) is very very quiet.



Lessisnevermore,

THANK YOU!! You know it would be nice if they "showed" that to you some way or another. Like have a little menu at the bottom showing what buttons do what.

Glad to help.
IIRC, the triangle brings up a menu on the right, with a legend of the browser controls.

Pablo

I love my PS3. I only have a couple of games, and I never played the 360, but so far, so good. I took my 40 back for an 80 so I can play the old games (my wife didn't read the box very well). Just for the fact that it's a blue-ray player, a media center and a gaming console it's worth the price. It conected right to the network and found my tversity server on the first try (it was easier than my crappy d-link server). I do have to agree on the controller. I don't like where the joy sticks are. The just seem a little to close together (it's uncomfortable to change gears in need for speed. It feels like I have to bend my thumb backwards to hit the stick while pressing the gas and hitting the nitrous).

bdaley6509

BIZILL wrote: »

YEAH, my 360 fan gets loud. but i had no idea my ps3 could equal and even surpass it in db's. at least my ps3 doesn't sound really loud playing blu-ray. only standard def dvd's. that's my experience and the concensus on other forums.

You might want to have that looked at. Mine stays whisper quiet playing games, BD, and SD.

AsSiMiLaTeD

I'm still looking for a response on whether the 80GB version is truly 'better built' than the 40GB version. I know there's a feature difference and don't need another rundown of that, but am wondering if there's an actual difference in build quality as I still have an opportunity to trade up.

Thanks

landry_p2000

I am in the market for a blu-ray disc player. I want to enjoy both formats, and I already got the hd-dvd add on for my 360. I am trying to decide on a PS3 or a Sony BDP-S300 ($300) for blu-ray playback. As far as gaming goes I love the 360's games, graphics, and controllers. Is the $100 price difference worth getting the PS3?

AsSiMiLaTeD

landry_p2000 wrote: »

I am in the market for a blu-ray disc player. I want to enjoy both formats, and I already got the hd-dvd add on for my 360. I am trying to decide on a PS3 or a Sony BDP-S300 ($300) for blu-ray playback. As far as gaming goes I love the 360's games, graphics, and controllers. Is the $100 price difference worth getting the PS3?

I'd say get the PS3, but take a look at the second post in this thread...

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59126

landry_p2000

Thanks PM. I want a good blu-ray player, and I guess the extra cash is worth all the added bonuses that the PS3 has to offer. I will more than likely go with the PS3, I was just wanting a few opinions from those that own a PS3 and know what it has to offer and how well it performs. I had always wondered if Sony half-stepped on PQ for the PS3's Blu-ray player. Your post cleared that up for me. Can I get a demo of the PS3 at a local electronics store like Best Buy or Circuit City?

AsSiMiLaTeD

I doubt they'll have it demo as a Blu Ray player since they want you to buy those as well. Make sure you take into account the remote control thing. it seems minor, but it's an annoyance for those that use a universal. I have my harmony that controls everything, and then I have my remote for the PS3.

BIZILL

Polkmaniac wrote: »

I doubt they'll have it demo as a Blu Ray player since they want you to buy those as well. Make sure you take into account the remote control thing. it seems minor, but it's an annoyance for those that use a universal. I have my harmony that controls everything, and then I have my remote for the PS3.

what are your feelings about my thread?
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61618

AsSiMiLaTeD

That's awesome if it works. I've heard about the little Nikko remote, but without power on or off it's useless to me. I'll have to check out what you mentioned...

Have you bought it yet?