next gen console? [Archive]

Naegling23

May 13th, 2008, 05:57 PM

nick09

May 13th, 2008, 06:12 PM

The PS3 is best at being a media center supporting BLU-RAY and DVDs also has a web browser(wired and wireless supported). 80GB and 60GB models sports backwards compatibility with ps2 and ps1 games(not region free with ps2 and ps1 games). PS3 games are region free(which means you can play Japanese PS3 games on a US region PS3 for example) and the online play is free(I can explain if you want to know how).

BTW, I'm a PS3 user(posting on my ps3 right now).

cogadh

May 13th, 2008, 06:13 PM

If you want good library of games that are available right now, the Xbox is the way to go, the PS3 is just getting rolling with its library (finally). If you are looking for a console that will last a really long time before the next "next gen" version is released, the PS3 is for you. For streaming media, you seem to already be aware of Xbox's abilities and limitations, but the PS3 will eventually have that type of functionality (already does in Japan). One other minor feature of the PS3, you can install Linux on it and have functional PC hooked up to your TV. However, it can't really do Linux gaming (yet).

Naegling23

May 13th, 2008, 07:40 PM

dont know if I would bother installing linux on a ps3.

So you can stream media to a ps3, but is that a windows only feature, or will it work from my kubuntu box?

swankyfb

May 13th, 2008, 11:47 PM

i would recommend a ps3. the current and most produced model is a 40GB ps3, no backwards compatibility with your ps2 or 1 games, but oh well, and some time prior to launch of MGS4 there is a special 80GB version selling for 500$ with a new dualshock 3 controller, your own copy of metal gear solid 4, and some free downloadable game. PS3, unlike xbox, will actually read your .avi files. this comes in handy when you download alot of videos, or dvds, such as your movies, or tv shows. PS3, you also have a built in web browser, and if that all wasn't enough, you can boot your favorite linux operating system onto ps3, and boot back to ps3 mode when your are done doing what ever you where on linux. ps3's console almost never will break on you at random times like the 360. I have had 7 Xbox 306's and they have all failed. 3 hard drive failures 1 bad disk drive, 3 red rings of death. i have owned a ps3 for a year and have never had any problems with it, and i think it is a shame on how xbox's bad quality reflects on our american culture, and gives the japanese a sense of superiority. not to mention, online play is FREE on ps3, does that beat 360?

Rhubarb

May 14th, 2008, 06:09 AM

IMHO it's better to invest that money into a computer, consoles are mostly useless compared to computers.

grossaffe

May 14th, 2008, 06:13 AM

So, currently I dont have the money, but its fun to dream isnt it. If I were to get a next gen console (xbox360, wii, ps3) which one would be best? -oooo fanboy flamewar time!-

So, what would I want the console to do?

I would want it to act as a media extender since it would likely take the place of my mythtv box. So, can any of them actually stream content from ubuntu? I've heard that the xbox360 is a no go here (need windows) but can the ps3 do it?

I would want to play games that I just cant play on a pc. So a big one is sports games...im a big hockey fan...and EAsports games dont run in wine (to the best of my knowledge) so I would really be interested in a console that can run them (I dont think the wii really does real sports game am I right?).

Alright, that is all, flame away!!!
i'm pretty sure my friend uses his PS3 for media, although i think he streams content from his computer TO his ps3. as for sports games, i don't think the wii has any good hockey games yet, else i'd have it (big hockey fan here too, Caps all the way). so I'd say if you're looking for a media center and looking to play hockey, the PS3 is probably the system for you (as much as i hate to say it).

grossaffe

May 14th, 2008, 06:15 AM

ELD

May 14th, 2008, 07:19 AM

My brother has had a PS3 and got rid of it for the 360, the 360's online capabilities, games etc far better than PS3, i will be using my 360 as a media centre like my brother does no problem, i am sure there is a way to do it from ubuntu through samba or something.

My girlfriend is also buying me a 360 at the end of the month too, so get a 360 so we can exchange gamertags hehe

hessiess

May 14th, 2008, 07:41 AM

pandora(wen its finished) true open source console

Naegling23

May 14th, 2008, 07:48 AM

i'm pretty sure my friend uses his PS3 for media, although i think he streams content from his computer TO his ps3. as for sports games, i don't think the wii has any good hockey games yet, else i'd have it (big hockey fan here too, Caps all the way). so I'd say if you're looking for a media center and looking to play hockey, the PS3 is probably the system for you (as much as i hate to say it).

OOO a caps fan. Sorry about all that --Flyers fan ;-)

of course, we're not in much of a position to say anything right now.

Naegling23

May 14th, 2008, 07:58 AM

well honestly, the whole concept of a console is kind of scary to me, I havnt owned one since the sega genesis, I've been pc ever since then, and linux for the past two years.

The thing is, there are a few games that just dont make it over to the pc side, combined with the fact that my 4 year old pc is not likely to be seeing any upgrades any time soon, and it gets me thinking that maybe a console is the better way to go at this point.

Like I've said before, Im only dreaming since I cant actually afford any of them right now, but it would be nice to know in case a sudden sale happened or something.

I've all but ruled out the wii, it has a neat control feature, but a lack of games, last gen quality, and seems to be very kiddie, of the next gen consoles, its the only one I have actually played, for me, it seems to be missing something. However, I havn't ruled it out, it does bring the uniqueness factor to the table. The xbox360 has a ton of games, is about half the price of the ps3, but breaks, wont stream media with my computer, and charges for online play. The ps3 has blue ray, but costs a lot more, and has fewer games.

I was thinking sports, gta4, guitar hero are the games I would be interested in, so I dont think the ps3 would be limited in the games I would want. I loathe FPS on consoles, so I wont go the halo route to make my choice.

nick09

May 14th, 2008, 06:05 PM

After version 2.0 of the PS3 firmware you can install custom themes.

wootah

May 14th, 2008, 07:04 PM

As an owner of a 360, I can see a lot of the issues with the console that some people refuse to acknowledge for whatever reason. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy playing on it a lot; but truth be told, I would rather own a PS3. The 360's online capabilities are quite good, but the company backing it pisses me off--frequently. For what we as users pay, we deserve excellent service. I don't mind the odd service outage, but if you are going to have a serious system outage (last Christmas) then I expect an apology to ALL customers (I'm in Canada and I didn't receive anything). Another seriously blinding issue that leaves an extremely bitter taste behind is online payment. So you provided them with your credit card information? Great! You can never remove it from your account unless you give them another credit card. As my room mate experienced, his CC expired and Microsoft somehow still charged him after his CC was renewed. What the hell kind of **** move is that?

Also, every time I pick up the controller, I am always a little bit scared of the RROD. It's in the back of my head that I know that one day, my console is going to crap out on me. The failure rates seem very inconsistent though. I have one friend who has replaced his console 4 times (he is on his 5th) and another who has a launch console with zero problems (aside from an extremely noisy dvd reader).

So let's look at the pricing from a Canadian perspective:
- XBOX 360 Pro => $349.99 at futureshop.ca (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10098283&catid=23363&logon=&langid=EN)
- PS3 40gb version => $399.99 at futureshop.ca (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10095389&catid=24714&logon=&langid=EN)

Alright. So we have a $50 price difference. The PS3 has 20gigs more of hdd space. Both usually have a special offer from futureshop that include some sort of crap game, or in the PS3's case, some sort of crap movie/game. That point is a little moot. So which do we get? Well the 360 does have an impressive line up of games--but the PS3 is starting to catch up with some other good game line ups. The PS3 comes with a blu-ray player, so we can play those type of movies and save us the cost of buying a blu-ray player (which as of this writing, average around $450 from futureshop anyways. I'm sure there are significantly cheaper versions from other places however). But hey! We can add on a hd-dvd player to the 360...... oh wait, most companies decided to drop that format. Well, if we did want to add the external player, the cost of the 360 will be above the cost of the PS3. So let's also add in a year of Xbox Live Gold for $60 at futureshop.ca (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10067317&catid=23556). The PS3 already has both of these capabilities built in and even though the online play for the PS3 might not be as good, it is still cheaper.

The controllers for both consoles are about the same price @ $59.99 or so. But I must admit, the PS3 controller is no where near as comfortable as the 360's.

Also the games are priced at approximately the same.

Initially, the cost of the PS3 is going to be more, but when you add in the functionality that the 360 does not have that the PS3 does have, the cost exceeds that of the PS3.

Sidenote: The PS3 can have its hdd swapped for other sized hdds by the user. The PS3 also uses bluetooth for its wireless interconnectivity (controllers). I know that there have been some issues with disconnects (I have even experienced it while playing some games on my friends console), but I imagine that these should be sorted out sometime. The 360, on the other hand, uses its own proprietary wireless connection technology and forces third party companies to license it for use. Ever wonder why all the instruments for Rock Band are wired for the 360 with the 'default' purchase? I believe I remember reading an article from the developers about this issues between the two different consoles.

In the end, I guess it really comes down to personal preference and 'fanboy-ism'. Unfortunately, I believe that a lot of people just repeat what they hear and they bother to actually try out the consoles themselves.

Anyways, this is just my two cents. Please correct me anywhere that I have made mistakes--I don't want to spread more FUDD around, or fuel trolls :)

ELD

May 15th, 2008, 05:40 AM

The RROD has been solved with the second generation of Xbox 360's just to make you aware, people who claim to have it replaced and then get it again are obviously either telling big fat lies or are getting first gen replacements.

Xbox 360 can steam media from a PC i don't see why people keep claiming that you cannot.

360 has A LOT more games, you may have to pay to play online but the online is farrrrrrr better than what PS3 has to offer by miles. I know my brother has owned both consoles and went from PS3 back to 360.

Unless you have a big HDTV the blueray in the PS3 should not sway you at all unless you have one and plan to buy lots of blueray dvds. Remember more and more are turning to downloads which the 360 is far better catered for.

I am getting a 360 from my girlfriend at the end of this month and am highly looking forward to it, most people i know own the 360 and say what a great console it is, everyone i know who has/had a PS3 has regretted it.

grossaffe

May 15th, 2008, 06:41 AM

OOO a caps fan. Sorry about all that --Flyers fan ;-)

of course, we're not in much of a position to say anything right now.

you know, i was at games 1,5, and 7. i'm gonna bite my tongue on how i felt the series was. i'll just say this, i'd like to have seen how it would've went if we had more consistent officiating (they weren't necessarily biased to one side or the other, but they certainly weren't consistent).

Naegling23

May 15th, 2008, 08:43 AM

well, grossaffe, I feal your pain, I think the officiating is hitting nba territory in these playoffs, very inconsistant.

You think the caps series is bad, you should see the pens/flyers...wow! Now, the pens are the better team, and deserve to win, but wow its bad.

Anyway, thanks for the input on everything. But I hear some say the xbox360 does stream media from a pc, this I know. I need to know what consoles stream media from a Linux PC. I dont have windows at all, so if they require windows media player or something else, I cannot use that feature, and that may be a dealbreaker to me.
Prices im seeing around here are 360 for sale as low as 250, and ps3 around 400. the ps3 does have a bigger hard drive, and it does do blue ray. As for games, yes the 360 has more, but the following are games I am actually interested in playing as of now:

Guitar hero
GTA4
NHL2008

so, for those games, the system doesnt matter. FPS and RPG games are others I like, but the PC seems to have quite the stranglehold on those genre's (I refuse to play FPS's on a console, and I've already played fable and oblivion).

grossaffe

May 15th, 2008, 10:08 AM

well as long as the Pens don't win The Cup, i'll be satisfied.

ThePerfectK

May 15th, 2008, 10:18 AM

Just a heads up - the 40 gb PS3 DOES play PS1 games.

Go for a PS3. I've got all 3, and my PS3 easily gets the most love. Wait till June because they're releasing a special edition MGS4 bundle that'll come with an 80 gb PS3, the game along with a Dualshock 3 (as opposed to the SIXAXIS that comes with the PS3 now) for $499.

EDIT: And to the guy who said he loathes FPS on consoles... a few PS3 games support KBM. UT3, for example. KBM is natively supported by the console, but not every game utilizes it.

GSZX1337

May 15th, 2008, 10:23 AM

80GB and 60GB models sports backwards compatibility with ps2 and ps1 games

The 60GB version actually has the emotion engine (PS2 processor) built-in where as the 80GB uses emualtion, with no updates.

ELD

May 16th, 2008, 09:23 AM

Just a heads up - the 40 gb PS3 DOES play PS1 games.

No it doesn't the 40GB is the only version that CANNOT.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_3#Retail_configurations

Wobedraggled

May 16th, 2008, 10:32 AM

ELD

May 16th, 2008, 10:45 AM

The wii can stream media, and the remote can be used for all kinds of crazy things, like the whiteboard project, or with the GHIII guitar in frets on fire.

Sports games are a different breed on the Wii, but they are entertaining.

If you are a soccer fan Pro Evo Wii is the only way to go...

For anyone who is interested in long term playability and graphics, the Wii will just not cut it, the motion crap is just a novelty that wore off with me very quickly and so i sold it.

grossaffe

May 16th, 2008, 12:59 PM

Wobedraggled

May 16th, 2008, 01:20 PM

For anyone who is interested in long term playability and graphics, the Wii will just not cut it, the motion crap is just a novelty that wore off with me very quickly and so i sold it.

Let's not get fanyboyish in here. There are games like Galaxy that show the Wii is perfectly fine at outputting some nice graphics..it's also the cheapest solution

As for streaming

http://www.redkawa.com/mediacenters/wiimediacenterx/

http://www.last100.com/2007/06/25/five-resources-to-create-a-wii-media-center/

I can cite some more stuff when I get home, but I've gotten audio streaming fine with orb or winamp on the windows side of things. There is also a port of the XBMC in progress.

I never said it was the best solution, just giving it as an option.

Sockerdrickan

May 16th, 2008, 01:34 PM

I'd get a Wii because it's got software like Zelda which I can't use with WINE.

ThePerfectK

May 17th, 2008, 04:42 AM

No it doesn't the 40GB is the only version that CANNOT.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_3#Retail_configurations

Read your link again. It says it lacks PS2 backwards compatibility. All PS3s can play PS1 games. In fact, you can purchase them online from PSN.

I've seen a 40 gb play a PS1 disc. They absolutely can play PS1 games.

EDIT: And from the side panel on that page:

Backward compatibility: PlayStation (all models), PlayStation 2 (20 GB, 60 GB, 80 GB models)

grossaffe

May 17th, 2008, 08:55 AM

I'd get a Wii because it's got software like Zelda which I can't use with WINE.

this coming from mr Tuxcube? make it work on there!:)

ucal

May 17th, 2008, 02:00 PM

I'd go with the 360. It does cost to get the online aspect, but Xbox live is worth it, hands down. I know the streaming thing probably won't work for you, but otherwise, I think it is the best console. And maybe there will be an open source solution to your streaming needs some day.

hoozey

May 18th, 2008, 01:19 AM

I'm happy with my 360. I bought it after they fixed the RROD issue, so I haven't had any problems.

I would want it to act as a media extender since it would likely take the place of my mythtv box. So, can any of them actually stream content from ubuntu? I've heard that the xbox360 is a no go here (need windows) but can the ps3 do it?

Not sure about the ps3, but you can set up a media share between your 360 and ubuntu pc with ushare (http://ushare.geexbox.org/). It doesn't transcode videos on the fly for streaming to the 360, so if your videos are in a format that the 360 can't read, it won't play them. But since the 360 added support for divx and xvid (and most avi's, I think), this setup has been working nicely for me.

ELD

May 18th, 2008, 10:59 AM

Read your link again. It says it lacks PS2 backwards compatibility. All PS3s can play PS1 games. In fact, you can purchase them online from PSN.

I've seen a 40 gb play a PS1 disc. They absolutely can play PS1 games.

EDIT: And from the side panel on that page:

Ah fair enough was getting confused.

Let's not get fanyboyish in here. There are games like Galaxy that show the Wii is perfectly fine at outputting some nice graphics..it's also the cheapest solution

As for streaming

http://www.redkawa.com/mediacenters/wiimediacenterx/

http://www.last100.com/2007/06/25/five-resources-to-create-a-wii-media-center/

I can cite some more stuff when I get home, but I've gotten audio streaming fine with orb or winamp on the windows side of things. There is also a port of the XBMC in progress.

I never said it was the best solution, just giving it as an option.

I am not a fanboy of any console since right now i own none, i used to own a Wii but got rid of it, the games for me all suck, i would rather buy a console with good graphics and lots of games - xbox 360.

Wobedraggled

May 19th, 2008, 08:30 AM

Ah fair enough was getting confused.

I am not a fanboy of any console since right now i own none, i used to own a Wii but got rid of it, the games for me all suck, i would rather buy a console with good graphics and lots of games - xbox 360.

Gameplay>>>>Graphics. Period.

Being a Linux gamer, we are fed the short end of the gaming stick, yet there are some really entertaining bits of software out there. I own a Wii and a 360, and I've owned pretty much every console previously, the only thing missing is a ps3 and that just doesn't have enough compelling software to warrant a purchase yet.

ELD

May 19th, 2008, 08:32 AM

Gameplay>>>>Graphics. Period.

That is different for every 1 single person, nobody can ever say gameplay is better than graphics because every 1 person is different. Period.

grossaffe

May 19th, 2008, 09:03 AM

That is different for every 1 single person, nobody can ever say gameplay is better than graphics because every 1 person is different. Period.

yeah, but the people who are different are wrong ;)

Siph0n

May 19th, 2008, 09:08 AM

The Wii is the best solution I think, also. It has sports games like Mario Strikers and Wii Sports (which is included). Plus, there is no other system that has Mario Kart :) Plus with the Wii you can download games from older consoles and play them on your Wii. Can a XBOX360 easily play NES and Sega games? What about the PS3??? :) You would probably have to mod your XBOX360 or PS3 to get them to play those older games...

Wobedraggled

May 19th, 2008, 09:22 AM

That is different for every 1 single person, nobody can ever say gameplay is better than graphics because every 1 person is different. Period.

Well, playing a game with great graphics but terrible gameplay just doesn't seem to be entertaining in any way shape or form, but if it's doing it for someone, more power to them. But to dismiss a game because it doesn't have "good graphics" which again is totally subjective and possibly denying yourself a great gameplay experience is just judging a book by it's cover. Also, considering the way he came across bashing the thing across the board was the only reason I made the fanboy comment.

To each his own, and as it was said before, I was just listing it as an option, not to start some console war.

Naegling23

May 19th, 2008, 03:28 PM

re: gameplay vs. graphics.

Well, better gameplay means more fun, but better graphics mean more immersive which means more fun. Both have to be taken into consideration. Also, better graphics usually means (but not always) more beneath the hood so to speak, which translates to more processor power, meaning deeper games, or with more going on. So, does a game NEED great graphics, no. Do better graphics HELP, yes. For example, would you rather play crisis, half life 2 etc, or goldeneye?

My stance. Well, I've been poking around, and came to a couple conclusions. I found a great site that has NHL94 hacked roms with the 2008 rosters to satisfy my sports fix. Along those same lines, im trying out the n64 emulator. In a fit of irony, I missed the whole ps1/n64 era because I was in college and didnt have enough money/time to really play games. I think im going to get my fix of games by playing some of those games I missed (hey, recommendations are welcome too!). I've also heard of ps2 and gamecube emulators, maybe I'll take a look at those too.

Oh, and I installed oblivion that should help, and apparantly, GTA vice city (played through about 3/4 of it, but never actually beat it) runs great in wine 1.0.

In the end, I couldnt justify the money. Part of it is the console cost itself, but I've been such a pc guy for so long that I dont even own a TV. I run mythtv hooked up to a monitor, so I would have had to buy a TV, or at least a converter to even run a console...just wasnt worth it to me.

Keep up the posts though, if one of the systems falls through the cracks, or I find a great deal, I could still be persuaded.

grossaffe

May 19th, 2008, 06:43 PM

did they ever make a 2008 roster hack for the SNES version? I don't think i ever found a working recent roster hack for the SNES.

rocky5051

May 19th, 2008, 08:53 PM

Although it's more of a matter of preference, I find that the 360 controllers analog sticks are too sensitive and jerky. Although after a long enough period of time it becomes less of a factor, the Dual Shock controllers are looser and less sensitive, which helps immensely with things like...I don't know...sniping is a good example.

The Xbox is definately more reliable online, with more stable servers that can take the load of thousands of users at once, while PlayStation online setups are less reliable and can fail without warning.

If I had to choose right now, I'd buy the 360. It has a bigger selection of games to choose from so if I get bored of what I have I'll be able to choose from many other titles. Both consoles are similar in terms of performance, so either way you go, you wouldn't be losing/gaining in the area of graphic quality.

However, if you want to use the thing for media and you have an HDTV, the PS3 would be useful as Blu-Ray disc players are relatively expensive, and getting such a device bundled into a console seems the smarter way to go for such a scenario, IMO.

Naegling23

May 20th, 2008, 07:59 AM

did they ever make a 2008 roster hack for the SNES version? I don't think i ever found a working recent roster hack for the SNES.

No, genesis version only that I could find, but they are really the same game.

I did find an nhl94 as well as NHLPA93 updated rom. NHLPA93 had fighting, but 94 introduced one timers. Since these were two of my all time favorite games, Im pretty excited to be able to play simone gagne on a breakaway! Coupled with the tecmo superbowl roster packs, and thats some fun retroish gaming. As well as being games that people can pick up and play against without having to be an expert in them. -dont get me wrong, madden08 is a great game, but you cant really jump into a game against your friends unless you have played it a lot.

Naegling23

May 20th, 2008, 08:05 AM

sorry double post

grossaffe

May 20th, 2008, 10:11 AM

No, genesis version only that I could find, but they are really the same game.

I did find an nhl94 as well as NHLPA93 updated rom. NHLPA93 had fighting, but 94 introduced one timers. Since these were two of my all time favorite games, Im pretty excited to be able to play simone gagne on a breakaway! Coupled with the tecmo superbowl roster packs, and thats some fun retroish gaming. As well as being games that people can pick up and play against without having to be an expert in them. -dont get me wrong, madden08 is a great game, but you cant really jump into a game against your friends unless you have played it a lot.

i wouldn't say they're the same game. Similar, but definitely not the same.

oh, and I thought you might enjoy this:
http://www.phillysucks.com/images/uploads/snickers.jpg
:D

Naegling23

May 20th, 2008, 11:59 AM

gee thanks.

Im actually happy with the flyers this year. For a team that wasnt supposed to even make the playoffs to be in the conference finals. Cant be dissapointed in that.

justin whitaker

May 20th, 2008, 12:27 PM

IMHO it's better to invest that money into a computer, consoles are mostly useless compared to computers.

Not necessarily. The good part about consoles is that you can just drop the game disk in and it will work.

No fussing with drivers.
No worrying if it will run in WINE or some WINE variant

That's important if you are a hardcore gamer.

grossaffe

May 20th, 2008, 12:53 PM

gee thanks.

Im actually happy with the flyers this year. For a team that wasnt supposed to even make the playoffs to be in the conference finals. Cant be dissapointed in that.

new management has really done wonders for you guys, hasn't it?

OmniCloud

May 20th, 2008, 03:45 PM

Gaming on consoles is and probably forever will be VERY different from PC. I hate comments like "if you have a PC you don't need a console"--very foolish statements.

Granted, since the Xbox debuted, there's been a gazillion ports going back and forth because hello--it's a MS console! IMO, that's why I don't like it. The majority of games are still directed at horny 16 yr old boys who want to curse and spit out slurs on Xbox Live. Not the mention the biggest games on X360 always involve shooting something...Ok, yeah, that's a stretch--but X360 titles still lack the variety that PS has always brought to the table. Right now, I'd say Xbox is the best bang for your buck, but PS3 imo has the quality that Xbox lacks-especially with the download games. (Pixel Junk Monsters Game of the YEar!!!!!! SERIOUSLY!)

Anyway, it's a good time to get a PS3. MGS4, Resistance 2, Little Big Planet and hopefully Home this year as well. Sony's consoles always start off slow, and end with a bang. It will be no different this generation of games--there just will be other consoles also having good games on them.

Also, Wii is a very cool party console. For people who don't play games or don't know how to handle a controller well--it's fantastic. It also has the most pick-up and play titles.

The only thing I really wish that wasn't exclusive to X360 is Gears--the game is just really fun. Pretty easy to pick up and play, and a breath of fresh air from the WW2 shooters.

PS3 is the number one choice for me though besides like Sony consoles have always been--there's just something for everyone.

MGS4, Pixel junk Monsters, Warhawk, GT, Little Big Planet, God of War etc...Sony's variety and quality is just unmatched.

The only thing that sucks--is waiting for the games to come out already:popcorn:

ralyon

May 31st, 2008, 09:26 PM

I purchased a 20GB PS3 over a year ago and I've been pretty happy with it. I like that it can play all the PS2 games I throw at it (although there were a few problems at first.) I wouldn't recommend installing linux or at least not yet as Sony is not letting linux access the GSX chip or the ram associated with it so your stuck with only 256MB ram and graphics in the framebuffer on only the primary core unless you load some experimental software which somewhat reliably uses the SPUs to do the graphics.

I use it primarily for the media server capability though as it works with my mythtv backend pretty well. The mythtv server enables a UPNP server by default which the ps3 sees and can play standard recordings fine. Some drawbacks are that it will not play the nuv files after they have been edited and hi def recordings need to be converted to hear the audio (detailed info here (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=617376).) Also, there is no live tv. It will play divx and xvid files most of the time and will see them from Mythtv as well.

I have plenty more info on setting everything up so let me know if you have any more questions about it.

ralyon

dudeofthedead

June 1st, 2008, 08:31 AM

A 20GB PS3? I thought Sony only got 40GB/60GB/80GB versions out.

ralyon

June 2nd, 2008, 08:06 AM

A 20GB PS3? I thought Sony only got 40GB/60GB/80GB versions out.

I guess you haven't been paying attention to the PS3 for very long. The original release had 20GB and 60GB versions which included the PS2 chip since they hadn't completed the emulator for the PS2 at the time of release. They don't list it in their current models, but a quick glance at their manuals (http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/PS3/Manuals) shows the 20GB version.