Sony on the 18th of August finally revealed their much rumoured PS3 Slim at the much more affordable price of $299! Hitting the stores on the 1st of September, the PS3 Slim will phase out the original 80gb and 160gb models - soon selling for the price of $299 and $399.
Whilst you might be skeptical that this slimmer edition will bring with it lower performing parts to fit it all in, fear not! The new model contains a 45nm Cell processor (which runs at the same speed as their previous 60nm processor), more energy efficient parts (2/3 of the previous power consumption), a 120gb harddrive and easy access to the harddrive for upgrading/repairing (moved from the side to the front).
However, vital features that Sony appear to be trying desperately to avoid include backwards compatibility for PS2 games and the ability to install a new operating system. The PS3 Slim also lacks the ability to prop it up vertically - now having to pay $24 for a stand, or leaving it lying horizontal.
That may cover internal parts, but what about the external? The PS3 Slim features a new casual look with a textured surface which Sony hopes will make it more appealing to a larger audience. Thankfully, two USB ports and Wi-Fi are still present.
All-in-all, the PS3 Slim looks to be a great reason to buy a PS3 at this present time; but like Sony, neither of us could find a decent reason to buy the older model other than for looks.
