As DVD playback made the PlayStation 2 more than just a game machine,hefty multi-media features make the PlayStation 3 Slim an even moreversatile home entertainment machine. 32% smaller, 36% lighter andconsuming 34% less power than the originals, this latest edition of thePlayStation 3 has been completely redesigned for a much more streamlinedfeel. Features such as video chat, internet access, digital photoviewing, and digital audio and video will likely make it the centralcomponent of your media set-up. Still, it is first and foremost apowerful gaming console.

Under the Hood
The PS3 features IBM's "Cell" processor and a co-developed Nvidiagraphics processor that makes the system able to perform two trillioncalculations per second. That makes the PlayStation 3 40 times fasterthan the PS2. Along with the traditional AV and composite connections,it also boasts an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port,which delivers uncompressed, unconverted digital picture and sound tocompatible high-definition TV and projectors. The system is capable of128-bit pixel precision and 1080p resolution for a full HD experience.This console also provides for a sound experience by supporting DolbyDigital 5.1, DTS 5.1, as well as Linear PCM 7.1. A pre-installed 250GBhard disc drive allows you ample room to save games as well as downloadcontent from the internet.

PlayStation Slim: Leaner and Meaner
A sleek new look
Blu-Ray Is the New Way
Sony's PlayStation 3 games are encoded onto the Blu-Ray disc mediaformat, which can hold six times as much data as traditional DVDs. Thisincrease in capacity, combined with the awesome power of its processorand graphics card, promises mind-blowing games once developers havelearned how to fully harness the new console's power. The PS3 will alsosupport CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R formats.

In addition, PlayStation 3 system software update version 2.20 and upincludes BD Live support. With this you can now play discs that supportBlu-ray Disc Profile 2.0 (BD-LIVE) and you can also connect to theInternet while playing discs that support this format so that you canobtain additional features. Features that are available vary dependingon the software in use.

Sensational Controller
New gamers intuitively move the controller while playing, even thoughthat movement has traditionally had no relation to what's going on inthe game. Sony has picked up on this tendency and is using it to bring anew level of control to the PS3. Inside the controller is ahigh-precision sixaxis sensing system that accurately detects finemovements in pitch, roll, and yaw, as well as three dimensions ofmovement. This means that future PS3 games will be controlled by themovements of your hands rather than just your thumbs. For example, youmight be able to steer a car by holding the controller like a steeringwheel.

While the PS3 controller looks much like its Dual Shock predecessors, itwill lack the force-feedback vibration since that would only interferewith the sensing system. It uses Bluetooth 2.0 wireless technology andcan support wireless controllers. It's a hot-swappable system, so ifyour controller is running low on power, just pause your game andconnect a USB 2.0 cable. You can continue playing while your controllerrecharges automatically.

A Slew of New Games
With a series of games exclusively available on PlayStation 3 as well asan extensive catalogue of major titles, Sony have kept the PlayStation 3to its gaming roots. With top titles in high definition, enjoy thebiggest current and future releases such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare2, FIFA 10, Final Fantasy XIII, Metal Gear Solid 4, Uncharted 2: AmongThieves, Tekken 6, Gran Turismo 5, MAG and many more besides.

Online
Play all your favourite games online and much more over the PlayStationNetwork. With the 250GB storage capacity of the PlayStation 3 Slim, youcan also store more downloadable games, music, photos, videos and muchmore. PlayStation network members can also download free applicationssuch as PlayStation Home, a ground-breaking 3D social gaming communityavailable only on PS3 that allows users to interact, communicate andshare gaming experiences, as well as Life with PlayStation, which offersusers various news and information on your TV by connecting thePlayStation 3 to the network.

In the box:
Game system
Sixaxis wireless controller
AC power cord
Audio/Video cable (HDMI or Component cable
USB cable