A quick summary for those who can’t watch the video right now: guy gets into jumpsuit, then wears a specially-designed (and most likely heavy) harness that carries a HD-capable Epson projector, a PS3, and loads of batteries. Guy goes around the vicinity, playing games on the a building’s side wall, the road, and even the while floating in the air courtesy of a practice parachuting vertical fan. The video ends with a brief warning not to attempt said stunt in any way, anywhere.

Game played: An unspecified member of the Need for Speed series.
Equipment: PlayStation 3, Epson TW450-HD projector, unspecified battery packs

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Size-wise, the PlayStation 3 Slim isn’t really a revolution compared to its predecessor—despite the 33% profile reduction, both consoles are meant to stay stationary for most of their operational lives anyway. The Slim is still a more attractive option though because of its roomier 120GB hard disk, a definite step up from the original PS3’s 20 & 40GB default offerings. You basically get more hard disk space per dollar from the get-go.

Other advantages include significantly lower power consumption, made possible through a processor redesign that provides the same computing power through a smaller chip and thus less heat. The PS3 Slim also supports the BRAVIA Sync interface, which allows remote control via the console’s HDMI port.

The PlayStation 3 Slim is available from NewEgg for $299. Each console comes with one Wireless DualShock 3 controller, so you may want to buy an extra controller while you’re at it. Shipping is free.

How to Get a PlayStation 3 Slim and an extra controller:

• Visit the Wireless DualShock 3 Controller ($42.99) product page at NewEgg
• Click on Add to Cart
• Visit the PlayStation 3 Slim 120GB ($299.99) product page at NewEgg
• Click on Add to Cart
• Click on View Shopping Cart
• If you’re satisfied with the total (it should read $342.98, unless you already have items in your NewEgg cart), Click on Checkout

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Functionally, this new PS3 variant is practically the same, but it uses a smaller, more power-efficient version of its Cell processor—45nm versus the original’s 60nm. Every new PS3 Slim will come pre-installed with Firmware 3.0. Sony will of course phase out the original PS3, selling any remaining 80GB and 160GB units for $299 and $399 respectively.

Why would you get a PS3 Slim? I don’t have one yet, but after seeing the newer PS3 with its older counterpart, I’m wasn’t super-impressed by the size reduction. Yes, it is significantly smaller, but if I already had a PS3, I think I’d pretty fine with what I already have; unless you’re talking about the Wii or portables, home gaming consoles are usually content to stay where they are.

There’s nothing much more to say, and I want to save you from extraneous marketing boasting of “a fresh, casual look that the company hopes will make it more appealing to a wider audience”.

Source

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Someone’s head might be rolling over at the PlayStation 3’s manufacturer. Apparently to build more interest in the gaming console (which has fare relatively poorly against the Xbox 360 and Wii), someone sent Joystiq an email declaring that the PS3 provides better value for money, while the Xbox 360 and Wii of course, do not:

The informercial-esque message — titled “Keeping Entertainment Simple” — made our day with colorful accusations, including one that the Xbox 360 “requires … multiple upgrades and additional external devices, putting a burden on the wallet and adds clutter to the entertainment center.” That clutter would be the Wireless Network Adapter, which snaps onto the back of the 360, we suppose. So cluttery!

Judging from the reaction of the staff of Joystiq—a widely read gaming blog—it’s obvious that Sony’s PR blast did more harm than good. In any case, if cash wasn’t a consideration, but you had to choose only one gaming console to use for the next year or so, which one would you choose?

(image from Joystiq)

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Sony Playstation 3 is the most power-hungry model. For the 2007 version, you’ll spend about $12 a year if you turn the console off when you’re not using it, compared to about $134 if you leave it on all the time.

Microsoft Xbox 360 ranks a close second. If you shut it down when you’re not playing a game or watching a movie, it costs about $11 to operate annually. Leaving it on continuously will cost you $103.

Nintendo Wii uses significantly less energy than the others. It costs about $3 a year if you turn it off after use, compared to about $10 if you don’t.

Then again, as the obnoxious commenters of Lori’s article point out, who the heck leaves their gaming console on the whole day?!

(image from Yahoo! Green)

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