Hi, welcome to a new monthly article about technology and gadgetry…For the first review I am going do the Playstation 3.

The PS3 is a very advanced piece of equipment with specs such as the experimental CELL processor, a blu-ray drive, built in wireless internet and Full 1080p HDMI output. Sony claims these features will give the PS3 a 10 year life span whereas most consoles only have 4-5 years before they are replaced with newer models.

Sony has taken a big risk with this machine and it has still not paid off, with some figures claiming they are losing as much as $130USD on every console they sell. Although I must say that at up to $120AUD a game they are probably making a fair amount of that back via software sales.

The PS3 has also secured some of the best exclusives, making them a favourite among console fans, with
games such as Uncharted: Drakes Fortune – a 3rd person action/adventure (some of the best graphics yet seen on the console), Resistance 1 and 2 – An alien shooter set just after WWII, Metal gear solid – a very story driven action game (although there is a 90 minute cut scene!) and Motorstorm – a desert racing game with spectacular crashes.

As manufacturing costs come down and the price continues to lower, the PS3 should start becoming the console of choice, as not only can it play games, but can be a media centre in your lounge room allowing for you to stream movies from your computer directly to your TV and watch blu-ray movies.

That’s it for now….next month I will review the new Sony Laptop/Netbook, the Vaio P.

Chris Thursfield