October 30th, 2006
Sony PS3 hogs 380 watts of power, Xbox to get 1080p upgrade
Websites are reporting that Sony has revealed their PS3 (Playstation 3) will consume 380 watts of power in comparison with the 160 watts the Xbox 360 uses and the 45 watts used by the Sony PS2. A high performance Intel Core 2 Duo PC with a high-end graphics card only uses around 160 watts of power. With that much power flowing through such a relatively sleek box, it's no wonder they had some overheating issues in some demonstrations last month.
The additional power consumption can add up to $100 for typical usage but the type of consumer who would buy a PS3 probably aren't extremely concerned about it. The only thing they might be concerned about is keeping good ventilation for their PS3. PS3 shoppers should also be aware that the PS3 doesn't come with an HDMI cable and retailers might try to make a killing on $40 to $100 HDMI cable accessories. If you're planning to buy a PS3, it might be a good idea to mail order an HDMI cable now from a cheaper online store. Just search for "HDMI cables" on any Internet search engine.
Sony is relying on the PS3 for the success of Blueray DVD and continued domination of the console market but initial shortages will limit PS3 sales this Christmas season. Microsoft is projecting Xbox 260 sales of more than double the number of PS3s before the end of the year and Sony is responding with a limited edition of the PS2 at $130 USD with a bundled Dualshock controller. The SFGate is reporting that Microsoft will announce a software update for Xbox live silver and gold members that will unleash 1080p capability in the Xbox 360. Coupled with the Xbox 360 HD DVD accessory, Microsoft is trying to steal some of the thunder from the Sony PS3.
With Nintendo's Wii in the mix, the 2006 holiday season is shaping up to be a war. The consoles this holiday season will range from the cheap Sony PS2 to the moderately priced Nintendo Wii to the moderately expensive Microsoft Xbox 360 to the very expensive Sony PS3. There's no question of technological superiority with Sony's PS3 but the shortages and the price of the PS3 has Sony investors very nervous since Sony is betting the farm on the PS3. Each product will appeal to a different market segment but the enhancements to the Xbox 360 are designed to blur the line with the PS3 and it will be interesting to see who come out on top. It could make or break Blueray DVD and it could make or break Sony.
George Ou is Technical Director of ZDNet. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
