My many questions before buying a PS3

It seems there are 11 PS3's according to wikipedia. So before I try to track down the best one I have a few questions.

Do all PS3's play DVDs, CD's, PS1 games and Bluerays? If they play PS1 games how do you save?

The ones that are PS2 compatible. What's the deal with the memory cards? It seems like some of them will take my PS2 memory cards are some wont? It seems the second generation PS3's are only "partially compatibly". What does that mean?

Is it a difficult process to get on the internet with the older ones? Are some of them more internet ready?

What's Linux and why would I need support for it?

I keep hearing about USB, Ethernet and HDMI ports. What are they used for?

The PSP connectivity. So basically what that means is that you can hook your PSP up to your PS3 so you can view it on the big screen? Do you still have to use the PSP as a controller?

Did I miss anything? I think I've found all the variations on the PS3's. Is there anything else I should consider when looking for a PS3? Are any of them any more reliable/ durable then others? 300 bucks is my budget.

Thanks for any and all help you can give me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_3

Answers in the quote. Feel free to ask any more questions here or PM me.

It seems there are 11 PS3's according to wikipedia. So before I try to track down the best one I have a few questions.

Do all PS3's play DVDs, CD's, PS1 games and Bluerays? If they play PS1 games how do you save?

Yes all PS3's will play those formats. To save PS1 games you create virtual memory cards on your hard drive that act as PS1 memory cards.

The ones that are PS2 compatible. What's the deal with the memory cards? It seems like some of them will take my PS2 memory cards are some wont? It seems the second generation PS3's are only "partially compatibly". What does that mean?

Partially compatible likely refers to the fact that it plays PS1 games and not PS2 games. Only the old, old models are capable of playing PS2 games. As far as memory cards go, you do the same thing as for PS1 games with the virtual memory cards. There is a piece of hardware that connects to one of the usb ports that allows you to transfer data from PS2 memory cards onto your PS3. This piece costs $15-20.

Is it a difficult process to get on the internet with the older ones? Are some of them more internet ready?

The only possible differnce might be that some allow for a wireless connection. However I think any of the models currently for sale have built-in wireless and therefore are equal when it comes to connecting to the internet.

What's Linux and why would I need support for it?

Linux is a different operating system similar to Windows or MacOS. That option has recently been removed from the PS3 for security reasons. Basically don't worry about it.

I keep hearing about USB, Ethernet and HDMI ports. What are they used for?

Ethernet is the cable that you will plug into your PS3 if you want to use a wired internet connection.

USB is just like the USB of a computer. Some common uses of this include charging/syncing controllers, connecting a camera, or connecting an external hard drive for media.

HDMI is an Audio/Video output for High Definition TVs.

The PSP connectivity. So basically what that means is that you can hook your PSP up to your PS3 so you can view it on the big screen? Do you still have to use the PSP as a controller?

This likely refers to using remote play with the PSP. I haven't used this as I don't have a PSP but if you research "PSP PS3 Remote Play" you will find more info on this.

Did I miss anything? I think I've found all the variations on the PS3's. Is there anything else I should consider when looking for a PS3? Are any of them any more reliable/ durable then others? 300 bucks is my budget.

Thanks for any and all help you can give me.

scooterguy140

Answers in the quote. Feel free to ask any more questions here or PM me.

[QUOTE="scooterguy140"]

It seems there are 11 PS3's according to wikipedia. So before I try to track down the best one I have a few questions.

Do all PS3's play DVDs, CD's, PS1 games and Bluerays? If they play PS1 games how do you save?

Yes all PS3's will play those formats. To save PS1 games you create virtual memory cards on your hard drive that act as PS1 memory cards.

The ones that are PS2 compatible. What's the deal with the memory cards? It seems like some of them will take my PS2 memory cards are some wont? It seems the second generation PS3's are only "partially compatibly". What does that mean?

Partially compatible likely refers to the fact that it plays PS1 games and not PS2 games. Only the old, old models are capable of playing PS2 games. As far as memory cards go, you do the same thing as for PS1 games with the virtual memory cards. There is a piece of hardware that connects to one of the usb ports that allows you to transfer data from PS2 memory cards onto your PS3. This piece costs $15-20.

Is it a difficult process to get on the internet with the older ones? Are some of them more internet ready?

The only possible differnce might be that some allow for a wireless connection. However I think any of the models currently for sale have built-in wireless and therefore are equal when it comes to connecting to the internet.

What's Linux and why would I need support for it?

Linux is a different operating system similar to Windows or MacOS. That option has recently been removed from the PS3 for security reasons. Basically don't worry about it.

I keep hearing about USB, Ethernet and HDMI ports. What are they used for?

Ethernet is the cable that you will plug into your PS3 if you want to use a wired internet connection.

USB is just like the USB of a computer. Some common uses of this include charging/syncing controllers, connecting a camera, or connecting an external hard drive for media.

HDMI is an Audio/Video output for High Definition TVs.

The PSP connectivity. So basically what that means is that you can hook your PSP up to your PS3 so you can view it on the big screen? Do you still have to use the PSP as a controller?

This likely refers to using remote play with the PSP. I haven't used this as I don't have a PSP but if you research "PSP PS3 Remote Play" you will find more info on this.

Did I miss anything? I think I've found all the variations on the PS3's. Is there anything else I should consider when looking for a PS3? Are any of them any more reliable/ durable then others? 300 bucks is my budget.

Thanks for any and all help you can give me.

The_Rick_14

Other than that the above poster got everything right. Hope this helps :)

I just recently got a PS3 and I was gonna get the 80gb 4USB ($240 refurbished) so I could play PS2 games (it played the ones I wanted it to, theres a list on wikipedia somewhere for the partially compatible Ps3) but Gamestop.com sold out before I could get one. Also, I hear the older fat ones will almost all eventually get the YLOD and playing PS2 games makes it heat up faster (which doesnt help) so I decided to get the 160gb for $299 instead.

It seems there are 11 PS3's according to wikipedia. So before I try to track down the best one I have a few questions.

Do all PS3's play DVDs, CD's, PS1 games and Bluerays? If they play PS1 games how do you save?

The ones that are PS2 compatible. What's the deal with the memory cards? It seems like some of them will take my PS2 memory cards are some wont? It seems the second generation PS3's are only "partially compatibly". What does that mean?

Is it a difficult process to get on the internet with the older ones? Are some of them more internet ready?

What's Linux and why would I need support for it?

I keep hearing about USB, Ethernet and HDMI ports. What are they used for?

The PSP connectivity. So basically what that means is that you can hook your PSP up to your PS3 so you can view it on the big screen? Do you still have to use the PSP as a controller?

Did I miss anything? I think I've found all the variations on the PS3's. Is there anything else I should consider when looking for a PS3? Are any of them any more reliable/ durable then others? 300 bucks is my budget.

Thanks for any and all help you can give me.

scooterguy140

1) All PS3's play PS1 games, Blu-Rays and DVD's, yes.

2) Only the 60 GB version can play PS2 games, and a 60 GB will be pretty hard to find, if you want it to be brand new.

3) All PS3 versions are the same, except the backwards compatibilty that the 60 GB one has, and the lack of Wireless internet connection of the 20 GB one. Oh, and, the HDD storage size...

4) Linux is something like Windows, and I think it only works on the 80 GB version. Don't worry about it, it's almost completely useless.

5) The USB ports are used for re-charging your controllers, and for transfering data from an external HDD or a USB Memory Stick. The Ethernet port is for the internet cable, which would be quite useful, if you don't have a router. The HDMI cable is the cable that is used to transmit video and audio signals, that supports resolutions up to 1080p. But you need to have an HDTV.

6) Yes, you can use the PSP on the big screen.

Hope I helped.

One question-how old are you?conistant

24. Why do you ask?

Thanks for all the the helpful responses! I'm on brake right now so I don't have time to go through them all but I will be on later tonight.

Partial Compatibility means its the 80gb 4USB version and plays bout 80% of PS2 games.

kaze347

[QUOTE="kaze347"]Partial Compatibility means its the 80gb 4USB version and plays bout 80% of PS2 games.

The_Rick_14

[QUOTE="The_Rick_14"]

[QUOTE="kaze347"]Partial Compatibility means its the 80gb 4USB version and plays bout 80% of PS2 games.

metalgear-solid

Here's your 20gb

Here's your 60gb

8)

11 versions of the Playstation 3?

Playstation 3 Original design (Phat)

PS3 20 GB model PS2 Hardware B/C (All Black)

PS3 60 GB model The "best" PS3 version. PS2 B/C SD & Memory stick duo Card slots. Chrome trim

PS3 60 GB model & first Generation 80 GB model (Software emulation B/C)

PS3 40 GB Model, PS3 80 GB (second generation 80GB) PS3 160 GB Model. All of these are Indentical except for the HDD size. 2 UBS ports and not backwards compatible with Playstation 2 games.

So there are really only 4 different versions of the Playstation 3 original design.

Playstation 3 Slims

PS3 120GB, PS3 160GB, PS3 250GB, PS3,320GB (these are all indentical except for the HDD size) 2 UBS ports and not Backwards compatibile with PS2.

"There is only really 1 version of the PS3 slim" except for the HDD size.

So there is just 5 versions of the Playstation 3.

If you don't care about B/C for PS2 and have no intentions of buying any PS1 or PS2 games. Linix is gone for PS3. Get a Slimline if you just intend of playing PS3 games. The PS3 320GB if you download a lot of stuff from PSN.

You can upgrade the HDD inany PS3 so you can have a 500GB HDD in any PS3.

The Slimline resist overheating better the the Original PS3 phats.

Of the Phats the PS3 40GB is said to be the best at resisting overheating.

The PS3 60GB is the most Collectable just for the SD Card slots, PS1/PS2 backwards compatiblity and the Chrome trim.(But is prone to dying the most?) from YLOD since it is the fable launch model that once costed $600.00 way back in November 17 2006.

Well, I would really like backwards capability because I have a bunch of PS2 games, a lot of them I haven't finished yet, and my PS2 just broke (I bought God of War 2 and it wouldn't play, so I took it apart to dust it and I think I made it work). I definitely don't want it to overheat or brake but is that really a big concern?. I think Wiki said something like less then 10% of the very first released PS3s broke down because of the yellow light of death.

Megavideogamer, check out the chart here. There are 11 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_3

I dont see an edit button but i meant that i made it worse.

I dont see an edit button but i meant that i made it worse.

scooterguy140

Well, this is what wiki said "However, in September 2009, the BBC television programme Watchdog aired a report investigating the purported "yellow light of death" issue, which affects fewer than 0.5% of PlayStation 3s sold in the UK.[152] The yellow light indicates a non-specific hardware failure which renders the system unusable."

Though, I realize wiki can be wrong.

I suppose the smartest thing to do would be to just get a new one and get a used PS2 for 50 bucks. But, I feel like if I do that I'm somehow getting ripped off.6

If you can find an 80GB 4USB on Gamestop.com I reccomend it if you want to play PS2 games. But just know it is a possibility it may overheat, and it might take a while before Gamestop.com gets anymore. Thats the only place I would buy used from. IT costs $240, and make sure its the 4USB. There are also other options, the 20GB and 60GB play PS2 games too, and you can always change out the hard drive with a SATA 2.5 inch hard drive of a bigger size. Not sure what the max size is though.

I say go for it and keep it well ventilated and try not to let it get too dusty. You can but an intercooler if you want, that would probably help.

u cud also play netflix movies on ps3 without having to purchase another player.

Gamestop seems to have them all... http://www.gamestop.com/gs/byob/?platform=PS3&loc=ps3systemimage

I just did my taxes and I'm getting a really good refund so as soon as some money gets put into my account I will buy one.

I'm thinking I should just get a new one. It seems like it's probably dumb to take the risk buying a used system just so I can play PS2 when I could just buy a PS2 for 50 bucks. Though it would be more convenient to use just one system, I think the safest thing to do is to buy a slim.

Do all PS3's play DVDs, CD's, PS1 games and Bluerays? If they play PS1 games how do you save? I've never heard of a PS3 playing CD's but they all support Blu-Ray because all PS3 games are in Blu Ray. And if you have a backwards compatible one you can use DVDs. My PS3 is backwards compatible but it wont play PS1 games. You can buy them from the Playstation Store though.

The ones that are PS2 compatible. What's the deal with the memory cards? It seems like some of them will take my PS2 memory cards are some wont? It seems the second generation PS3's are only "partially compatibly". What does that mean? My PS3 is backwards compatible and I save on a an internal memory card built into the hard drive and mine doesn't have any slot for a PS2 memory card.

Is it a difficult process to get on the internet with the older ones? Are some of them more internet ready? I don't think there's a difference. All XMB's should be the same. I just turn on my PS3 and select sign in. Simple as that.

What's Linux and why would I need support for it? I've never used Linux nor do I know what it does.

I keep hearing about USB, Ethernet and HDMI ports. What are they used for? A USB cable is the cord that you charge your controller with and what you use to connect controllers/ playstation move/ eyetoy, and other stuff with. If you have an HDTV you plug your PS3 into it with an HDMI cord so you can play in high definition.

The PSP connectivity. So basically what that means is that you can hook your PSP up to your PS3 so you can view it on the big screen? Do you still have to use the PSP as a controller? Yes, and yes. You can also download stuff from the Playstation Store onto your PSP like backgrounds and demos.

scooterguy140