The Playstation 3 PS3 is developed by Japan's Sony Corporation and is one of the top gaming consoles in the world today.

No, you don't have to go to the mall to enjoying virtual reality games with your friends. A mall trip can be expensive as you will be tempted to buy many other things inside.

In the comforts of you very own home, you can call in your friends and loved ones and play your favorite games together. Not only, that you can also listen to your favorite music or watch your favorite movie. Sony's PS3 can give these all to you.

Sony PS3 only uses the latest technology in the market today like Cell Broadband Engine and Blu-ray Disc technology.

And because this product is from Sony, many other components are of the highest quality. That is why we have this guide so you can choose from the wide array of components and features of this latest craze in gaming and multimedia.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

A PS3 is basically a computer so it has a CPU. The cell microprocessor, a PowerPC-based processor is the heart of the PS3.

Random Access Memory

The common main memory used in PS3 is the XDR RAM although you can also have GDDR3 VRAM. The minimum RAM is 256 MB but you can always increase that as needed.

PS3 Hard Disk Drive

You place all your files on the PS3 hard disk drive. The Playstation 3 comes with 20 GB, 60 GB and soon 80 GB capacity hard drives but 20 GB is slowing being phased out due to limited buyers. I advise you to get the highest capacity available because you will surely get addicted to the rich features of PS3 and you will want more and more files and software installed on your PS3.

Operating System

PS3 has the ability to have an operating system. You can even update the operating system with new features you download from the PlayStation Network. In fact, the PS3 has an option in the XMB menuw here can install Linux distros like Gentoo, Fedora Core 5, Debian and Ubuntu.

Blu-ray Disc

Blu-ray discs are the latest in the storage technology. They are similar to CD and DVD as they basically discs as well but there a DVD is limited to 2 to 5 Gigabytes of storage capacity, Blu-ray discs can contain 25 Gigabytes for singled-layered to 50 Gigabytes for double-layered. You can enjoy more than one high definition video stored in 1 Blu-ray disc drive.

BD Remote Control

This will allow you control your music and video using Bluetooth on Blu-ray discs. The nice thing with this remote control is that you don't need to point it to the console because it functions like infra-red.

High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)

This allows you to have a digital audio and video interface that can transmit high quality uncompressed streams. With HDMI, you can interface with digital audio and sources like DVD players, personal computer, AV receiver and a set top box.

Bluetooth

All PS3 plays have built in Bluetooth that will allow you to wirelessly connect to other digital devices like digital cameras, mobile phones, laptops and printers.

Chrome Trim

This nice trim is available only with 60 GB and 80 GB but not with 20 GB models.

IEEE 802.11

The IEEE 802.11 is a wireless connection standard. Some PS3s support IEEE 802.11b has the range of 35 to 120m and support up to 11 Mbps of data transfer. Other PS3s support IEEE 802.11g which has a range of 35 to 120m and can support up to 54 Mbps data transfer rate.

Flash Card Readers

Most PS3s have flash card readers that can allow you to easily transfer data from digital camera and camcorders.

PS3 Graphics Processor

Make sure you get the graphics processing unit based on the NVIDIA G70 so that you can experience the best picture quality.

Sixaxis Wireless Controller

This is the main controller of the Playstation 3. Some PS3 models can simultaneously support up to 7 Sixaxis Wireless Controller via Bluetooth while also being to connect via universal serial bus (USB) for easy power recharging.

Headset

You can purchase a USB SingStar headset that has built in microphone already. If you don't want much clutter in your area, you may opt for the Bluetooth headsets.

PlayStation Network

This is the online unified online gaming service for the PS3. The services of the PlayStation Network are totally free and always connected with multiplayer support.