ps3 slim
The Slim is hitting stores September 1 in North America and Europe and
will cost $299 (or for those who live in regions, 299 euros or 29,980
yen). Hirai says the device has the same features and functions as the
“old” PS3 but is 33 percent smaller, 36 percent lighter, and comes with
a 120GB hard drive.
Sony says that to achieve the new form factor, the internal design
architecture of the new PS3 system has been completely
redesigned–”from the main semiconductors and power supply unit to the
cooling mechanism.”
The PS3 Slim is powered by a new 45nm version of the Cell
processor, which runs at the same speed as the 60nm processor in the
“old” PS3 but is smaller and more energy efficient. According to
company reps, power consumption for the Slim has also been cut to
two-thirds, “helping to reduce fan noise,” which is important.
On the cosmetic front, this model has a textured surface finish that
gives the PS3 a fresh, casual look that the company hopes will make it
more appealing to a wider audience (read: casual gamers). As previously
rumored, the PS3 logo has undergone a redesign and Sony’s changing the
PS3 brand name from “PLAYSTATION 3″ to “PlayStation 3″ (we’ve actually
been calling it the PlayStation 3 for a while).
Like the 80GB and 160GB models, the 120GB PS3 Slim has built-in
Wi-Fi and two USB ports (sorry, Sony didn’t add IR or backwards
compatibility for PS2 games). You can also upgrade/replace the hard
drive without voiding the warranty, though Sony has moved the hard
drive from the side of the unit to the front for “easier access.” (To
remove the hard drive, you simply unscrew two screws). The one feature
missing from the Slim is the ability to install another operating
system (i.e., Linux)–Sony is doing away with that feature.