So my sister is traveling to the US today and she commented that she wanted to look into buying a new DVD player while there since the one she has is rubbish and a good brand would only cost her a fraction there than it would here. I said that if she's going to buy something and lug it around half way across the globe, she should get a Blu-Ray instead, since they play back DVDs anyway, and if she got a Playstation 3 she could also play games. She liked the idea, the problem is she's now asking me all kinds of questions I have no clue on since I've never bought a PS3 myself (or any other consoles since the Genesis/SNES days). I know there's about a dozen PS3 models out there with some differences, which one should I tell her to get? What about accessories, anything I need to tell her about? Help?

Well, simply a common Ps3 slim with a 160 GB hard-disk.
Don't buy the newest model because they have only a 12 GB HD and you will change it if you want download at least one game from PSN.

I wouldn't buy a PS3 to play DVDs.

You'll be able to see Blurays on it because all of America has the same region. But unless they say so, DVDs are supposed to be Region 4 only (but quite a bunch of 'em are Region 1 and 4, at least in Mexico.) Region 4-only DVDs won't work on a PS3 since it's hardcoded to only play Region 1 DVDs.

There are super slim ps3's with 500gb hd's.

Yes, but will you use 500 gb?
I think they are a LOT

PS3 Slim as Big_Boss said is the best bet, but you have to decide on the hard disk capacity according to your usage. If you will be buying PS3 games on Discs then a lower capacity PS3 will do but if plan to buy Digital Downloads directly from the PSN store I would recommend you one with at-least 320GB capacity. And also if you like to get involved in the game with some physical action then go for PS3 Move Bundle. It comes with Sports Champions an action-sports game.

Thanks for the replies.

I don't think she'll game too much on it, I'm pretty sure she won't buy digital downloads, but if the price difference isn't much probably best to be on the safe side.

DVD region isn't a big deal, we have Region 1 & 4 releases here, and most of her DVD discs are Region 1 anyway.

Playback options of PS3 are so limited. If she mainly plans to watch movies I suggest you go for a full scale media player.

Buy a PS3 for games/BluRay and a 30 dollar DVD player to go with it.

There's no reason to put wear on your BluRay drive playing DVDs, beyond the region locking issues (which Sony will rabidly enforce).

Certain models of cheap DVD players will let you change their region or even skip the unskippable ads.

That must only be for Italy or something because I can't find a PS3 with that small of a harddrive. I'm seeing 160 to 500gb for the current editions.
I know the Xbox 360 has a 4GB one.


Anyway, pretty sure the PS3s don't really change much other than their size (slim vs. fat) and harddrive size. Guess there is also the one that comes with the move vs. not coming with the move.

Anyway, the harddrive can be changed rather easily in them so you can always upgrade that. If you don't plan on downloading much the harddrive size isn't important. Never had to worry about my 80gb and I have I think 3 small games downloaded. It does mean I have to delete install data sometimes to make room though. Not really a big deal, would just have to reinstall the disc if you want to play that game again. Obviously if you are wanting to download a bunch then bigger is better.

A lot of the consoles come with games right now, might want to consider that. Amazon has a Assassin's Creed 3 bundle, Playstation All-Stars and Ratchet Collection bundle, Uncharted 3 bundle, Infamous 1+2 bundle, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Bundle. All from about $270 to $300. Different retailers have different bundles.

As for accessories. Another controller is never a bad thing, other than that I can't think of anything. Maybe a charger for the controllers, you can plug them into the PS3 to charge, but then you have to leave the PS3 turned on. There is a charger that plugs into an outlet and you plug the controllers straight into that if you'd rather not leave the PS3 on just to charge the controllers. You can also only charge them when playing, but you'd have to sit rather close to the system as the cords are short. Oh and the game No More Heroes only works with the newer Dual Shock 3 controller, I think all other games work with the older sixaxis only controller.