Upgradeable PS3 hard drive and console warranties

[heliosphere]

Sony seem to be saying that the PS3 takes a standard PC hard drive and that users will be free to upgrade it. Looking at the hardware it seems that would require you to open up the case. Every console I've ever seen makes it quite clear that opening up the case will void your warranty so are Sony planning to change that with the PS3 and allow end user modification without voiding the warranty like a PC or are users who upgrade going to do so at their own risk?

If they're really going the route of building a PC competitor as some interviews suggest then allowing users to open the system up makes some sense but it would be quite a departure from the traditional status of console hardware as a consumer electronics device not suitable for end user tinkering rather than as a PC where users are allowed to fiddle with the hardware.

 

[Bad_Boy]

There is a HDD slot, like the ps2, so im sure it wont void your warranty. Especially when they seem to encorage the ability to upgrade your HDD on your own.
The only problem I see with the HDD and warranties is that if somehow your ps3 dies, and you have to replace your ps3, will you loose your saves and data on your disk like the 360?

edit:
pic of the hdd slot

with the larger black design of the ps3 i think the slot is a little lower on the side, but still in the same place. I'll try to find a picture.

 

[heliosphere]

Ok, that makes more sense. Did the PS2 use a standard PC hard drive or did it have a proprietary connector?

 

[Bad_Boy]

Ok, that makes more sense. Did the PS2 use a standard PC hard drive or did it have a proprietary connector?

PS2 can use a standard PC hard drive, infact I have one in mine now via HDLoader. But the ps3 will use laptop 2.5inch hard drives, and you can upgrade those ofcourse.

 

[zifnab]

If they're really going the route of building a PC competitor as some interviews suggest then allowing users to open the system up makes some sense but it would be quite a departure from the traditional status of console hardware as a consumer electronics device not suitable for end user tinkering rather than as a PC where users are allowed to fiddle with the hardware.

I think sony needs to be very careful they don’t get caught between two chairs. IMO they don’t have any chance in taking on the pc market - the functionality, mass of games, and standardization that pcs offer is simply something that sony cannot compete with. The ps3 price is essentially a pc price and the only advantages it offers are blu-ray functionality (for now) and specific game exclusives (and the pc will naturally have its share of pc only games). At the same time, the xbox and wii are offering more console oriented prices with consoles that are more game specific. Sony will undoubtedly fair well given their position, but I think the pc type approach is dangerous. They can easily end up alienating many of their console gamers whilst appealing to only a few pc-style enthusiasts.

 

[Bad_Boy]

They did the same thing with the ps2, comparing it to PC's that is. I think they are just trying to point out that the playstation "__insert number here__" has more features than your average console. Ofourse the PS2/ps3's are not anything like a full functional PC, it's just a matter of whatever works for their PR team I suppose. I dont see it hurting them, price on the other hand could possibly hurt them.

 

[overclocked]

You worry to much guys. Let they release the machine first.
And all talk about it being uppgradable would i interprete as you will buy the linux-pack or other peripherels to it.

I think 95% of bad news has been spread by inaccurate repports or plain FUD.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

The only problem I see with the HDD and warranties is that if somehow your ps3 dies, and you have to replace your ps3, will you loose your saves and data on your disk like the 360?

Depending on file format you could take the HDD out, plug it to a PC and backup the contents. Also, there must be some backup method or else all that lovely content you've bought over PlayStation Content SalesPoint™ will be lost too

 

[JBark]

There is a HDD slot, like the ps2, so im sure it wont void your warranty. Especially when they seem to encorage the ability to upgrade your HDD on your own.
The only problem I see with the HDD and warranties is that if somehow your ps3 dies, and you have to replace your ps3, will you loose your saves and data on your disk like the 360?

If your 360 dies, and it's not drive related, MS will tell you to keep your drive and just send in the console itself. They ship you back a console without a HD, you plug yours in, and things are back like they were. I'd guess/hope that Sony will allow something like this as well.

 

[Bad_Boy]

Depending on file format you could take the HDD out, plug it to a PC and backup the contents. Also, there must be some backup method or else all that lovely content you've bought over PlayStation Content SalesPoint™ will be lost too

Yeah, hopefully its like the PSP game saves (and other data like movies/music/demos), which is perfect. Saves sharing is great and easy to do on the psp. If they keep it like that, I see no reason why we shouldnt be able to back up our saves. Infact, maybe the ps3 could be accessed through the network and you could just drag your saves over without detatching cables and what not.

If your 360 dies, and it's not drive related, MS will tell you to keep your drive and just send in the console itself. They ship you back a console without a HD, you plug yours in, and things are back like they were. I'd guess/hope that Sony will allow something like this as well.

Ah wasnt aware of that, thanks for clearing that up for me. Hopefully sony will offer the same service as I hear MS's warranty system works great. Question though, What about in store warranties like eb-games or somthing?

 

[JBark]

Ah wasnt aware of that, thanks for clearing that up for me. Hopefully sony will offer the same service as I hear MS's warranty system works great. Question though, What about in store warranties like eb-games or somthing?

I've wondered about in store warranties as well. My guess is they don't work like this. Makes me glad I didn't get an extended warranty through circuit city when I got mine. I think I'll go with the MS one instead.

 

[Titanio]

I think sony needs to be very careful they don’t get caught between two chairs. IMO they don’t have any chance in taking on the pc market - the functionality, mass of games, and standardization that pcs offer is simply something that sony cannot compete with. The ps3 price is essentially a pc price and the only advantages it offers are blu-ray functionality (for now) and specific game exclusives (and the pc will naturally have its share of pc only games). At the same time, the xbox and wii are offering more console oriented prices with consoles that are more game specific.

PS3 is a superset of either machine's functionality. It does not sacrifice or dilute its focus on games in favour of other functionality, the 'extra' functionality is additive (and in all cases ties back with benefit for games anyway).

I also would not mistake Linux on PS3 as an attempt to replace PCs, it's really aimed at homebrewers. PS3 as a PC is not a threat to PCs, PS3 as PS3 might be though, given how computing in the home has been shifting.

 

[RobertR1]

256mb's of shared RAM. It's not gonna be threatning anything.....

People keep raving about the possible PVR capabilites. Please explain how this is going to work without a built in tuner for the average Joe?

People are not going to going to have PC's with capture cards, then connect the PC to the PS3 and use the hard drive of the PS3 to store the data?

Paying your cable provider $7 a month for a DVR+tuner+TV guide+On Demand(if available)+purchase on the fly, is a better option.

Also, a built in browser open to the internet would be a horrible idea. Now you are exposing the console to hackers and virus makers. One of the biggest advantages for consoles has always been their closed enviornments thus they're free of such nuainces. Look at how many people's PC's are f'd up due to spyware and viruses. Atleast on the PC, they can tack on a bunch of 3rd party software to keep it clean. On the console, they'll be at the mercy of the manufacturer to close up every hole that is found. Do you really want to buy a console for it's hassle free functionality and then have to worry about security patches and exploits?

 

[Titanio]

256mb's of shared RAM. It's not gonna be threatning anything.....

In what context though? If you wanted to look at it as a desktop PC with Linux, I know many people running on less still. And that's fine for many purposes (and no doubt it can make use of the RSX Ram also, albeit in a slower fashion). For gaming, you obviously need more in a PC now, but you'd use your PS3 for..PS3 gaming, really

As a type of 'home computer', not a PC, the amount of RAM doesn't really mean much.

 

[zifnab]

PS3 is a superset of either machine's functionality. It does not sacrifice or dilute its focus on games in favour of other functionality, the 'extra' functionality is additive (and in all cases ties back with benefit for games anyway).

Some of the added functionalities are pc-oriented (i.e. hdd + linux) but it’s primarily the price that brings the ps3 closer to a pc comparison. I normally don’t spend the kind of money required for a ps3 on a gaming platform, but if I was to, I would be tempted to consider a pc option instead (wherein I could always throw in either a hd-dvd or blu-ray drive later on). The ps3 will of course come down in price, but the question is how much and how soon. It looks like it’s going to be a very interesting console so hopefully we’ll see provident price drops, but I think sony needs to be very watchful of their pricing and marketing further down the line.

I also would not mistake Linux on PS3 as an attempt to replace PCs, it's really aimed at homebrewers. PS3 as a PC is not a threat to PCs, PS3 as PS3 might be though, given how computing in the home has been shifting.

This very much depends on how sony decides to market the ps3, and hence my statement that they need to be careful. MS and sony are keen to bring entertainment centers into the living room, but in doing so, they should be cautious of getting mixed into pc pricing and functionality. Having said that, I think ms are making good use (or misuse depending on how you look at it) of their position by extending their console’s functionality with respect to pcs (e.g. live anywhere and media center) rather than introduce something that overlaps in price and functionality.

 

[Titanio]

Some of the added functionalities are pc-oriented (i.e. hdd + linux)

Perhaps true, but my point is they don't take away from its gaming capability one jot. The HDD arguably adds, at least.

I normally don’t spend the kind of money required for a ps3 on a gaming platform, but if I was to, I would be tempted to consider a pc option instead (wherein I could always throw in either a hd-dvd or blu-ray drive later on).

I think quite honestly Sony would be happy if people were comparing PS3 to PCs in the 500-600 range, because that's a comparison that would be very favourable to PS3. But they're not really pitching it against PCs, I don't think.

 

[Acert93]

Being able to use standard PC 2.5" Laptop HDDs is a VERY cool feature. I wish MS had done this route. It drives down costs and gives the consumer more options. e.g. There is no reason that 360 users should not be able to use 60GB HDDs.

Kudos to Sony for this!

As for the PS3 being a home computer... I am certain, if Sony is willing to support such, it can email, browse the net, maybe VoIP. Gaming can all be done via PS3 games (with full online support I might add!)

The PS3 probably wont be running Word, Excel, and what not and perephrials (like printers) would be a barrier to certain types of use--which is a bummer in regards to letting the kids doing their homework and reports on it--but overall it could satisfy most casual media-computer needs.

With the HDD, I am hoping Sony opens up the PS3 to a full array of uses

- Full Linux OS Support (open it up to the consumer!)
- TiVo functionality
- Blu Ray movie support
- PS3 gaming
- Online gaming, demos, microtransactions, DLC, and even online distribution
- Retro gaming
- Browsing, e-mail, IM, voice chat, video chat,

I see no reason why the PS3 cannot do all of this -- out of the box. I was dissappointed with MS's approach in this regards (obviously protecting WMC and Windows platform). Sony has a chance here to expand to a new market and new consumers who are willing to pay more.

And if they find a way to let little Johnny do his homework on the PS3 (Openoffice?) and print it out the PS3 could very well become a low end "home computer" that fits a basic, but common consumer need. Which would be good, because at $600 Johnny's parents may not be able to afford a PS3 and Computer <zing!> Sorry, could not resist!

 

[Titanio]

Agreed. Although I'd say that Linux does not make PS3 more threatening to PCs, as such. The core functionality is what's interesting. It's not coincidence they've put a internet browser into the main OS, and not a word processor, for example. If you look at the typical things people use home PCs for, mostly, you'll probably find you can do most of those things via the core PS3 OS (gaming, net browsing - a big big thing now -, media handling, entertainment etc.). That's what makes PS3 "a threat" so to speak, not Linux on the HDD, IMO.

(TBH, though, consoles are a long established "threat" now, this isn't anything new. If you look at the dominant form of computing in the home, in many cases that's likely to be a console. Although internet browsing has clawed back in favour for the PC in recent years - but again, that's why Sony's putting a browser there now, which is truly SUCH an enabler in terms of computing generally, and likely going forward as more and more gets put on the net versus local applications).

 

[Sis]

Being able to use standard PC 2.5" Laptop HDDs is a VERY cool feature. I wish MS had done this route. It drives down costs and gives the consumer more options. e.g. There is no reason that 360 users should not be able to use 60GB HDDs.

Kudos to Sony for this!

I tentatively agree. I'm very interested to see how Sony plans on securing online gaming with what seems to be a very open system. Perhaps they'll be better at it, knowing full well you can't just trust the data.

 

[archie4oz]

I think sony needs to be very careful they don’t get caught between two chairs. IMO they don’t have any chance in taking on the pc market - the functionality, mass of games, and standardization that pcs offer is simply something that sony cannot compete with.

Sony competes with PCs market just fine, they're called VAIOs..