So I just picked up the 60 GB model from eBay and hooked it up last night. I like it, but I gotta say—this thing is a beast. It's bigger than the original Xbox! And how much crap did that design get?

Are huge consoles just more acceptable these days, or did I miss all the mocking?

The PS3 is mocked for a lot of things, this is just low on the list.

It is big, it is heavy, it is shiny, it is quiet.

I dunno, I think it's a pretty sexy design. It's not that big!

I definitely prefer the looks of the PS3 to the 360. As long as it fits on a rack shelf the size makes no difference to me. The thing is pretty huge though compared to previous systems.

The thing is a beast but I agree that size and looks are the least of the problems with the system.

Does the PS3 have an internal power supply? I've never really looked at one that closely.

I remember when the xbox first came out, someone interviewed a bunch of Japanese people, and many said they wouldn't buy it because it was too big. I wonder if any of those people bought the PS3?

Probably because the PS3 is made by a Japanese company. The XBox was not, which is the other issue that I read was a cause for low sales of the original black beast box from MS.

Yes, it has an internal power supply.

I was more surprised at its weight than its size. Must be the aforementioned internal PSU.

The PS3 looks like a home theater device. The 360 looks like something made from warped leftovers at an aluminium factory. Still waiting for a Mt Dew Extreme Green 360 Edition. The PS3 is more classy. And I own both by the way and play my 360 much more than the PS3.

It's not thaaat much bigger than the original PS2... and that was way uglier. The old PS2 looked like they borrowed a failed design from Intellivision.

I like the original PS1 design the most out of all the iterations of playstation. You can't even do the swap trick with these newer models any more!

It definitely is heavy, but I like the design. I got used to the original Xbox as well.

Considering the PS3 seems to do a good job of dealing with the heat it generates I am happy with the size and design.

It is big and heavy, but I do like the looks of it. But I sure wouldn't call it quiet. And yes, plenty of Japanese have purchased it without regard to the size. I don't know that there is a more xenophobic and nationalistic country in the world.

I think the noise issue depends on model. I have a new 40gb version and when I'm either playing a movie or playing a game the thing is silent. Well not silent but you can't hear it unless you get about 2 ft away. If I'm about 15 ft from my 360 it drowns out the noise coming from my 2 PC's that are less than 3 ft away.

At least it doesn't overheat and force you to return it for repair.

I can't stand the black case on it. My 360 still looks brand new while the PS3 shows every swirl mark on it.

Just passed the 2 year anniversary of my launch 360...still going strong without a single problem (although I can assure you that it won't make it 3 before RROD... )

Ehh...why does your PS3 have "swirl marks?"

Mine has an electric fan that comes on when it gets hot, stays on for a few minutes, then turns off again. Not the worst thing in the world, but very noticable while watching a movie.

Put it under good enough light, I have yet to see one that doesn't have them to some degree.

In addition to being a finger print magnet, it's also a dust magnet.

Having just sent a PS3 via FedEx I now know that the system, in its original box, weighs ~ 18 pounds.

In comparison I dont think the Wii console weighs five (5) pounds. The box the Wii comes in probably weighs closer to 10 pounds, but the book-sized console is extremely lightweight.