In this age of techno-gluttony, coveting a $299 gaming machine such as Sony’s PlayStation 3 makes no one bat an eyelash. While I’m still waiting for the machine that can cook me wholesome, hearty meals, I must admit, this system can knock out plenty of impressive chores. What can this machine do, anyway? “It only does everything,” actually. At least that’s what Sony claims. Let’s break down the “everything” part of this smart, black box.
To start off, PS3 has a massive hard disk drive to store 120GB or 250GB worth of games, videos, music and photos. It has built-in Wi-Fi, ready to zip you to the internet and beyond, all without a pile of cables to trip over. The addition of a High Definition Blu-ray player makes this already amazing machine a top-notch investment, as it makes for a complete entertainment system all within one compact, cubic console. To maximize its potential fun-factor, there are also two USB ports, as well as a HDMI output for 1080p resolution. This means your old stock of dusty DVDs will also look as sharp and clear as ever.
Gaming Redefined
This gaming experience just might tempt you beyond gluttony--you will lust after your very own screen. With pristine picture quality combined with breathtaking graphics from highly rated games such as God of War III, there’s just no hope for being a saint. Can’t wait to play? No worries. Thanks to their advanced microprocessor, the Cell Broadband Engine, game-play is not only gorgeous, it’s lightening-fast.
Networking Butterfly
Your social life just got better. Connect your PlayStation 3 via Wi-Fi or network port and share your experiences with friends, strangers and even grandma across the globe. Bring them to their knees as you show them your deft talents in online multiplayer games. Text or chat up that lovely neighbor about her great trophy collection. Go on, you know you want to.
Blu-Ray and Beyond
So The Dark Knight is not dark enough for you? Get your Blu-ray groove on and you’ll be hanging along that ledge with The Joker in no time! Clean, crisp picture, theater-quality sound--there's no turning back now. That is, unless you still cherish your old DVD collection like I do, in which case you can still play them on the PS3, as it has backwards compatibility. The PS3 will make them look better too--just hook up your HDMI cable to your HDMI TV and get nostalgic all over again--in glorious 1080p resolution.
Multimedia Monster
The real question is: what are you going to do with all that storage space? Whether you’re shelling out for the 120GB or 250GB HDD, you’re going to need a lot of media to fill this monster chamber. Download games, movies and your favorite TV series from the PlayStation Store. Gather your whole music collection and listen to playlists galore, all on 7.1 surround sound. Store thousands of digital photos and create slideshows with your own personal soundtrack--there’s enough room for everything.
Cozy Connectivity
Now you can connect with grandma and simultaneously help her through Uncharted 2 territory. If you get stuck, hop on the built-in internet browser and have all the hints and cheat codes at your disposal--that will get grandma running. Once you’re done playing, give your hardworking hands a break. Sit back and relax to a film of your choice, rented right through your PS3 system via the PlayStation Store, or stream from your Netflix account. Not bad for a day of gaming, eh?
The Everything Machine
So it won’t cook me dinner, but who notices a growling stomach when there’s a feast of games, movies and endless entertainment on the table? While not an Iron Chef, Sony’s PlayStation 3 can still dish out beautiful, visual treats and layers (or hours) of powerful playing experience. It defies all preconceived notions of a gaming console, with its seamless integration of hi-def cinematic and online functions. And with the PlayStation Store in full effect, there’s no telling when you’ll leave the house again. The “everything” description may exaggerate a little, but it comes pretty darn close. With so much features and capability, the only problem one might have with it is, where to begin?