Free PS3 Slim
The much awaited PS3 Slim is now available for $299. It has all the same features as the older Playstation 3 models, but is 33% smaller, weighs 36% lighter and comes with a 120GB hard drive to boot! It’s also powered by a 45nm version of the Cell processor, which compares to the 60nm processor found in previous PS3. This helps reduce the power consumption of the PS3 Slim, as well as reducing fan noise.
Other points of difference you might notice are that the shiny finish is gone (and so are those annoying fingerprint marks!) and replaced with a more textured finish that won’t smudge. In addition, Sony have finally changed the official PS3 logo/name from “PLAYSTATION 3″ in capitals to “Playstation 3″. Why they didn’t do this from the start, who knows… While the PS3 Slim will stand vertically like its predecessor, you will need to purchase a special stand from Sony in order to enable it to do so.
Disappointingly, there is no backwards compatibility with PS2 games and you are also unable to install a different operating system (i.e. Linux) – Sony decided that they didn’t want to include that feature. Anyway, no big deal right?
Here’s the official Sony video in which SCEA President and CEO Jack Tretton shows off the PS3 Slim hardware:
So, the big question – will you be able to get the PS3 Slim for free. The answer is yes… eventually, however it might take some time for the Free PS3 vendors to update their stock. Given that the PS3 Slim costs less than the original PS3s there is no reason for them not to offer the PS3 Slim for free, however they will likely need to get rid of the older PS3s first.
It might pay to keep an eye on the various Free PS3 offers out there so you can wait and jump on them once the PS3 Slims start to filter through.
