I am now an owner of a new PS3!

[Icemage]

Originally Posted by ussrelativity

Thank you, but I do not have a high definition TV yet. This will be my only major purchase for a long time. For now, it's back to strict savings.

Also, another reason for the 80GB MGS4 model in particular is because of the 65nm Cell and the lower heat output. I want to take good care of it, so it will last a LONG time. I have never owned a game console ever, and I remember playing many other kinds when I was growing up, including the NES, which was a long time ago.

If you're really interested in prolonging the lifespan of your PS3, get yourself an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for it (also applies to other complex electronics like computers, incidentally).

A decent UPS unit will run you somewhere in the vicinity of $100 delivered, but they're worth their weight in gold. Aside from the safety of knowing your gear is protected from poor power quality (which is a concern almost everywhere), it also saves you frustration - no spontaneously losing game progress during a brownout or power spike, no damage to your saved games if something weird comes down the power lines during a save operation.

My launch 60GB PS3 is still working as perfectly today as it was when I bought it.