Powered by the revolutionary Cell Broadband Engine™ and featuring a built-in Blu-ray Disc™ drive, this quiet and sleek, piano-black PLAYSTATION^®3, 80GB (commonly abbreviated PS3) is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment. The PS3 80GB model delivers state-of-the-art digital media, featuring a slot-loading 2x speed Blu-ray Disc™  drive for games, movies, DVDs, CDs, and other optical/audio media. This model includes: a DUALSHOCK^® 3 wireless controller; utilizing Bluetooth^® technology, an easy-to-use on-screen interface, HDMI output with 1080p high definition support, internet access with built-in Wi-Fi, online gaming services (including a free PLAYSTATION^® Network membership), and 80 gigabytes of hard disk storage for games, music, videos, and photos.

 

This mighty, computer entertainment system is the only machine that allows you amazing control, access and enjoyment to a full range of digital media. You can stream and store your favorite music, pictures, games or videos. Connect an optional wireless keyboard/mouse and browse the internet on your large screen TV. Produce a crystal clear, pristine picture and theater-quality sound with the Blu-ray disc drive. Sony’s continual upgrades help the PS3 constantly evolve, bringing new functionality, including enhanced online game play, offering support for the latest in Blu-ray features, and adding access to downloadable videos and music.

 

I actually bought the PS3 in order to receive a 24 month, interest free loan to buy a LARGE screen Panasonic Plasma HDTV from Circuit City. In order to get this promotion you had to spend $999.99. The TV was only 799.99 so I had to come up with at least $200.00 more in purchases. After hearing the salesperson’s spiel on several options to enhance my TV experience, the only SMART (no brainer) option was the PS3 with all the above benefits. It was a little more than $200.00 but well worth the extra few dollars. Besides the beautiful system that can either sit horizontally or vertically next to your TV, this powerful machinery of hardware, software and networking is worth every penny.

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With 2009 in full swing, Nintendo is hoping to continue their success of 2008 with the release of innovative games and add-ons. The Spring release of the Wii MotionPlus will defiantly be a step in the right direction. The Wii MotionPlus expands the already unique capabilities of the Wii Remote. It plugs directly into the expansion on the bottom of the Wiimote, but it also has its own expansion port so you are still able to use the Nunchuk and other attachments. What the Wii MotionPlus adds to the Wiimote is advanced motion sensing. The amazing thing is that it allows your actions to be shown on the screen at real time. The result is an extremely fast, ultra-responsive controller.

This addition of the Wii MotionPlus deals with the lagging and slow response times that were a main criticism of the original Wii Remote. The Wii MotionPlus turns the Wiimote into the controller that we always wanted. It feels more like an extension of your own arm than a little piece of plastic you’re holding. So when you are slashing at enemies with your katana in Red Steel 2 (Releasing late 2009), it will feel more comfortable and natural than the awkward, jerky movements in the original.

The Wii MotionPlus does a great job of fixing the problems of the Wiimote, but it does come with a few drawbacks. First of all, the Wii MotionPlus will only work with games that offer the MotionPlus capability. In addition, new games that support the MotionPlus technology will not be able to be played using regular Wiimotes. This means that Wii owners will be REQUIRED to buy the Wii MotionPlus to play the latest games. Although the MotionPlus offers great benefits, I wish that Nintendo had dealt with the problems of the Wiimote before its release, instead of forcing me to buy an add-on in order to play my favorite Wii games. It will be no suprise if Wii owners become upset that their new Wii console is out-of-date right out of the box. Despite these shortcomings, the Wii MotionPlus is an essential add-on to the best selling system of 2008. All in all, the Wii MotionPlus is an excellent addition to an already great platform.

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