First, RE: Backwards compatibility, the 80 GB has software emulation, most PS2 titles will work but not all. The 60 GB is actually a better system as it has hardware emulation, meaning it has the emotion engine and basically has a working PS2 inside it as well. A lot of people are snapping up this 60 GB because of this, there are some good deals around, future PS3's won't have this feature. Even the 20 GB would be good if you can find one, it has the emotion engine as well, and it's easy to get a bigger hard drive later. When you play your PS2 games on the PS3 they are upscaled to HD so they look better if you have a good TV.

For online, PS3 has free online play, Microsoft does not, you have to pay for Xbox live, like it's cable TV or something. A lot of people say that the PS3 online community is better to play with as well, lessfoul mouthedkids and stuff. But there are more titles for download on the Xbox so far, whereas the PS3 is gradually catching up.

"It's a Microsoft Product" - you think that is a plus? Surely you know that the Xbox has had hardware problems, with high failure rates and the famous RROD. A lot of people buy the Xbox360 and have to keep sending it in for repairs. The PS3 hardware is better designed and more reliable.

When it comes to games, this is a personal preference of course. I think with all the great 3rd party games about to come out, like COD4, Asassin's Creed etc. for both systems you can't go wrong there. A lot of people here are really happy with their PS3 and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. Of course it's up to you in the end.

Is there such a thing as a fast wireless connection?

When downloading, wired isusually 5 - 10 minutes

wireless - varies but can be several hours for big files, like you are finding now.

Once you have set up an account, and their are places that show you how to do this screen by screen, then you can browse the Japanese PSN storeto your hearts content, just navigate the same way for other stores. I'm not sure what else you are looking for, do you want to know what is unique to the Japanese store? For free or purchasable content? If you are looking for a super dooper site with everything translated and detailed information about every bit of content then you aren't going to find it. But ask specific questions and we can help.

I'm not going to argue with your points, Please_Thankyou, but I think you are forgetting something. This website has a community forum, so it's natural people are going to air their views. Personally, I would be happy if this Aaron Thomas dude is not given any further high profile Playstation 3 exclusives to review. In case you haven't noticed, the quality of PS3 exclusives is a sensitive issue right now, and seeing this guy dump all over this latest high quality one has got people upset, I believe with good reason.

Now if there wasn't any outcry at all, and Gamespot believes it is fine to keep palming off these exclusives on to him while he proceeds to dump all over them, that wouldn't be a good thing, would it?

I've made a few posts in this forum, and it's not because I'm a maniac fanboy. It's because I care about Gamespot and it's standards, and I think this shows they are under threat. I've been visiting this site for years and consistently found their opinions to be reliable.. until now.

First, if you don't have a PS3 how can you jump ship? Get on it first!

Themain thing, if there are games you want to play on the PS3 now, then get it and have fun.

If you want to play games online, rememberon the PS3 it is free, on theXbox you have to pay a subscription fee to Xbox live. Alsothe Xbox hardware isn't very reliable so it can easily break and leave you without a games console while you wait to have it fixed. For Madden, yes the PS3 version has a lower framerate, butunless youwatch them side by side you won't really notice.

Anyway you shouldn't have to ask people you don't know to convince you, make a choice for yourself.