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Intel 310 mSATA SSD knows that size matters, fits 80GB into less space than a credit card
Watch out, Toshiba, your tiny SSD modules aren't the only game in town for ludicrously small flash storage anymore. Intel's just announced a new SSD 310 line that offers spectacularly minimal 51mm by 30mm by 5mm dimensions, while retaining X25-class performance (up to 200MBps read and 80MBps write speeds). To give you an idea of what those measurements mean, the industry-standard 2.5-inch form factor, an already diminutive footprint, is eight times larger than these newfangled storage chips. 40GB and 80GB variants of the SSD 310 are shipping out to OEMs already and Lenovo has confirmed it plans to roll these into its next refresh of the venerable ThinkPad laptop line. Prices are set at $99 and $179 (depending on size) when bought in batches of 1,000, though direct sales to end users are predictably off the table for now. Better start saving up for that next ultrathin laptop if you want one.
Rumor: 80GB PS3 to be discontinued in Japan, parts ordered for new Sony consoles
We've got a bunch more kindling for the ever-burning PS3 Slim rumor today, so try and keep up. First and foremost, Kotaku recently uncovered a document from a 7-Eleven in Japan (where 7-Elevens are apparently respected games dealers), which asks that stores stop taking pre-orders for 80GB PS3s as of August 9 -- at the behest of Sony. If legit, this move could be the start of the 80GB's mass exodus, as foretold by the Ars Technica mole in the "Great PS3 Slim Prophecy of 2009."Other rumors come to us in the form of a Telegraph report, which rounds up a number of potential signs pointing to the svelte system's existence; one of which is an excerpt from a DigiTimes article that states Sony has "ordered enough parts to make one million consoles in the third quarter of this year," which is twice as much as was ordered in the past three months. Are these parts being used to make Slims? PSP Gos? A weaponized mech suit for Kaz Hirai?From there, Telegraph drops a bunch of unsourced details which should be taken with a sizable grain of apprehensive salt. First, the outlet claims a PS3 Slim announcement "could come later this month" during the GamesCom convention in Cologne, with the actual console appearing by the holidays. According to Telegraph, the console "is expected to" come in two flavors -- 40GB and 80GB -- and will include two unnamed games. Best of all, it will supposedly have a lower price point than current models. Ah, now they're playing our tune.
80GB PlayStation 3 on the outs in Japan, PS3 Slim looking all the more likely
We know the whole "where there's smoke, there's hotness" argument is played out, but it sure feels like the pieces are coming together here. With Sony's 20GB, 40GB and 60GB PlayStation 3 already a part of history, it's just the 80GB and 160GB models holding down the fort. After August 9th, however, it seems that just the latter will be representin' in Japan. The notice above essentially informs retailer 7-Eleven (don't hate) that no more orders for the black, white and silver 80GB PS3 will be accepted after Sunday due to a request from "the manufacturer." The note also instructs store owners to take down the in-story displays for the 80GB model, giving us all the reason we need to believe that a slimmed down version of the console is within reach. Of course, that's just whimsical speculation, but we just can't talk our hearts into listening to our heads on this one.[Via VG247, thanks Hawk]
MGS4 / Killzone 2 PS3 bundle available ... now!
As per the deluge of tips we received regarding an 80GB PlayStation 3 bundle with Killzone 2 and Metal Gear Solid 4, the Best Buy website is now reflecting the deal. The bundle retains the price of a regular ol' 80GB PS3 ($400), but will include both of the PS3 exclusive titles. Rumors surrounding the 80GB bundles suggest it's an effort to make space for an upcoming PS3 Slim on store shelves -- and considering the $90 worth of free games Sony is throwing at consumers, it's quite possible that shelf space will open for the next console iteration.[Via Engadget]
Killzone 2 / Metal Gear Solid 4 PS3 bundle hitting Best Buy now
As Sony shoves one more PlayStation 3 bundle down our throats while we anxiously await the appearance of a slimmed-down version of the console, we have to admit that the game choices here are really top shelf. After catching wind of the Killzone 2 / Metal Gear Sold 4 PS3 bundle yesterday, we now have all the confirmation we need to believe that such a bundle is indeed filtering out to Best Buy stores. The image above shows an internal memo sent out to alert employees that the new package could start arriving as early as July 6th, with the official announcement coming in the July 12th ad. If you're actually in the market for a non-discounted, thick PS3, we'd say a phone call or two is in order, no?[Thanks, Anonymous]Update: The $399.99 bundle is now live on Best Buy's website and available for in-store pickup in select locations.
Best Buy set to offer 80GB PS3 bundle with MGS4 and Killzone 2?
Well, it's not a price cut, but it looks like Sony could be about to offer one of its best deals to date to potential PS3 customers, with a little help from Best Buy. Apparently, in an effort to clear out the 80GB PS3s once and for all (to make way for... something), Best Buy will soon selling a bundle that includes said console, Metal Gear Solid 4, and Killzone 2 -- all for the usual price of $399.99. Better still, that bundle is supposedly set to go on sale as soon as next Sunday and, as you can see above, at least some of 'em have apparently already made their way into the stores' back rooms.[Via Joystiq]
Amazon offers $50 discount on PlayStation 3 today
Today's Amazon Deal of the Day takes a decent chunk off of the price of an 80GB PlayStation 3 console. If you've been hoping to pick up the console -- and you're not interested in playing MLB 09 The Show or watching Quantum of Solace -- you can get one from the online retailer for $349.99. Add one of those deeply discounted Rock Band or Guitar Hero games from GameStop and you've got -- well, that would still be a really expensive purchase, but not as expensive as it could have been.When Amazon offers a deal on a popular item like this, its stock doesn't last long, so forgive us if we channel Billy Mays to tell you that supplies are limited -- act now!
Holidaze 2008: PlayStation 3 SKU chart, revisited
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Holidaze_2008_PlayStation_3_SKU_chart_revisited'; We'd love to say picking up PlayStation 3 is as easy as going to the store and grabbing the first box with the console's name on it. For better and for worse, this generation of consoles gives consumers many choices at the (potential) expense of causing confusion at the store. In all, there have been six different hardware configurations for the PS3, with two of those currently in production.So, it's with this in mind that we present to you a handy guide for discerning the difference between the various PlayStation 3 versions (aka SKUs) out there. Please note that the red and green coloring is not only festive decor for the holiday season, but a subjective highlight of what each version excels in (or subsequently lacks). #comparechart { border: 2px solid #333; border-collapse: collapse; } #comparechart td { padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #ccc; vertical-align: top; margin: 0; line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 80%} #comparechart th { font-size: 80%; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 4px; background: #eee; } #comparechart th.mainth { font-size: 100%; border-bottom: 1px solid #333; } #comparechart td.red { background-color: #f08c85; } #comparechart td.green { background-color: #b3e2c4; } #comparechart td.yellow { background-color: #ffffcc;} 160GB 80GB(Aug. 08)80GB(Aug. 07)60GB40GB20GB Hardware Model # CECHP01 CECHK01 CECHE01 CECHA01 CECHG01 CECHB01 Price $499.99 $399.99 $499.99* $499.99* $399.99* $499.99* Chrome trim Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No USB 2.0 slots 2 2 4 4 2 4 802.11 b/g Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Flash cardreader No No Yes Yes No No Bundled Accessories Ethernet cable Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Video cables Composite Composite Composite Composite Composite Composite Controller DualShock 3 DualShock 3 Sixaxis Sixaxis Sixaxis Sixaxis Backwards Compatibility PS2 No No Software** Yes (NTSC),Software** (PAL) No Yes PS One Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Notes:*This model is discontinued. The price on the chart represents the listed price before Sony axed it.**See explanation in F.A.Q. below.Alright, Joystiq, time to answer your own questions.Let's do this.
Intel's X25-M 80GB SSD ships this week for $595
If you'll notice, HP isn't using just any SSD drive to hit 24 hours of insanity with the EliteBook 6930p -- it's all about that Intel 80GB SSD, which has new optimizations to boost speed and apparently energy usage over current flash drives. Well, Intel also picked today to get all official about the drive itself, and it's clear those improvements and Intel's brand name come at a price: the 2.5-inch 80GB "X25-M" drive will retail for $595 when it hits this week. There's also a 3.5-inch version, the X18-M, but we're less clear on infos there. PC Per put the 2.5-incher through its paces, albeit with a slightly dated firmware version, and came away impressed, calling it the "top performing storage solution" period. We want. Read - Intel releases pricing, details on solid-state drives Read - PC Per's Intel X25-M 80GB SSD review
European 80GB PS3/LittleBigPlanet bundle spotted
Apparently, Sony won't be satisfied until every single PlayStation game is available as part of a bundle with a system. The latest title in this cavalcade of software tie-ins is apparently LittleBigPlanet, which a French retailer has revealed as part of a €399 European bundle with the 80GB PS3. The combo package will be available on Nov. 5, according to the retailer, complete with the incredibly busy box pictured above. Seriously, it looks like a unicorn vomited a graffiti-flavored rainbow on this thing. Also, is it just us or does that masked face in the lower right look suspiciously like Strong Bad?[Via PSExtreme]
Let's review: all the PS3 SKUs
There's been some confusion about all the various PS3 models that are available. Sony has introduced, and discontinued, so many different SKUs over the PS3's relatively short lifespan so far. Did you know, with the discontinuation of the Metal Gear Solid 4 model, there will only be two SKUs on the market? And did you know that neither will have backwards compatibility? Check out Joystiq's handy reference guide to see the stats of each SKU -- and if make sure you've nabbed the system that fits your needs exactly! Educate me! >
New 80GB PS3 provides minimal power savings, might have 65nm RSX GPU
Last we heard, it was still up in the air somewhat as to whether upcoming PlayStation 3 consoles would house the elusive 65-nanometer RSX graphics processor. According to a curious buyer of Sony's newest 80GB unit, there is a smidgen of data that hints at a 65nm chip actually being under the hood. By using the oh-so-scientific Kill-A-Watt, he discovered that his older 40GB PS3 sucked down 125.8-watts when idle, while the fresh 80GB edition ate up just 111.9-watts. The findings were similar when looking at power draw during DVD playback and while spinning Metal Gear Solid 4. Unfortunately, this mighty fine fellow is planning to return the new unit after being disappointed by the minimal energy savings, so he's not apt to rip the thing open and prove once and for all what kind of GPU is in there. Meanwhile, we heartily suggest that someone do just that and put this question to bed.[Thanks, Khattab]
MGS4 80GB bundle may be discontinued
It looks like the 80GB Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle really was "limited edition." The $499 bundle has been deleted from the Wal-Mart databases, to make way for the 80GB Core and upcoming 160GB Uncharted pack. Considering the current MGS4 pack is the only system to support PS2 backwards compatibility, this may be your last chance to get your hands on a PS3 that can play PS2 games. Neither the current $399 80GB Core nor the upcoming $499 160GB bundle will support PS2 games at all.Stay tuned for Sony's official response.
Rumor: MGS4 80GB PS3 on the outs, get 'em while they last
It appears that the 80GB PS3 MGS4 bundle has finally been done in by the La-li-lu-le-lo. Our trusted Wal-Mart operative -- who has yet to fail us on a mission -- informs us the status of the bundle within the megacorp's computer is now "deleted." S/he tells us this means that there are no plans to receive any more shipments. We've contacted Sony for official word regarding any plans to restock the model.We always knew the $499 bundle was a limited edition, so this isn't exactly a "!". What we are wondering: Will the model in the bundle be repackaged with a new game? Is this the end of PS3s with any type of PS2 backwards compatibility?%Gallery-30040%
80GB goes on sale in Europe this Friday, 160GB PS3 available 10/31
Looks like the retailer leaks were right. The 80GB PS3 will launch in Europe this Friday (except for Australia). A new 160GB model has also been announced. Retailing for €449, this premium bundle will include a €70 game and will be available on Oct 31st. This bundle will not include PS2 backwards compatibility either.
New 80GB Core Packs can be sold as soon as stores get them [Update]
While they're not supposed to "officially" go on sale until the end of this month, it appears that many retailers are stocking their store shelves with the new 80GB Core Packs. These systems, which retail for $399, offer an upgraded version of the previous 40GB system: a larger hard drive and a DualShock 3 controller. It does not, however, provide any backwards compatibility. Various tipsters have mailed us with reports of systems being on store shelves, and Ashhong from NeoGAF even posted a photo of one system.If the new 80GB Core Packs are available, that means the two current PS3 SKUs both feature 80GB hard drives. The more expensive ($499) 80GB Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle includes a copy of the popular stealth action game and offers backwards compatibility.Update: SCEA rep Al de Leon tells us that "Shipments of the new 80GB PS3 started this week, and retailers can sell them as they receive the inventory." If your local store has the new 80GB system, they're allowed to sell it immediately.
80GB PlayStation 3 arrives early at Best Buy, Friday in Europe
Lookie, lookie, an 80GB PS3 snapped up for $400 from a local Best Buy. Although not officially due until September, reports are trickling in from around these United States of Gaming of an early release. Not too much of a surprise, we guess, what with European retailers all showing a Friday retail launch. One interesting thing to note is the SKU: at least one of these early rigs reads CECHK01, not CECHL01 as seen in the FCC... hmmm. SKU pictured after the break.[Thanks, Mr. Abulia] Read -- early 80GB Core PlayStation 3 Read -- CECHK01 SKU [Warning: sub req'd]Read -- Europe release on Friday
Retail says new 80GB PS3s out in Europe this Friday
Despite the golden word of SCEE boss David Reeves, European online retailers are listing release dates for the new 80GB PS3s a week ahead of schedule. That means -- while the SKU was previously announced for an August 27 launch date -- online retailers such as Amazon UK and GAME suggest, nay confirm, that the new units will arrive this Friday, August 22. With Games Convention 2008 happening in Leipzig this week, an announcement regarding the early release is expected.
Australia gets new 80GB SKUs priced and dated
Everyone seems to be getting in on the new 80GB SKUs, including the Aussies. These new units, dubbed the new "core pack" set to replace the current 40GB machines, will feature double the storage space at no additional cost. Sony Australia confirms that the core pack is coming to Australia on August 28 and will retail for AUS$699. The same pack will be available in North America this September and Europe on August 27. As a reminder, the units come with a DualShock 3 and the same functionality as the 40GB units -- namely 2 USB slots, no memory card readers, and no PS2 backwards compatibility.[Kotaku via Edge Online]
New PlayStation 3 FCC filing found, likely 80GB
A new FCC filing has revealed the PlayStation 3 CECHL01. No details are provided, but the likely candidate is the recently-unveiled 80GB for $399 with no PS2 backwards compatibility (BC). All PS3 filings have followed the CECH_01 model -- i.e. CECHA01 is the original 60GB with full BC (check out our 2007 PS3 SKU guide for more information). [Via Engadget, PC World]
