How Slim is PS3 Slim

When PS2 slim launched it was 75% smaller than the original PS2 - Now looking at the PS3 slim; it is only 33% smaller than the original PS3 and although shoter, it is in fact wider than the old model. I think I'll stick with my Original 60, MGS and Ceramic White PS3s. Regardless, Sony says their manufacturing costs are down 75% and the price went down to $300. For this price you're buying a blu-ray player and the most capable game console out there. It just became a sweeter deal.

Let the milking of GranTurismo fans begin. Prologue is hitting shelves on April 15th for $39.99; it can also be downloaded for the same price. I've been playing the game for couple months now but there was a catch. I tricked a PS3 console in thinking it resides in Tokyo and downloaded the Japanese version; it was a bitch to get thru the JP screens though; now we can play it properly.

What should you expect from this Prologue to the GT5 game which is coming in Xmas?
- 60 cars: (don't worry the GT-R and EVO X GSR are there) - 6 tracks (London & Suzuka are my fav)
- Drift Mode
- Tuning on the fly
- Up to 16 player online
- This new cockpit view

Since these games started to look insanely realistic, I think now it's up to the hardware to allow the user to experience real driving feel. Logitech wheels are good built but not on coffee tables they don't feel realistic. We can tuck a giant home exercise rig under the couch, Prosumers everywhere need driving rigs to attach their wheels too; so they can tuck that under the couch when they're done driving. They need precise adjustment features on their gaming controller and they need 1080p TVs to experience these games in full resolution. If GT5 is going to make you say "enough; I am getting a PS3" and assume you have an old ass TV set; let's see what you need to shell out: PS3 $500 + 1080p display (say 32") $700 + Game $100 (Prologue + GT5) + Logitech Wheel $200 = $1500 + tax

You can go and buy a used Nissan 300ZX with that cash vs driving the simulation GT-R below but you wouldn't now would you?

Solid Metal Gear Solid 4 PS3 Deal

I've been a big fan of the Metal Gear series and today I learned the launch date for the 4th game; Guns of the Patriots; it is June 12th. Sony also announced a MGS4 PS3 bundle which includes an 80G PS3, the game and the Dual Shock3 for $499 which is a great deal actually. I wonder if there will be some sort of MGS graphic treatment on the PS3 console itself. Just like the red GOW PSP below. Metal Gear will sell a lot of PS3s.

UPDATE: Judging by the box image; PS3 will be in classic black. Everyone seems to drool over the box art but there is a major design flaw on it actually. Check out Snake's reflection on the PS3; since it's the mirrored image of Snake's 2D rendering it's not realistic as a true reflection; if it was you should be able to see his inner thigh in this pose.

1080p on Office Desk

Have all the toys at home but I have to admit that I'm pretty lucky when it comes to work related gadgets I have to surround myself with also. When I needed a monitor for my office desk the IT guy Evan was kind enough to hook me up with a 24 incher. All I asked for was HDMI interface with 1080p output and LG's Flatron happens to be the smallest size my company has access to. It cost $599 + tax & shipping; not a bad deal even for home use actually with its decent 3000:1 contrast ratio and 1900 x 1200 resolution. Hooked up my laptop - (VGA), PS3 - (HDMI) and the Wii - (Component); no ports left for the Xbox 360

(don't really give a sh*t) Life's pretty pretty good now ;)

Sphere Controller Concept

Joystiq held a design competition way back during PS3 launch. It was a mystery how the new PS3 controller was going to look like and they asked their readers to pitch in. Sony played it safe and kept the Dual Shock design but I recall this cool concept submitted by one Adam Portilla. It's a sphere shape controller and I believe it'd be quite ergonomic to hold it too. I'll prototype one and will update it here with feedback. Kudos to Adam indeed. I think it can never be a mass marketed item but would make a very nice special edition licensed controller. Katamari Damacy maybe?

RF Tank in Action

Found a Korean company in the dark corners of the Asian pavillion. They came up with a unique wireless chipset which lets the user to control this "tank" with your Playstation controller. Tank operates in 75" range and complete with a motorized camera on top. These guys are my new best friends. This product must be a mass market one. It'd be fun to play with it.

PS3 Controller Mod

Law mods his PS3 controller and replaces the top housing with his antique red PS1 controller top... Result:

- Port assignment red LEDs lights up the whole top housing creating a nice effect

- Semi-transparant finish gives the controller a more techy look

- He has a unique PS3 controller

Though seem easy; this mod is not for faint of heart; it has couple complications that need careful execution and attention to detail.

First: To create the PS button opening on the PS1 controller top housing (requires a handheld rotary tool and lots of patience)

Second: Trimming certain plastic parts on the inside for utmost fit (luckily the screw holes allign very well)

This mod will also remind you that your rumble has been taken away from you; damn you Immersion!

For detailed how to info hit Law at: hellolawrence@gmail.com

MS Pro Duo recorder rul3z!

Remember Hori's MS Pro Duo recorder? Which never got popular and remained as a prosumer item. In one of my trips to Asia last year, I met the owner of Hori's factory who produced this recorder for them. He gave me a good shape proto of his that was simpler w/o the remote, he asked me to use it, if I like then push it to my channels, I tried, there was considerable interest but becuase it couldn't be properly priced and some other logistics concerns it never was picked up as an ongoing product. But I use it very often myself, sits next to my digital cable box and it's a one touch recording of any video & audio feed, then into my PSP or PS3 or both. Since resolution is meant for PSP; image is a bit pixalated on big screen but for recording ur fav TV show, it's just great!