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Playstation 3- What is it?
Sony's next-generation video games console looks to be the most powerful console to hit the market yet, but worldwide shortages of the sleek black box mean we won't see it until March. Still, despite a hefty price tag and stiff competition from the Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii, it's likely to be the gaming sensation of 2007.
What makes it tick?
Nestled inside the PS3 is a new computer processor technology Sony has dubbed the "cell". It's as powerful as the computers Hollywood was using on its feature films just a couple of years ago. We're talking about the best graphics offered in video games yet, delivered in high-definition for those with compatible HDTV screens to enjoy.
What makes it cool?
It looks great with its stylish, curved body but this is a video game console with substance too. It supports full high-definition display (that's 1080p for techies) and has included HDMI ports for plugging into compatible TVs to ensure the best picture quality possible. There's a built-in hard drive for storing photos, music and gaming information and a Blu-ray drive to play high-definition discs. USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ethernet are included for networking with other devices and there are slots to receive the storage cards used with digital cameras.
It's not that expensive because ...
At $1299, the PlayStation 3 will be the most expensive video games console on the market by about $500 and that will put it out of reach of many gamers with ageing PS2 consoles. But it's expensive for a reason - the inclusion of that Blu-ray drive and the features that make it a serious multimedia device for the lounge. Sony's pitch is that you need not buy a high-definition disc player this year - the PS3 will play CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs as well as store digital media and provide the best gaming experience available.
