Sony PlayStation 3 - 40 GB Black

We at Console Folk buy Playstation Systems for Parts or Repair and then refurbish them. A few tips when purchasing a new Playstation System:

Reliability:
Try and buy a newer model when at all possible. The older models are functionally the same, but the newer lasers are much less likely to burn out, and some of the ventilation issues have been solved as well. Look more for CECHH01, CECHK01, CECHP01 and CECHL01. If the seller doesn't have the model listed, don't be afraid to ask!

Unless you are really into status, veer away from the backwards compatable models. They are overpriced only because they are not in production, and because they play PS2 games. These systems are the most likely to get the YLOD though, because the heat inside the systems cannot be ventilated out properly. If you do get one of these systems, be sure to take EXTREMELY good care of it, keep dust away, and run it on it's side, in a well ventilated area (not on carpet or enclosed inside an entertainment center). Doing these things will greatly reduce the risk of YLOD. If possible feasable however, just buy a newer PS3 and a PS2. It will run about the same amount of money, and PS2s play PS2 games better anyways.

Overall though, there are somewhere around 33% of XBOX360s that have the RROD within the first year of use. The early defect rate for a PS3 is only around 1%. So reliability as compared to other systems is wonderful.

Graphics:
Hands down the best graphics being blu ray, through an HDMI cable, it surpasses most PC games even, which are generally the benchmark in graphics. 360 is close when using HDMI, and wii does not hold a candle. Let's face it, wii is a party game machine, it is great in it's own rights, but without HDMI, and with focus on party games, it is a glorified Gamecube. Had they included HDMI, it may be a different story as they do use ATI graphics cards which are top notch.

Games:
Playstation and XBOX have always gotten the best games over the long run. This holds true with the new systems as well. 1 up to Playstation though as they get the best Final Fantasy games exclusive to them (Chrystal Chronicles are not considered in this argument, sorry nintendo fans).

Internet:
XBOX still charges for internet use through their systems and XBOX gold. The Playstation Network is offered for free. This is self explanatory.

Overall:
The price is a little hefty still, but when you consider full cost of ownership after purchasing XBOX Gold for a year, they really level out to only be about $10 different. With that being said, for $10 difference, choose the better/more reliable console. Sony is getting it more right by the day, and Microsoft still chooses to use XClamps. Until this changes Playstation is the choice. (Wii is the most reliable after you send it back to nintendo to get that first stock lemon laser swapped out. The actual console itself has little problems, though you are likely to have sensor bar issues in the long run, that is relatively inexpensive to replace. So if you are unconcerned with phenominal graphics, and can settle for descent graphics, and family games, wii holds it's own for $200 cheaper. It just isn't quite the gameplaying machine that the others are. It's off in its own little genre of gaming, so I tried not to include it as much).

Ray
Console Folk