Following the PlayStation 3 launch in India, Jaison Lewis takes Sony’s new console for a spin
A revolutionary new ‘Cell Processor’, which boasted of more power than any chip before it. The famed BluRay, the new high definition DVD format. My curiosity piqued, I pined away for the launch. Finally, my patience was rewarded as after Sony’s PS3 hit the Indian shores, I got to tango with the beast. Did it live up to the hype? Read on...
THE PLAYSTATION 3
When you first look at The PlayStation 3, it looms large, like a monster as compared to other consoles such as Microsoft’s Xbox 360 or Nintendo’s Wii. The giant, bulking device makes for an imposing figure. It’s here and it means business!
At the heart of the PS3 is the much discussed Cell Processor, designed jointly by Sony Corp, Toshiba and IBM. The processor,
labelled a “supercomputer on a chip”, boasts of running 10 times faster than current PC chips. Specially designed for graphics-
intensive operations, this chip carries more expectations than the next book starring the magician kid with the scarred forehead. To explain it in layman’s terms, think of the Cell Processor as a bridge between normal desktop processors (such as Pentium) and special graphics-based ones (such as ATI).
The interface of this new offering is very similar to the PlayStation Portable. But it seems like Sony is sticking to its own past a bit too much. The controller – dubbed the SixAxis – looks exactly like the controller for the PS2. And this one comes without the vibrating feedback! That’s like a pizza without cheese! A major miss. Using Bluetooth to make it wireless is a nice addition though.
While the console has HDMI output for true high definition viewing, the standard cable included in the box connects to a regular TV. The PS3 requires HDMI as it also plays BluRay - a next generation high definition DVD format. So you can also look forward to high quality movies on your PS3!
The machine can also be loaded with an operating system, though I haven’t tried it personally. There are several versions of Linux available online for free – some made especially for the PS3.
And finally, Sony graces us with a hard drive which can be upgraded. This is a certain improvement over the PS2, where seeing the ‘memory card is full’ sign made me want to chuck the controller into my TV half of the time.
SPECS
Processor - 3.2Ghz Cell Processor
GPU - RSX 550Mhz
Memory - 256 MB XDR Main RAM, 256 MB GDDR3 Video RAM
Hard Disk - 60 GB SATA
Inputs - 4 USB2 ports, Memory Stick, SD, Flash
Communication - Ethernet, IEEE and Bluetooth 2.0
Optical Drive - BluRay, DVD, CD, SACD
Dimensions - 325mm (W) x 98mm (H) x 274mm (D)
Weight - Approx 5kg
FINAL WORDS
Right now, I wouldn’t go in for a PS3 considering that it is determined to brutally assault my wallet with its Rs 39,990 price tag. Also, the games so far and the slated upcoming releases have failed to impress me. A few sports games from EA should probably bring the console back on track. Better still, a hi-def version of Burnout or Devil May Cry would make buying decisions easier.
Overall, I think the console has potential, but I figure it will be at least six to seven months and a fall in the price before I am convinced to buy the PS3.
A revolutionary new ‘Cell Processor’, which boasted of more power than any chip before it. The famed BluRay, the new high definition DVD format. My curiosity piqued, I pined away for the launch. Finally, my patience was rewarded as after Sony’s PS3 hit the Indian shores, I got to tango with the beast. Did it live up to the hype? Read on...
THE PLAYSTATION 3
When you first look at The PlayStation 3, it looms large, like a monster as compared to other consoles such as Microsoft’s Xbox 360 or Nintendo’s Wii. The giant, bulking device makes for an imposing figure. It’s here and it means business!
At the heart of the PS3 is the much discussed Cell Processor, designed jointly by Sony Corp, Toshiba and IBM. The processor,
labelled a “supercomputer on a chip”, boasts of running 10 times faster than current PC chips. Specially designed for graphics-
intensive operations, this chip carries more expectations than the next book starring the magician kid with the scarred forehead. To explain it in layman’s terms, think of the Cell Processor as a bridge between normal desktop processors (such as Pentium) and special graphics-based ones (such as ATI).
The interface of this new offering is very similar to the PlayStation Portable. But it seems like Sony is sticking to its own past a bit too much. The controller – dubbed the SixAxis – looks exactly like the controller for the PS2. And this one comes without the vibrating feedback! That’s like a pizza without cheese! A major miss. Using Bluetooth to make it wireless is a nice addition though.
While the console has HDMI output for true high definition viewing, the standard cable included in the box connects to a regular TV. The PS3 requires HDMI as it also plays BluRay - a next generation high definition DVD format. So you can also look forward to high quality movies on your PS3!
The machine can also be loaded with an operating system, though I haven’t tried it personally. There are several versions of Linux available online for free – some made especially for the PS3.
And finally, Sony graces us with a hard drive which can be upgraded. This is a certain improvement over the PS2, where seeing the ‘memory card is full’ sign made me want to chuck the controller into my TV half of the time.
SPECS
Processor - 3.2Ghz Cell Processor
GPU - RSX 550Mhz
Memory - 256 MB XDR Main RAM, 256 MB GDDR3 Video RAM
Hard Disk - 60 GB SATA
Inputs - 4 USB2 ports, Memory Stick, SD, Flash
Communication - Ethernet, IEEE and Bluetooth 2.0
Optical Drive - BluRay, DVD, CD, SACD
Dimensions - 325mm (W) x 98mm (H) x 274mm (D)
Weight - Approx 5kg
FINAL WORDS
Overall, I think the console has potential, but I figure it will be at least six to seven months and a fall in the price before I am convinced to buy the PS3.