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...Or get the 40GB for $399 with a $100 Gift Card to Walmart. I know, it doesn't play PS2 games, but you can buy an external hard drive and save yourself $200.

these 80gb bundles are rare nowadays.

currently, you can't use any HDD that is in NTFS format for your PS3. So external hdd sounds good but not good in reality. The 80GB model is not just more HDD space, you also get a multi card reader, 4 USB ports, and PS2 backward compatibility.

Yes you can still swap your hdd with a 250GB SATA HDD then you get more space

#3, don't most external HDDs come with FAT32 formatting?

I thought PS3 only worked with FAT32 drives, correct me if I am wrong.

I'm having trouble deciding between the two.

BTW, i think the Walmart promotion for $100 back is now expired.

Can you not plug in a usb port into the PS3 40gb to get more usb ports? can you plug in a flash card into the PS3 so you can read memory cards?

#7 yes of course

#7, do you mean plug in a USB 'HUB'? You could... however some peripherals require power via USB, so make sure the hub you get is powered.
<EDIT>so I recommend getting a powered USB hub.</EDIT>

I could be mistaken but I thought you could format any HDD to FAT or NTFS, so it doesn't really matter what it is when you purchase it.

Does the 40GB model have HDMI output?

#10 yes, don't be lazy and check it yourself next time.

1. All PS3's have HDMI
2. USB hubs, powered or unpowered, can be used with the PS3
3. All HDDs can be formatted to FAT32 (which is what external drives must be on the PS3). You might need to use Swissknife depending on the size of the drive though.
4. HDD formatting means nothing if you upgrade the internal drive, the PS3 will format for you. Just make sure its 2.5" SATA and 5400 RPMs or up.
5. External drives cannot be used for game saving or demos. Only media.

these 80gb versions are loaded, wifi, bluetooth...very nice.

Bought mine for 299+tax after 100 from sony card and 100 walmart gift card but the 80gb runs a lil bit hot

Got one and now the kid doesn't do anything.

The drawback for these new 80GB models is that they have been confirmed to use the older 90nm cell processor instead of the newer 65nm cell found in the 40GB versions.

That was the deal breaker for me..

The 40GB version are more quiet, runs cooler and consumes less power(~100 watts). On top of that, there's a rumor that they'll add ps2 bc to the 40GB by the end of the year via a firmware upgrade. I wouldn't hold by breath on that though but definitely would be nice.

I got my PS3 and now Blockbuster is taking away my e-coupons I use for free games...Oh well, hello Gamefly, goodbye blockbuster!

#16...that rumor will never happen. It'd completely undercut their more expensive model and would be a foolish business move.

As for the chips...ps3's dont have cooling issues so that doesnt matter. If you care about power consumption i could see your gripe though.

There's really no business models with the PS3. They do not even advertise backwards compatibility. A firmware upgrade is likely if they could ever figure it out. Why wouldn't they put it out if they could? The 80GB had it's day in the sun. It's only progression that consoles get cheaper with better features/options.

Sony must have had a supply of these bad boys left over. I indeed do think they run too hot and are way too loud. The 40GB runs cool and quiet.. which I think is much better for the small area I can put mine where overheating may be a problem.

For $350 you can get a 40GB and MGS. To me, $150 is not worth the $4 upgrade to dual-shock and the ability to play outdated PS2 games.

Well i doubt a firmware upgrade is going to bring you PS2 games since the required hardware to run the PS2 Game is missing ie the ps2 "emotion engine". Now if they could somehome emulate the emotion engine with the RSX on the PS3 that id buy as thats how they do ps1 compatability.