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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.
Intel's 40GB SSD quietly starts shipping
Smaller sized / smaller priced SSD boot drives are a pretty attractive proposition for someone wanting to boost performance on a budget. Kingston's 40GB SSDnow, for instance, was particularly well received at Engadget HQ recently, and now Intel's on the scene with its new X25-V Value line. With a 35MB/s write speed (as reported by Listed First) and a 65 / 110 microsecond read / write latency this isn't the fastest solid state drive out there -- in fact, at $130 (New Egg) it's a couple bucks more expensive than Kingston's faster alternative. But who knows? Maybe they'll slash prices, or one will fall off a truck in front of you. Stranger things have happened.
Kingston 40GB SSDNow review
From the moment that we heard of the new 40GB Kingston SSD, we couldn't help but get our hopes up. Who knows if (or more likely, when) SSD drives will ever completely replace spinning platters with all the digital media people collect today, so rather than stretching your budget and compressing your media in order to stuff everything onto a 256GB solid state drive, we dug the idea of snagging a small (and affordable) SSD for boot / application operations and utilizing a spacious HDD for archival. Not to mention -- regardless of how fast a disk is -- two are almost always better than one. If you're interested in rigging up a similar setup, hop on past the break to have a look at our impressions.
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.
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! >
40GB stock running low in anticipation of new 80GB model
A new PS3 SKU will go to sale in Europe on August 27th. Already, the effects of the newly announced 80GB Core model has been affecting the sales stream of the 40GB model. According to HMV's commercial manager for games, stock of the 40GB model is dwindling as retailers prepare for the newly upgraded model. For those interested in picking up a PS3, it appears waiting for the 80GB model next month would be the wise choice."40GB stock has been in very short supply over the last few weeks ... PlayStation 3 will now boast a monopoly on Blu-ray, increased storage space and Play TV in the near future," Jonathan Hayes noted. "All this points to a stronger proposition for Sony going into Christmas. The only disappointment was the lack of backward compatibility compared to the US version."
PS3 Core 80GB $399.99 [update]
New core configuration this fall with 80GB hard drive. Same as the current 40GB SKU with twice the hard drive. This will also include a DualShock 3 controller. [Thanks, ajiezer!]
Rumor: New PS3 model coming next month
Click for full-resolution image. It looks like it's time to the PS3 SKU dance again. An alleged Wal-Mart spreadsheet sent to Joystiq states the 40GB PS3 "will be replaced with [a] new model in early August." What this new model will entail is unclear: it could be a new 40GB bundle, or it could be something different altogether. Perhaps we'll find out more at E3?This isn't the first time hints of a new system were revealed through retail channels. The 40GB model is currently the cheapest model of the PS3, retailing for $399. It is the only model of the PS3 that does not feature any backwards compatibility support for PS2 titles.
Rumor: Wal-Mart memo says 40GB PS3 to be 'replaced' in August
Click to embiggen A Wal-Mart spreadsheet allegedly listing products that the company is having difficulty stocking states that the 40GB PS3 "will be replaced with [a] new model in early August." We received this sheet from an employee that's sent us solid information in the past though s/he can't confirm the origin of the note that the model will be replaced. Of course, in the eternal battle over semantics, "replaced" could simply mean some minor tweaks to the model and the addition of the DualShock 3.For those keeping track, if the 40GB version actually ceases production it would be the third version of the PS3 to do so. Let's take a trip down memory lane: The 60GB PS3 was last seen in late 2007 roaming the plains of retail (some still speak of finding them in random places today) and the 20GB was officially declared dead in early 2007 after it went missing from retail for months. Perhaps next week's E3 will shed some light on the fate of the 40GB unit.Update: Adjusted for the possibility that "replaced" could mean basic changes to 40GB model, like the addition of DualShock 3.
SCEE confirms Grand Theft Auto IV PS3 bundle for Europe
We knew it was coming, but now we have a fancy press release in our inbox confirming it. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has officially announced a Grand Theft Auto IV bundle "exclusively" for the PlayStation 3. As you might expect, the bundle's release will coincide with that of the carjacking, city-wrecking romp on April 29th. The €439 (RRP) package will contain a 40GB PlayStation 3, a Sixaxis controller and ... we forget what the other thing was.
20GB and 60GB models skyrocket in price in Japan
How important is PS2 backwards compatibility to you? For many Japanese consumers, the ability to play last generation's games is a must-have feature on the system. So much so, that the discontinued 20GB and 60GB models are skyrocketing in value in the buyback market. Currently, Japan only has access to one system: the 40GB, and that is without any kind of backwards compatibility.Amazon Japan is currently selling 20GB systems for ?63,800 ($617), almost twice the current asking price of the the 40GB system. The 60GB model, which includes additional features, like wi-fi and memory card readers, currently sells for ?74,800 ($723). Hobby shops are the worst offenders, according to this blog (NSFW ads).In America, the backwards compatibility situation is less dire. 80GB models are readily available, and although they offer less-than-perfect support for PS2 games, it's certainly far better than the 40GB model's inability to play any PS2 titles. The upcoming Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle, for example, includes backwards compatibility with PS2 titles. However, one quick look at Amazon US shows that demand for the 60GB model, which is the most compatible with PS2 software, has done a good job of making it a valuable commodity.[Via Joystiq]
Europe getting 40GB PS3 bundles packing Gran Turismo, Blu-ray movies
While we chew on that incoming Metal Gear Solid 4 80GB PS3 (with DualShock 3) in the States, Europe has a pair of SKUs of its own to look forward to. Sony's hitting with a "movie bundle" on March 19th that includes Spider-Man 3, 300 and Casino Royale on Blu-ray, along with a 40GB PS3, all for the regular €399 price. If you can wait until March 29th, for the same price you can nab a 40 gigger bundled with Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. Both bundles promise to be quite appealing, but apparently neither come packing HD cables, which could be a bit of a hangup for those ready to make the Blu-ray plunge. GT5 box art is after the break.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Satin Silver PS3 hitting Japan on March 6th
We all know the Japanese love their gaming systems in many different colours, which is why it's no surprise that Sony has announced that another PS3 colour is being released in the region on March 6th of this year for 39,980 yen. The "Satin Silver" PS3 is another member of the 40GB SKU which Sony have stated many times that they are focusing on in the Japanese and European region. A Dual Shock 3 will also be released in Silver at the same time, priced at 5,500 yen, but will not come bundled with the console. This seems to us to be a wasted opportunity to start phasing out the Sixaxis, which is what ultimately should happen. Of course, putting a DS3 in the box would probably raise the price and after two price drops in its first year, a price raise, even with a good reason, would be risky business on Sony's part.[Via Engadget]%Gallery-15376%
New Japanese PS3 targets Satin worshippers
Never one to cast judgment upon any potential customers, Sony has announced a new PlayStation 3 color aimed at Japanese kids in service of Satin. Packing a 40GB hard drive and a matching SIXAXIS wireless controller, the "Satin Silver" model is scheduled for release on March 6th at the price of ¥39,980, or approximately $666 $376. Those hoping to feel Satin's rumblings in their idle hands can also pick up a similarly colored Dual Shock 3, which releases on the same day for ¥5,500 ($52). If you were foolish enough to pledge your allegiance to that Ceramic White model, consider this your chance to repaint. %Gallery-15364%[Via Engadget]
Best Buy discontinuing 80GB PS3
Click for high-resolution image. An anonymous Best Buy employee has sent us a scan of an internal letter, which notifies employees that the 80GB system is being discontinued. "The 80GB version of the PS3 is going closeout and won't be replaced at this time," it reads. "It will come off the planogram on Jan. 28. The 60GB version should already be gone from stores. Only the 40GB version of PS3 will be sold in Best Buy stores at this time."The 40GB model currently costs $399, and is the cheapest PS3 available. However, it does have a few limitations: it lacks memory card readers, features only two USB ports, and most importantly, loses backwards compatability, as noted in the memo. "This means that there currently isn't a version that is PS2 compatible," it notes.There have been very shady rumors suggesting Sony is planning on introducing a cheaper $299 version of its console (although that has been repeatedly denied by Sony). Earlier in the week, we also discovered an FCC filing for a white model PS3. Whatever's going on, it appears that Sony's making moves for a big change. Stay tuned.
FCC filing reveals Ceramic White PS3 for US
Barring an unforeseen and highly regrettable change of plans, it would seem the 40GB Ceramic White PlayStation 3, first launched in Japan during November of last year, may be headed to US shores and stores. The information comes from an FCC filing concerning the fairer model, signaling the possible arrival of choice for those unsatisfied with the standard black monolith. Since the Ceramic White model included a Dual Shock 3 controller, it seems likely that the Sixaxis successor will arrive at the same (currently unknown) time. As Sony hasn't made any announcements regarding further PS3 SKUs, we're awaiting official comment and will update this post accordingly. Sony responds: "As you may know, there are many FCC filings like this each year. We haven't made any announcements about upcoming PS3 plans, but are comfortable with our current two sku strategy. We are continually evaluating the market trends and consumer input to determine the appropriate PS3 models for our territory. "[Via Engadget, GamesIndustry.biz]
Sony discontinuing 20GB, 60GB models in Japan
The last bastion of safety for the 20GB and 60GB PlayStation 3s is nearing its end as Sony Computer Entertainment Japan announced that it shipped its last batch this month. Instead, Sony will focus on the 40GB model in Japan and will "vigorously promote the expansion of the PS3 platform."Of course, this doesn't come as much surprise as Sony has discontinued both models in North America and Europe, and it only makes sense since the 40GB is currently the best deal money can buy when it comes to the PlayStation 3.We bid you a fond farewell 20GB and 60GB, for we barely knew you.
AOL giving free PS3, Ratchet & Clank to new internet subscribers
Now this deal comes with several conditions. If you live in the UK, need a new internet provider and a 40GB PlayStation 3, then this could be the deal for you. AOL is currently offering a free 40GB PS3 and Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction for new subscribers who are willing to sign a two-year contract for its £19.99 a month AOL Broadband Wireless Plus package.After you complete the two-year contract, the PS3 is yours forever. The only thing you'll have to pay upfront is the £14.99 delivery charge for your new PS3.We have to admit, this is a pretty good deal anyway you slice it. After all is said and done, you'll spend about £480 to get broadband internet for two years, a new PS3 and game, and the satisfaction that you technically got a PS3 completely free.Disclaimer: PS3 Fanboy is owned by AOL.[Via Kotaku]
PS3 Black Friday sales increase 245% compared to last year
We had a hunch Sony was going to hit a home run during this year's Black Friday, and we were right. Sony announced that the sales of the PS3 skyrocketed 245 percent compared to the day last year. Additionally, PlayStation brand units increased 178 percent last week, which translated in a 154 percent sales dollar increase. If you needed even more staggering numbers, Sony also announced that since Nov. 2, sales have increased by almost 300 percent at the top 10 retailers in North America.In layman's terms, this all means Sony has made a helluva lotta money. It seems Sony's concoction of a new marketing campaign; newer, cheaper hardware and some great exclusive titles have been a recipe for success, and we don't see why it will slow down anytime soon.
PS3 outsells Wii again in Japan
Last week, the PlayStation 3 turned heads throughout the industry when it outsold the Wii in Japan, pushing 65,000 units. It appears the the tidal wave that is the newly introduced 40GB PS3 doesn't appear to be slowing down much as it outsold Nintendo's console for the second week in a row.While the total number dipped to 53,000 systems, it still outsold its foe by almost 20,000 units as the Wii only managed 36,000 sales.After going through such a rough inaugural year with the PS3, it's interesting to see the turnaround Sony's managed with its console. Battling through bad press, over-priced systems and a lack of compelling games, it appears the PlayStation 3 has finally turned the corner and is now everything we expected it to be. Now, can it go for the trifecta?[Via MCV]
