Data Storage and Release Dates
At the time of publication, the 2.5-inch Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA)-connected hard drive on the PS3 Slim comes in four configurations: the 120GB, 160GB, 250GB and 320GB. The 120GB was the first version to debut, in September 2009. The 250GB followed two months later. The 160GB and the 320GB -- coincidentally the only models in production -- first appeared on July 2010.
Capabilities
Although the PS3 Slim is primarily designed as a video game console for playing PS3 games, it actually functions as a multimedia device. This is because it can play CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs, download content such as games and wallpaper using the PlayStation Network (PSN) service and enables the user to surf the Internet. Also, it provides a screen display quality of up to 1,920 by 1,080 pixels in resolution. Notably, users can also play PlayStation 1 games on the PS3 Slim, but not PS2 games.
Connectivity
The principal external interfaces of the PS3 Slim are its High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) output, which provides the aforementioned resolution and connects to the HDTV for uncompressed digital audio/video content transfer, and two USB 2.0 ports for connecting and charging the console's controllers. Also included are an analog audio/video output, optical digital audio output and Ethernet jack for wired networking, providing a maximum data transfer speed of 1,000 megabits (or one gigabit) per second. With the built-in Bluetooth 2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate technology, as well as IEEE (Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers) 802.11 b/g wireless connectivity for Web browsing, the user can enable the use of up to seven wireless controllers.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
Each PS3 Slim has a width and length of 11.5 inches, or 290 mm, and height of 2.6 inches, or 65 mm. The earliest-produced 120GB and 250GB models -- bearing the model numbers CECH-2001A and CECH-2001B, respectively -- weigh 7.1 lb., or 3.2 kg. The other PS3 Slim models weigh less, at 6.6 lb., or 3 kg. Using a built-in 610-millampere-hour lithium-ion battery, the DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller packaged with the PS3 Slim weighs 6.4 oz., or 180 grams.