I'm not looking for a $60 auction here, I just want to get a couple bucks out of something I'm not going to use anyway.

But, nobody has actually answered my question.

The R&C one might expire on 3/31/2010. While the original Amazon email does not state an expiration date, all the other Ratchet codes had a 3/31/2010 expiry. If I were you, I would work under that assumption.

As for the Uncharted one, all the codes I had (Gold Weapons, Navarro character skin, Revenge Attribute) expired on 12/31/2009. So you should check the Amazon code on the PS Store website (not the PS3 itself) and it will tell you if it's still valid and redeemable.

Thanks. I'll try that.

I'm going to be picking up a PS3 in the next month or two. What accessories are musts? Do I need the remote or can I use a universal one? Does the system come with HDMI or component cables? Since the controller is wireless, do I need something to charge it up? Are there any other must- haves?

Comes with component cables. If you want hdmi, go to monoprice.com

Wireless controllers come with a standart USB to mini USB cable for charging. You can charge via your PS3 or computer or whathaveyou.

To use a universal remote, you ahve to get a IR2BT adapter. Or you can use the PS3 remote they sell.

If you want the BT headset, get the one that comes with Tom Clancy's EndWar. It's on clearance at Best Buy for $30 right now.

thank you sir.

Did you mean composite? Because standard A/V cables are the only ones included with the slim units. No HDMI, no component.

Are you sure about that, and you don't just mean standard def COMPOSITE cables? My 60GB unit only came with composite cables, and that has always been a knock against the PS3 that people have used (that it is an HD machine that doesn't even come out of the box with any HD-capable cable)....

Composite. COMPOSITE!

I wasn't thinking clearly. Poster asked about HDMI or component, and I just assumed high-end, low-end, without thinking of my word choice.

You may want a USB hub of some sort, since there are only two ports now. Monoprice has those as well. I use this one, which kind of fits in with the PS3: http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2. You might want a powered hub, but I haven't had any issues with a non-powered hub and the Rock Band instruments and a flash drive connected. If you were doing something like charging multiple controllers, you might need a powered hub, but I just charge the controller on my PC anyway.

As far as charging goes, I picked up a couple of 10' USB cables from Monoprice so I can use my controller from the couch if it needs charging in the middle of play. The USB cable that comes with the system is pretty short, as I recall.

I always get those 2 mixed up. I'll be like "Yeah you want composite for the best picture under hdmi' then I feel like a retard.

thanks for clearing it up. now I'll have a better idea on how much this will cost to have what I need.

So I got my slim from Sony...replacing my dead 60GB. It's going to live in the bedroom, I think.

I was afraid they wouldn't send it to me since I opened up the 60GB and dismantled the BRD to get Borderlands out. I did a good job getting it all back together, but I was still afraid they'd send it back. The new unit is...well...new as far as I can tell. It came with just the manual and power cord as expected, but I halfway thought they'd send a retail boxed slim. No such luck.

The turnaround was just about a week, but I live in TX...not too far from the service center.

How are you liking the slim compared to the 60GB? Do you notice it quieter at all?

My slim system is definitely quieter than the 20GB I had. However, it tends to make a popping noise after turning it on or off, which seems to be the plastic cracking due to heating up/cooling down.

I adore the slim. It's whisper quiet and looks much more elegant IMO. I haven't really thought about BC at all, but I'm sure I'll want to play something at some point.

Really, besides God of War, Ratchet and Clank is the only thing I'm likely to go back to, and there's already two new ones on PS3...3 if you count QFB.

Neither of mine do the popping thing, but I've heard some do...not sure what the long term impact (if any) of that is.

I don't think there is any long term impact. My TV does that too, and I've had it for years...

I've been thinking about selling off my 60GB for a slim. Only problem is I just put a 250GB drive in it a few months ago so that would be kind of a waste. Sure I could put it in the slim, but the 120 would probably be fine for a while.

The only PS2 games still on my shelf are the LOTR games and Revenge of the Sith, so it won't be a big loss if I don't play those again.

Personally, I think the slim looks cheap. The "brushed look" plastic do not scream quality HD hardware. Sure it's what under the hood that counts but, I think they could have done a better job with that case.

My Slim has made these noises since I got it in September. It doesn't make one when you first turn it on, but after its been on for awhile it will "heat up" and pop. Then pops a few secs after you turn it off.

Over the weekend I was moving some stuff around in the room, and left the Slim vertical and played a little Uncharted 2. The system was a lot cooler, and it never popped. I decided to leave the system like this temporarily and played a few more things and no pops at all while it was vertical.

The Slim never did run "hot" in my opinion, but the temp difference between vertical and horizontal is still pretty noticeable. Not sure if I'll leave it this way or not. It fits better on my stand horizontal, but I like that it no longer pops/cracks now.

Is it better to keep the fat PS3 horizontal or vertical? I live in Puerto Rico and can't afford an AC so it get's pretty hot in my living room at times.

Horizontal. With room on the sides to breathe.

I don't think it makes a difference.

Cool. Thanks.