Get a 40GB PlayStation 3 for $237 shipped

Finally, a bargain price on a PlayStation 3. Get one before they're gone.

(Credit: Sony)

If you've been waiting patiently for Sony to drop the price of the PS3, wait no longer: the Sony Style store has the refurbished 40GB PlayStation 3 for $236.77. Shipping is free, though you'll probably have to pay sales tax.

Obviously Sony is clearing out old stock to make room for the new PlayStation 3 Slim, and at this price it's a safe bet these refurbs won't last long.

Indeed, this is the lowest price I've ever seen on a PlayStation 3 (not including that crazy credit-card promotion from last month, which many of you took as proof I'd lost my mind).

Because it's a refurb, the warranty expires after 90 days. The good news is that you can extend that to two years for just $19.99. Of course, at that point you might as well splurge on a new 80GB PS3, which is now selling for $299.99.

On the other hand, you could just roll the dice and put that 20 bucks toward, say, a Blu-ray movie. As most of you know, the PS3 doubles as a kick-ass Blu-ray player, with full support for Profile 2.0 and all the other goodies.

Given that standalone Blu-ray players with those capabilities still sell for upward of $300, a PS3 is obviously the better deal. It's like getting a game console for free!

So, what do you think? Is this price too good to pass up? Or is the 40GB model too limited for your needs? Share your thoughts in the comments.

[choctawfootball]

or you could buy a NIB ps3 off ebay for $255.00 + ~$15.00 shipping = $270.00

i just bought a used ps3 metal gear solid bundle for $305.00 with an extra controller and 4 games off ebay for $305.00 . . .

[aragorn888]

Why would you want to splurge for an 80GB? It's identical, except for the HDD and 80GB is not enough.

The way to go is get the 40GB, then upgrade the HDD to 500Gb. Amazon sells the WD 500GB 2.5" SATA for $89.

http://www.amazon.com/500GB-Scorpio-Mobile-5400RPM-2-5IN/dp/B0023MYNCE/

So, you'll have a 500GB PS3 for about the price of a Slim AND you end up with a 40GB HDD to use for... maybe back up your family pics. You can get a 2.5" SATA enclosure for about $10.

[wonjoon0330]

To: aragorn888
Actually it's not same.
choctawfootball did mention he got a Metal Gear Solid 4 PS3 Bundle which has PS2 backward compatiblity by software plus 4 usb ports and a Flash memory readers as well as SACD playback which 40GB PS3 and 80GB PS3 doesn't have.
So it is actually worth it and choctawfootball got a good deal on his PS3.
BTW only 80GB PS3 that has all the extra feature I mentioned above are Motorstorm bundle and Metal Gear Solid bundle.
40GB and 80GB which are not from Motorstorm bundle and Metal Gear Solid bundle do not have PS2 backward compatiblity by software plus it doesn't have 4 usb ports but rather 2 usb port and it also doesn't have flash memory readers and it also doesn't have SACD playback.
Anyway since new PS3 slim will be only $299.99 and 80GB are $299.99 and 160GB are $399.99(If you buy from certain wal-mart it comes with Littlebug Planet, Killzone 2 and Terminator Sara whatever Chronicles Blu-ray for FREE) so I say 40GB "REFURBISHED" PS3 for $236.77 is hardly a good deal as most people rather get new PS3 Slim 120GB for just $60+ more. If it was priced $199 maybe I'd bite but again it was epic fail by Sony.

[technologyRules]

You can always throw in a larger 2.5" SATA hard drive to up the storage capacity...

[disturb189]

Or you could get a refurbished 40 gb from Gamestop $230 or a new 80 gb with 3 games, 2 blu-rays, and dvd remote for $370 at walmart.com.

[wonjoon0330]

That's not good deal at all, try other wal-mart they should have PS3 160GB Uncharted Bundle + Little Bugs Planet + Killzone 2 + Terminator Sarah Cronicles Blu-ray for only $399. It could be exclusive to Canada only just like how Bestbuy had $1000 off on Samsung LED TV on U.S. exclusively. But it definitely is in Canada and I suggest Canadian Buyers to check it out the awesome bundle on Wal-Mart if you don't mind getting phat ps3 instead of slim one.

[uglysock]

Does anyone know if the credit card deal from last month ($100 instant credit and $200 more if you spend $3K in the next six months) is still going to be active when the new PS3 comes out? I saw the $100 is still up but didnt see any fine print about the other $200. Thanks!

[rickbroida]

I don't think that deal is available any longer.

[tomgarz]

I got in on the credit card deal, I got $200 back in the first statement (sign up plus I spent $1500) so now I just have to get the last $100, great deal. After seeing the new price I went back to Sony last week to see it the $300 deal was still there but It appears to be gone. Hard to beat a 80gig for $100.............

[Khubo]

I was looking at that one also. I checked this morning and they were offering $100 off a $299 console. Now I am debating whether I want to do that now or wait for the "slim" to come out and hope they have the same deal (which I doubt based on pre-order figures from Amazon).

[mailroomview]

My opinion is to buy the 80 Gig PS3 at $299 and skip the PS3 Slim model. Recently another writer at CNET suggested to wait for the PS3 Slim and its 120 ig. The better model is the 80 Gig or even the earlier 60 Gig with the better IBM motion chips.

Apparently SLIM means less technology and yes I agree some can find a 60 or 80 Gig model on EBAy or such for sale. The 2 year warranty is a good investment, but so far since the PS3 came on the market very few ever need a Warranty because of the QUALITY built into the units. Compare that to those who only purchased an XBOX360 and have seen over 50% failures of that unit.

The PS3 regular models have much better life with the 40 Gig, 60 Gig, and 80 Gig models and play every game brought onto the market including backward play of the PS2 model games.

Forget the PS 3 slim models as a QUALITY built console, time will tell about its useful life with gamers, but all are better built than the XBOX360 models with such high failure rates.

I own both consoles and only the XBOX360 has had multiple failures as NEW units.

[MyTThor]

Would you care for some cheese?

[wonjoon0330]

60GB is basically the best.
20GB lacks some of important stuff 60GB had.
80GB from Motorstorm bundle & Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle pretty much same as 60GB except for it's PS2 backward compatibility is worked by software emulation rather then chip.
40GB, 80GB(standalone, not motorstrom or metal gear solid 4 bundle), 160GB has better better CPU & GPU chip(shrinked) same goes for slim but it lacks stuff like PS2 backward compatibility and also extra 2 usb ports, SCAD playback, flash memory reader.
btw my both xbox 360 never had rrod yet thanks god plus my both ps3 60gb is working just fine.

[yik44]

imagine ps3 as blue ray player ppl will buy happily

[DetJMunch]

Rick or anybody, know of any good cheap Windows laptop deals out there right now? Laptop would be for cousin who needs a DVD drive and doesn't want a refurbished. So, a netbook is out. Other than that, need very basic bare bones. For e-mail, iTunes, internet, Open Office, stuff like that. Any deals you know of out there.

Thanks!

[thedementedboy]

how does this relate?
idiot

[DetJMunch]

Ouch.

[ywkhgqo]

thedementedboy, no.

to DetJMunch, I know this may not help but any laptop with a 2.0 GHz dual core or higher, with 3 gb's of ram and probably more than 200 GB HD will suit 90% of pc users. Dell has some great options on studio's and inspiron's.
Try newegg.com and amazon to find a laptop that is nicely rated backed with a good warranty. Hopethis helps.

[aces8181]

Ok, here is a question for you ps3 fans! I will be buying a PS3 and am still deciding on the 80GB and the slim.. What could you possibly use that large hard drive for? I will not be putting pics on there, so tell me what you are using it for.. Thanks

[aces8181]

Oh yea, someone said something about switching the HD out to a 500 GB HD.. What are you using all that for lol..

[Tech Diva XXX]

I'm now looking at a PS3 too, due to the price drops.

My guess is mainly videos on the large HDD. That's what I'd put on it, to watch on TV.

Also, game downloads can take up a lot of space, so I've heard.

[Nychocolips]

Tech Diva is dead on. II have friends who transfer video files to to their PS3. I imagine that keeping the more frequently watched copies of DVDs (especially if you have kids) on the drive means you can keep the originals safe from the flying Frisbee syndrome and just general abuse they would suffer.

[jwilson61904]

I currently have an original 60 gb model and I'm not what most would call a hardcore gamer. My harddrive is nearing capacity from downloadable game add-ons, some songs (less than 50), no pictures, system updates, and game saves. Suprisingly enough gamesaves take up the overwhelming majority of my harddrive space. Games like Fallout 3 have some fairly large saves.

[wonjoon0330]

I never really need lot of hard drive but I guess for people who download lot of games and movies need it...
I still have my original 60gb ps3 and it still have over 50gb space.

[wonjoon0330]

by the way this is important.
not every 2.5" HDD will work on PS3 and this is real.
you gotta check size and ****, some won't even fit despite being 2.5" and many has different sizes and **** too.
but I guess most of them works I guess.
btw I'm not speaking of this from experience but rather from what I've readed.
Many people claim they bought 2.5" HDD and it wouldn't fit on PS3 or something but that was year ago or so.
I guess it should be safe if you guys make sure 2.5" HDD your buying is compatible with PS3 or not before paying it just to be 100% make sure. Hope this helps someone even though it's kinda outdated information.

[vito7272]

I started out with the 40gb, and figured I would never need more. Less than a year later, I had less than 10gb remaining. So I upgraded. Was just going to go to 250gb. Then I started looking at how little a difference there is in price as you go up in size, so I ended up with a 500gb for $100.

Now, I'm nowhere near the 500gb, but I have used well over 100gb.

To answer your origianl question, my HDD space is taken up mostly by game add ons (map packs, GH/RB songs, etc), game trailers, game demos & a handfull of complete downloaded games (Burnout, Battlefield 1943, Shatter, etc).

It's shocking how quickly that stuff adds up.

[zachchen1996]

Id rather just get a new PS3 Slim! :D

[EvanSei]

get a new one not a refurbished model because how I see it if they replaced what broke but not what caused the broken piece to break the second piece will still end up breaking because the first piece was not replaced and it will need repaired again.

[thedementedboy]

wow what a stupid statement. what the hell is your problem did you even read what you typed? i would be embarrassed. RETARDED.

[EvanSei]

Sounds like you had a refurb. fail on you and now your a bit sour :) and yes I did read it just had trouble spitting it out. Really Retarted come on what kind of person says that are you illiterate?

[cristate67]

Death to sony

[cablebfg]

$256.30 was the after-tax total, sans warranty. Overall, that is an incredible deal if you have expendable income. Unfortunately, as an unemployed college graduate, my focus is on GETTING money, not spending it right now.

[wonjoon0330]

this isn't incredible deal man.
your getting refurbished outdated 40gb console.
pay add $50 to $256.30 and you'd get brand new console your choice of 80gb or 120gb slim with better CPU & GPU chip.

[gescores]

PS3 Slim for 299$. Brand New. No Rebate needed.
120 GB, 45 nm processors (means less heat).
The $60 difference is not worth it.

[wonjoon0330]

Your definitely right. I can't believe lot of people saying refurbished 40gb PS3 for $237 is good deal.
What are they poor or something? I doubt it. Can't belive CNET for actually putting up this as a so called good deal.

[thedementedboy]

The point in getting an older model is so you can put linux on it and play ps2 games. I'd say it's worth it, not to mention the better build quality of the older models. the ps3 can handle it's own heat, no matter what model i'm sure it will be fine.

[wonjoon0330]

thedementedboy//it's not worth it as only 60gb, 20gb, 80gb from motorstorm bundle or metal gear solid 4 bundle support ps2 backward compatiblity, but for linux part your right. still I say it's not worth it due to the fact it's refurbished console not even new means it previously had something wrong with it and has been reconditioned so you'd rather pay 60 buck more and get brand new 80gb(if you want linux)which also has better gpu chip too.(40gb has 90nm one and current 80gb or 160gb one have 65nm one)and if anyone's living in canada, they can get superstore $30 coupon that comes every once in a while and buy ps3 for $270 CAD.(bet u.s. has some similar other good deals if you look into it)

[jon345111]

I'll take the slim at $299 and save the $60 or so over the life of the system in energy since it is 30-40% more efficient. Theres smart savings for you. Also, you could try using BING cashback at barnes and noble (at 20% right now) to get an 80gb for roughly $240 after cb.

[wonjoon0330]

oh yeah PS3 slim do have better energy efficient due to cpu chip shrinked to 45nm.
sony never revealed if gpu chip also got shrinked so i'm guessing it's still 65nm...

[bobbybob3680]

or go on craigslist and get one for $190!

[Dan7637]

yeah this isnt a good deal- for only $60 more you get a brand new PS3 with more storage and newer processors

[MakaiOokami]

I just have to say this. i do NOT think it's a good idea to splurge for the 80GB model. Why? because I went to Best Buy around January and picked up a 320GB HDD for like 100 dollars. The 70 dollars is not worth it to double your HDD space ESPECIALLY when you could sextuple it for the same price. It's just a 2.5" laptop hard drive.

I bought a 60GB model 3 years ago not a single lick of problems, upgraded HDD to 320, installed as much as I can, tossed as many t.v. shows as I have on the thing, I still have 80GB left.

So... if you can please don't recommend that they buy a model with a larger hard drive as the only benefit. Just be coincious that upgrading the HDD CAN be a pain though so it's not quite difficult or easy, it's tricky. If you want to save money that's the best way to do it.

The PS3's great and all, just remember you can do video chat with generic USB Webcams, you can use USB and Blutooth Keyboards to chat with people, you can even bookmark websites on the system.

If you dont' have an HD t.v. be wary that you shouldn't expect too much sometimes.The higher resolution helps with clarity, visibility, and readability quite a bit.

Other than that LET'S PLAY SOME GAMES! Or... WATCH SOME MOVIES! Or... well there's a lot of things you can do, just find something you enjoy :P

[deepen05]

why spend 236 on this old PS3? when you can get a slim 120 gb for 299 anyway? unless you really care that much about backward compatibility, which the 40gb has.

[j0sepac0]

I just used this deal:

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&lang Id=-1&categoryId=8198552921644595898

Even with the unreasonable CA Sales Tax rate of 9.75%, after the $100 credit I'm still only looking at $230 for the Slim

Does this refurb have the card reader slots?