Ps3 what's the best model to get

[Chainsaw_Charlie]

New or refurbished? I'll probably use some tax return $ on one and a tv

So points to title

[aclbandit]

New or refurbished? I'll probably use some tax return $ on one and a tv

So points to title

I would personally recommend the original 60GB that has backwards compatibility so you can play all your PSX/PS2 favorites. Basically you have to get it GameStop refurbished if you don't wanna pay lots (or, at least, that was the case last I looked). Enjoy!

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

The original 60 Gig unit has the best feature set.

PS2 hardware backward compatibility
4 USB Ports
Memory Card (SD, Mem Stick, CF) ports (though USB mem card readers work fine on the later models that don't have this built in)
Built in WiFi (unlike the PS2 Backward Compatible

The original 20 Gig unit has all of that minus built in WiFi (and unless you get a wireless Ethernet bridge there are no official adapters that add that functionality)

The software based PS2 compatible 80 Gig unit would be next down the line of desirable PS3s. Sony improved the compatibility set for games a while back and from what I've seen it's certainly passable for most PS2 usage.

The Metal Gear Solid 4 unit is a cool 80 Gig software BC unit that I'd personally love to own as a 2nd PS3.

At this point in the PS3s life you're going to want to swap out HDDs with at LEAST a 120 GB HDD for whatever unit you get or else you'll find yourself deleting out game installs and large full game downloads like Wipeout HD every few months.

As far as system failure, it doesn't seem like any one model PS3 is "prone" like pre-jasper 360s ... so that's a crap shoot.

If PS2 BC isn't a huge draw for you I've heard good things about the slim PS3s, perhaps just buy a new one?

[duffmanth]

It depends what you're looking for in the system? If you want backwards compatibility, you'll have to get a refurb 60GB model. If you just want a PS3 to play PS3 games and Blu ray movies, then I would just pick up a slim model.

[kupomogli]

60GB or Slim.

[retroman]

I would say a new slim model. Chances are you have a ps2, so what do you need backwards compatibility for.

[kupomogli]

I would say a new slim model. Chances are you have a ps2, so what do you need backwards compatibility for.

Playing the games upscaled to 1080p. Not only do they look like crap playing in SD on an HDTV, but playing anything PS2 on an HDTV that's not too big actually looks better as well.

[BHvrd]

Playing the games upscaled to 1080p. Not only do they look like crap playing in SD on an HDTV, but playing anything PS2 on an HDTV that's not too big actually looks better as well.

Also virtual memory cards are awesome.

That being said the 60GB's have issues with overheating since the gpu/cpu have a die size of 90nm ran with 280 watt power supply where the "slim" die was reduced to 45nm and runs on 250 watts. Keeping the 60GB dust free and cool is a must, good to keep the "slim" maintained as well, but the 60GB is absolutely necessary.

Seriously the 60GB has issues with heat which affects the solder and leads to the need of a reflow of the board. It is something to take into consideration and you will be affected by the YLOD down the road it is almost guaranteed.

I'm looking into creating an external power supply for my 60GB atm as it would greatly reduce heat, so far I am making progress and should have one soon, cause the 60GB is so worth having as the PS2 usage is awesome, if a "slim" came out tomorrow with some form of PS2 backwards comp. then I would ditch the 60GB immediately, but for now I struggle to make it better.

[Tron 2.0]

If you want bc for PS2 games then get a used 60GB but they can be fickle,beside it from over heating etc as other have mention here.

Pretty much great care must be taken with a used 60GB.

I bought one last year used and it broke down then i had to send it to sony...and pay the $149.00+ fee for the repairs :p

Still if bc does not matter to you then just get a PS3 slim brand new.

[Mianrtcv]

After having a 360 fail in the past and TODAY my 80 gig ps3 failing I say FUUUUUUUDDDDGGGEEEE them all!!!! I recommend a book.

[The 1 2 P]

I've also been looking into what PS3 model to get. The slim is ugly but it's the most affordable at this point. I wish I could find a cheap 160 gig model.

[Emuaust]

I would go with one that works >.>

[rxd]

Seeing that only the slim works now I'd go that way myself....

[wufners]

I wondered this myself a few weeks back.

Since I'm not concerned with backwards compatability, I went with a slim and couldn't be happier. All other things being equal, better off going new.

Yeah, it's kind of ugly, but it also doesn't show fingers prints like crazy. Does get dusty pretty darn fast, tho. I've had a blast with it so far.

As a side note, are new PS3s hard to find now? Or is it just my area (south of Seattle.) I got mine at Costco and the next week noticedthey didn't have any left. I didn't think much of it since they had significantly shrunk their entire game section. But I also started seeing that my local Fred Meyer's and Target's were also always out. Wiis and 360s stock was fairly plentiful, although the Wii fit board is a bit hit or miss.

Yesterday I overheard a Fred Meyer employee asking his manager if there were any more PS3s to put out. The manager said he had two in back, but to hold them back there. If anyone asked in store, then they could bring them out. But if anyone called and asked, to just tell them they were out of stock. I later asked the employee if they were having a hard time keeping them in stock. He said he must get 100 calls a day asking if they have any.

[otaku]

if you want backwards compatible go for one that is with the chip etc but personally I've had a 40gig (no bp with ps2) and the latest model which I love the redesign is so nice huge hard drive, more efficient affordable just awesome!

[duffmanth]

New or refurbished? I'll probably use some tax return $ on one and a tv

So points to title

Also if B.C. really isn't important to you, go with the 250GB slim. To me that extra $50 for the extra 130GB of space is well worth it. Especially with so many games like MGS4 and others needing upwards of 5GB of space for an install, not to mention the ever increasing amount of content in the Playstation store.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Also if B.C. really isn't important to you, go with the 250GB slim. To me that extra $50 for the extra 130GB of space is well worth it. Especially with so many games like MGS4 and others needing upwards of 5GB of space for an install, not to mention the ever increasing amount of content in the Playstation store.

And games/services like Rock Band, Guitar Hero, Home, etc. that slowly eat up megabytes of data with weekly DLC.