CNET Editor Jeff Bakalar reviews Sony PlayStation 3 80GB. The review beings with a table chart comparing the four different PlayStation 3 models – 20GB, 40GB, 60GB, and 80GB. (The chart is attached below.) Other sections in the review are: design, controller makeover, familiar interface, digital media hub, Sony’s version of Web TV, the PlayStation Network, Cell inside, play time, and movie watching.

Review summary:

The good: Swanky design with quiet operation; all games in high-definition; PSP-like easy-to-use interface; plays high-def Blu-ray movies in addition to upscaling standard DVDs; built-in Wi-Fi and flash media reader; 80GB hard drive; online play is free; HDMI output with 1080p support; no external power supply; free online gaming service; plays most PS2 and PS1 games.

The bad: Compelling exclusive games are still few and far between; backwards compatibility is software-based; PlayStation Home and rumble controller not available until 2008; a USB port on the back would’ve been nice; no infrared port means non-Bluetooth universal remotes aren’t compatible; glossy black finish is a fingerprint magnet; online gaming, media, and commerce options not nearly as developed as Xbox Live.

The bottom line: The high-end Sony PlayStation 3’s larger hard drive and ability to play older PS2 games makes it a worthwhile alternative to the cheaper model–so long as you’re willing to wait several months for the more promising exclusive titles to hit store shelves.

CNET Editors’ Rating: 8.6/10, Excellent

To read the entire review, click here.

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