Sony sure likes to confound consumers. With four different PS3 options to choose from it's hard to tell head from tails. At launch, there was a 20GB version and a 60GB version. Then, they cut the price. After that, thanks to low sales, they stoped making the 20GB SKU (A few still remain however). Last spring/summer the 80GB version was announced. Now next month a 40GB version hits stores.
For everyone who doesn't follow every step and is a little bit confused about which is the best one for you, here's a easy guide to finding your perfect setup:
You just wanna play games!
Any will do but, if you care about playing PS2 games on your PS3, don't buy the 40GB or the 80 GB. The former isn't compatible with any PS2 games at all and the latter is only compatible though software emulation. That's dicey at best. Also if you prefer to play online, and you have a wireless network, be sure to buy at least the 60GB. Any thing lower and you'll need a Ethernet cable.
You need the bleeding edge
If you fall into this category then chances are that you already have one. Along with your copy of Lair. But if you don't, the obvious choice would seem to be the 80GB version because of the bigger HDD. Don't do it! Because of the software emulation noted above the better choice would be to buy the 60GB version and then upgrade the hard drive to a bigger size. Then you'll be smokin'!
You want to use the PS3 as Media hub and don't care about games.
The 20GB is by far the cheapest and the money you save can be used to buy a new HDD to save all your music videos, pictures, ETC. Of course those are very rare. If you can't find one, the 40GB model is a perfect alternative. However, if you plan it link up to a wireless network to share media, then you'll need the next step up which goes for $500. For that much you might as well buy a 80GB for the same price.
Here is a video I saw on YouTube of how to upgrade your PS3 Hard Drive:
Here's all info you need to know in one spot. Full specs for the 3 newest SKUs can be found here
| SKU | PS3 Low end | PS3 Mid-low | PS3 mid high | PS3 High end |
| Price | $379.99 | $399.99 | $499.99 | $499.99 |
| USB 2.0 Ports | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Max Resolution | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p |
| Flash Card slots | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Backware Compatible? | Yes (Hardware) | No | Yes(Hardware) | Yes(Software) |
| Bulit in Wi-Fi | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| HDD Size | 20 GB | 40 GB | 60 GB | 80 GB |
| Current Availability | Limited to None | Launches November 2 | Out Now/Common | Out Now/Common |
| Colors | Black | Black /W Chrome Trim | Black /W Chrome Trim | Black /W Chrome Trim |
Prices do not include Sales Tax and are USA only. Prices and availability will very from store to store.
