Buying a PS3, seeking advice

[miked]

The 360 finally sold on craigslist so Im on the hunt for a PS3.

I know that the big ones can run linux, but I have no idea how useful that is. What can a PS3 running linux do?

Would you trust buying a refurb off ebay? Has anyone ever bought an extended warranty through Square Trade?

Or should I just spend the cash and get a new slim from Gamestop? My original idea was to sell the 360 and get a used PS3 and a few games to get me started without having to spend any extra money. I can afford a slim but I wont have anything left for games...

[the7k]

If you are going to get a new system, either buy from Amazon (free shipping + no tax) or Best Buy (2 Year Warranty). I just bought a Slim from Best Buy today, actually.

While having Linux on the PS3 is pretty cool, it's not something I used very often. My plan is that I'm going to turn one of my current PCs into an "Emulation Rig" that I'll just leave hooked up to my (coming eventually) HDTV.

While getting a used PS3 is a pretty safe bet, fan failure is the most common problem. Not even a common problem, just the most common. Even if you do lose your fan and it is no longer under warranty, you can just install a new fan. I just dunno if I would trust myself under the hood of something so expensive. I hear one wrong move could disable your WiFi.

[Dylan]

I know that the big ones can run linux, but I have no idea how useful that is. What can a PS3 running linux do?

Really, nothing that would be done better on a pc.

Would you trust buying a refurb off ebay? Has anyone ever bought an extended warranty through Square Trade?

My cousin did this and he didn't have any problems. For the most part as long as you carefully read the product description etc, you should be fine. If anything the PS3 is a pretty solid piece of hardware.

If you are going to get a new system, either buy from Amazon (free shipping + no tax) or Best Buy (2 Year Warranty). I just bought a Slim from Best Buy today, actually.

I'll second this advice, though I prefer Amazon to Best Buy.

[lisalover1]

Get an original 60 GB launch model. They can run linux and some homebrew.

[miked]

Well never fucking mind, the asshole on craigslist just changed his mind. When I talked to him the first time he sounded very excited and said he had the cash in hand to come buy it and was on his way, but when I called him now he has changed his mind with no excuse given. I wouldn't be so pissed if this wasn't the third time already.

Its now clear to me that craigslist is a way to get the stupidest fucking morons on earth a means to contact you.

Thanks for the advice though guys, it was very helpful. If I ever sell this damn thing I think I will buy one from this guy: http://cgi.ebay.com/Sony-PS3-PlayStatio ... 3ca68bb370

His feedback is incredible and gives the option of a 1 year warranty through Square Trade. No Dualshock 3 but I would have turned off the vibration anyway.

[Weekend_Warrior]

Get an original 60 GB launch model. They can run linux and some homebrew.

Yeah, but those are the most prone to failure

[Xonticus]

Well never fucking mind, the asshole on craigslist just changed his mind. When I talked to him the first time he sounded very excited and said he had the cash in hand to come buy it and was on his way, but when I called him now he has changed his mind with no excuse given. I wouldn't be so pissed if this wasn't the third time already.

Its now clear to me that craigslist is a way to get the stupidest fucking morons on earth a means to contact you.

*Sigh*
Sorry to hear that shit. But yeah that guy on ebay seems good if you are really looking for used.

[miked]

Thats not the worst out of my craigslist experiences. For example:

Douche #1: He calls and offers me a "powerhouse" home gym as a trade. Personally I wouldn't think the guy selling an xbox with 15 games or so would be too interested in working out. Curious I looked up the value of a "powerhouse" home gym and it typically sells for $75 used.

Douche #2: Kid calls me and wants me to name off which games are included. First I would like to know why he cant read them off of craigslist like anyone else, but I do anyway. I start naming them off and he interrupts me to ask if I have Halo 3. I say no and he quickly says no thanks and hangs up the phone. Does the stupid kid not realize Halo 3 is like a $25 game now? Trade what you dont like in to Gamestop and get it yourself! Kids nowadays.........

Douche #3: I get a text message at 3 in the morning and it wakes me up. The message says, "Stil got dat box?" Spelled exactly like that. His signature is "aint giv a fuck". I didn't bother to respond.

Besides those favorites of mine I had a few other super crappy trade offers and the other 2 assholes that decided to change they're mind and not be decent enough to call and tell me.

[Saraph]

Thats not the worst out of my craigslist experiences. For example:

Douche #1: He calls and offers me a "powerhouse" home gym as a trade. Personally I wouldn't think the guy selling an xbox with 15 games or so would be too interested in working out. Curious I looked up the value of a "powerhouse" home gym and it typically sells for $75 used.

Douche #2: Kid calls me and wants me to name off which games are included. First I would like to know why he cant read them off of craigslist like anyone else, but I do anyway. I start naming them off and he interrupts me to ask if I have Halo 3. I say no and he quickly says no thanks and hangs up the phone. Does the stupid kid not realize Halo 3 is like a $25 game now? Trade what you dont like in to Gamestop and get it yourself! Kids nowadays.........

Douche #3: I get a text message at 3 in the morning and it wakes me up. The message says, "Stil got dat box?" Spelled exactly like that. His signature is "aint giv a fuck". I didn't bother to respond.

Besides those favorites of mine I had a few other super crappy trade offers and the other 2 assholes that decided to change they're mind and not be decent enough to call and tell me.

Wow, I've had nothing but good experiences through craigslist. Well, kinda. I did have some shady people back out on selling things to me, but that isn't a big deal. I recently bought a brand new PS3 slim off of someone for $240 on craigslist. He listed it for $270 but I negotiated down to $240.

[Dakinggamer87]

I would also recommend 60 GB model for all the features: PS2 BC, Media card readers, Linux, Wi-Fi built-in. If none of these features like PS2 BC or Linux matter then I would go with new Slim PS3 at Amazon or Best Buy.