Yes, it would of been nice to include sequential paddle shifters on the back. Would of made driving experience a bit better.
you dont need a special chair. YOu can sit on your couch, edge of bed and clamp the wheel to a portable table. This is perfect if you're a casual gamer like me. Those who are hardcore racers will prefer racing setup/chair. ...

DecalGirl PlayStation 3 System Skin Kit
Manufacturer: DecalGirl
Site: Buy from DecalGirl
Price: $14.99 (system skin only); $4.00 each (controller skin purchased w/system skin); $4.99 each (controller skin only)


Overview : Say what you will about the new Playstation 3 - it sure is glossy black. Like it's little brother the PSP, the PS3 collects dust and fingerprints with a vengeance. Plus, your mega-purchase looks like every other console out there...

Enter the new line of full-color PS3 skins from DecalGirl, with all the features you've come to expect - no fading, no goo or residue, and a washable surface. They're thin enough to conform easily to the curves, yet thick enough to prevent scratching the OEM finish. And, they're right here at our facility in the USA.

Quality/Usability : What does the PlayStation Portable and the Sony PlayStation 3 have in common? No. Not because their made by Sony, have PlayStation in the name or both being black. They're both magnets for fingerprints. We all hate the finger marks that the Sony systems attracts as it looks nasty and horrible.

With the DecalGirl PlayStation 3 Skin Kit, not only will it prevent fingerprints, it will protect your expensive investment from scratches and spice up the looks of your console. DecalGirl is well-known for their high quality vinyl skins. Skins produced by DecalGirl are vibrant in color and durable. There are a lot of skins to choose from and there will be some that will catch your eyes. You can even match all your consoles such as DS, Wii, Xbox 360, etc. to have the same skin.

The PlayStation 3 kit includes a skin for you PlayStation 3 ($14.99) and a skin for your SIXAXIS/Dual Shock 3 controller ($4.00 each). You dont have to get the kit. If you just need controller skins, you can purchase them for $4.99 each (savings of $0.99 each when purchased with system skin).

The system skin comes on one sheet. On this sheet are 3 vinyl skins (top, memory card door, front panel). The controller skin comes also on one sheet. There are multiple pieces for top front of the controller. You can even use the smaller pieces to to cover the buttons if you choose to but its your decision.

To apply the console skin, I simply started by matching the corners of the skin to the corner of the PlayStation 3 for all three sections. Once matched, I did it to the other 2 corners and left the fourth corner alone. Considering the skins are fairly big, it should not be a problem applying the skin. There are a couple of ways to smooth out the skin. You can use a credit card or something similar, your fingers or a rag. I personally use my fingers first to set the skin in place and use a rag to flatten and smooth the skin out. I dont use a card because it has sharp edges/corners and if there is a small hard particle that got trapped underneath the skin, it can ruin the skin.

The controller skin, can be a little tricky especially when it comes left (d-pad/joystick) and right (buttons/joystick) side of the controller. Since the left and right side are circular, I started off the biggest circle (d-pad and buttons). Once I aligned majority of the section around the d-pad and buttons, I started from the other end (joysticks). From here, I can place the skin around the joystick. This will also allow me to adjust the skin if needed. Once applied successfully on both sides, I applied the middle. The middle is fairly easy and I only had to worry about the skin going around the PlayStation Home, SELECT and START buttons. Last but not least was right about the L1 and R1 trigger buttons.

The controller skin also includes d-pad and buttons. Its up to you whether or not you want to apply these or just leave the controller alone.

Although everything fit perfectly, there was a problem. Since the PlayStation 3 has a sensor on the power and eject buttons and the skin covering the sensor, this prevents the buttons from functioning. This may be a major drawback for some. Yes, you can use the controller to turn on and off your system and eject your Blu-Ray disc but you still have to get up to remove the disc from the slot. So while you're up, why not power on/off and eject your system? You're up already. To solve this problem, you can either not apply the skin which wouldnt look right or cut out that section only, leaving a empty hole. Although this works, this may make the skin look ugly.

Conclusion : Overall, the DecalGirl PlayStation 3 Skin Kit looks great just like all other DecalGirl skins. Everything fit perfectly on both the controller and system. But the only drawback was the ability to use the power on/off and eject button. To some it wouldnt matter but to others, it would. DecalGirl would probably be able to fix this by adding a metallic piece under the vinyl or have a cutout of the buttons? This may require additional work and a change in their printing process or template. Then again, with DecalGirl's creativity, they might be able to think of a way. ...

Joytech Fusion Cooling Fan
Manufacturer: Joytech
Site: Buy from Amazon
Price: $9.99


Overview : Play it cool with the Fusion Cooling Fan from JOYTECH. Designed exclusively for use with the PlayStation 3 console, the Fusion Cooling Fan prevents potentially dangerous overheating of console through powerful fan assisted technology. Discrete appearance and safe operation, ideal for long gameplay session!

Features :

• Heat Diffusion System draws heat away from console
• Silent-Running design for quiet operation during play
• Prevents potentially dangerous overheating during sustained use

Quality/Usability : Like the Xbox 360, the PlayStation 3 produces a good amount of heat. Luckily, you dont hear much of RROD (Red Ring of Death) type display when it fails on the PlayStation 3 but you never know. There can be many factors as to why consoles no longer work. It can be defective, dust or the most common, overheating.

I remember my original PlayStation was like that. I had to put the PS1 on its side. With these nex-gen consoles, they are more powerful and require more energy. With that, they produce more heat similar to that of PCs.

Like Nyko's Intercooler, Joytech decided to enter the cooling fan market by releasing the Fusion Cooling Fan. Unlike its competitor, the Fusion Cooling Fan only goes on the back of the PlayStation 3. There are three fans encased in a plastic housing. To the right, there is a plastic door that covers HDMI port, optical port, etc. and underneath is a USB port. The Fusion Cooling Fan does not cover the power plug or power switch.

Joytech claims the fan to be quiet but it was the same loudness as the PS3 if not slightly louder. Without the fan, the PS3 blew out hot air. With the Fusion Cooler Fan, the air was not as hot and was warm. Whats nice about the Fusion Cooler is that it runs off of the USB power. No additional batteries or external power.

Conclusion : Overall, the Joytech Fusion Cooling Fan did OK. Yes, air comes out from the back of the PlayStation 3 but air also comes out from the right side/top (depending on how you have the PS3 positioned). Like its competitor, Nyko Intercooler, it covered the back and side/top vent. Of course, it made it even more bulky. Price for the Fusion Cooling Fan is a bit on the expensive side. If currency exchange rate was done, it would be about $35USD. $20 would of been a more reasonable price. Since the PS3 does not have as much overheating problems that the Xbox 360 has, I would skip on the fans for the time being unless your PS3 is starting to act up and cause problems.

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XCM XFPS RateUp Adapter
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia
Price: $89.90


Overview : Similar to the XFPS Sniper, this unit will allow you to connect a keyboard and mouse to your Playstation 3 (PS3) console for the ultimate control in First Person Shooters. No more fumbling around with controllers, you can now point and shoot your way to victory! Play FPS's the way they were meant to be played and get an advantage over your competition! Also compatible with Playstation 2 controllers.

Features :

• Compatible with ALL Playstation 3 (PS3) games
• Compatible with ALL versions of Playstation 3 consoles (NTSC/US, PAL, NTSC/JAP)
• Allows you to map the controller button keys to any key of the Keyboard
• Compatible with 95% of different kinds of mice and keyboards.
• High sensitivity, high precision controls.
• Easily adjust the mouse sensitivity from 2 extra wheels with 16 levels of adjustment for X and Y sensitivity to adapt perfectly to your mouse.
• Built in Turbo (Auto Fire) functionality. Independent Auto fire buttons: Eight customizable auto-fire buttons (no soldering required)
• Plug & Play - Just connect the XFPS RATEUP to your Playstation 3 console and go! (No PC Required)
• Ease of use: Just use the original Playstation 3 controller to re-map itself to the keyboard.
• Both controller analog stick keys can also be mapped to the keyboard.

Quality/Usability : XCM has brought over its XFPS line over to the PlayStation 3. Like the XCM XFPS Sniper Plus for the Xbox 360, the XFPS RateUp allows you to connect a keyboard and mouse to your PlayStation 3. This brings the PC feeling of First Person Shooters or just the simplicity of point and click. Its as simple as plug and play.

Like the Sniper Plus for the Xbox 360, it uses keyboard and mouse. The size of the RateUp is the same as all other XFPS'. The RateUp offers X and Y axis dial which allows you to adjust the mouses sensitivity. There is also TURBO switches that lets you activate turbo for whatever button you desire. You can also program keyboards that corresponds to the buttons on the controller. However, rather than the bright and hideous colors, the RateUp comes in a clear blue casing. It looks a whole lot better to me personally. Knowing XCM and their track record, there will be newer RateUp's and I hope to see more clear colored casings.

Unlike the Xbox 360 versions, you do not need to connect your controller directly to the XFPS unless you're mapping the keyboard which will be discussed below. In order to get the XFPS RateUp to work, you need to set it to Controller 1. Your PS3 controller will already be set to Controller 1 already. To do this, simply flip the switch to DEFAULT and press F1 on the keyboard. This will bring up the PS3's menu. Just go to "Controller Settings" and change it to Controller 1. This will now bump your PS3 controller to a different slot. Now you can use your keyboard and mouse. You'll have to use the X and Y axis dials to adjust the sensitivity of the mouse to your likings.

To map keys to your keyboard, first you'll need to turn off the PS3 controller (SIXAXIS or DualShock 3). To do this, simply reset the controller by inserting a sharp object into the reset hole. Second, connect a USB cable to the PS3 controllers to XFPS RateUp. PS3 controller will be flashing and you are unable to move. Press the "PS" button to confirm and you are now able to move freely with the PS3 controller. To map buttons, set switch to "SET" and press "P" to Program. LED will now flash on RateUp. Press button you want to map such as the X button and now the LED next to "P" will flash rapidly. Now press the button you want on the keyboard such as the SPACEBAR to correspond to the X button on the PS3. The LED will now disappear. Your SPACEBAR will now act as the X button. Repeat this until you have completely mapped out your keyboard with buttons on the PS3 controller.

To map the mouse, you'll need to unplug the USB's keyboard and plug in the mouse. Repeat the same steps for mapping the keyboard. All thats left is for you to unplug the USB cable from the PS3 controller and plug back the USB of the keyboard.

You can use the XFPS RateUp with a First Person Shooter such as Call of Duty 4:


How about a fighting game? Or even a racing game. Cant forget the TURBO feature.

Conclusion : Overall, XCM XFPS Rateup Adapter works just like the XFPS on the Xbox 360. Its the same size, same layout, same design and offers the same range of features such as X and Y axis sensitivity, TURBO feature and the ability to map buttons. However, price is always a factor and the RateUp hits near the $100 mark. As mentioned above, XCM is known for releasing multiple upgraded versions of the same product. There are at least 5 version of the XFPS for the Xbox 360. Does that mean there will be multiple upgraded version for the PS3? Only XCM knows. If they can find something that they can improve on or make better, no doubt will there be a new updated ...

PS3 Blu-Ray Disc Remote (Official)
Manufacturer: Sony
Site: Buy from Goldenshop
Price: $26.00-$35.00


Overview : The PLAYSTATION®3 Blu-ray remote control enables users streamlined access to the PLAYSTATION®3 system's disc features. Unlike standard infrared remotes, the Blu-ray remote control uses Bluetooth technology so it can be used without having to point directly at the PLAYSTATION®3 system.

Features

• Official Remote Control
• Bluetooth Remote Control
• Enables DVD and Blu-Ray Disc (BD) playback

Quality/Usability : Putting the console aspect on the side and the PlayStation 3 is the best Blu-Ray player on the market. If you're reading this review, then you probably already have the PlayStation 3. You're also probably using the SIXAXIS or Dual Shock 3 to navigate the Blu-Ray disc menus. Since the PlayStation 3 has no built-in IR, its all bluetooth that will be doing all the communicating. So if you have a universal remote, it wont work. But there is a solution that I'll talk about later.

The PS3 Blu-Ray remote looks like a typical DVD remote, runs on two (2) AA batteries and allows you to navigate menus and controls. The remote measures approximately 8.5” long, 2” wide and 1” thick. It weighs in at 3.7 ounces (103 grams) or 5.0 ounces (135 grams) with batteries inserted. The remote sports 51 different commands. There is no dedicated ON/OFF button like normal remotes but to turn ON/OFF your PlayStation 3, there is a PS button just like on the SIXAXIS/DS3 controller. Press once to turn on the PS3. Press and hold the PS button for a couple of seconds and select "Turn off the system". You can also turn on the PS3 just by pressing any of the buttons on the remote.

Every button that you would find on a standard DVD remote such as Play, Stop, Next, Prev, Scan, Audio, Subtitle, directional pad, Enter, are all here. Everything you'll find on a PS3 controller is here as well such as Select, Start, L1-L3, R1-R3, X, O, Triangle, Square, etc. The remote also has an Eject button.

Since the remote is bluetooth, you'll have to pair it to the PlayStation 3. Unlike traditional IR remotes, you do not have to directly aim the remote at the PlayStation 3. The response of the remote is very quick and has a 30 foot range.

The remote feels comfortable in the hands although fairly long. What would of been nice was adding backlight to the remote buttons.

Conclusion : Overall, the PS3 Blu-Ray Disc Remote works great. Since its blutooth, you can only use this with the PlayStation 3. There is no IR so you wont be able to use this with any other home theater equipment such as your receiver or TV. At the time of this review, I dont know what the Red, Green, Blue and Yellow buttons are for on the remote but I assume it will be for the interactive stuff when it becomes available. One thing that can be annoying is the fact that any press of a button, even if accidental, the PS3 will turn on.

As mentioned in the beginning of the review, I mentioned a solution for those with universal remotes. You can check out our review on the PS3IRX1 IR Receiver Remote Adapter. Although you can use your universal remote and control the player on the PS3, there will be some lack of supported functions as that is the main drawback with any IR receivers.

So if you have a big Blu-Ray library, this will definitely come in handy as the IR method does not support all commands. If you dont, stick to some IR methods for your minor usage but will cover the most important commands needed. Hopefully, a company will come up with a IR to bluetooth option for those with universal remotes.

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HDfury Gamer Edition HDMI to VGA
Manufacturer: HDfury
Site: Buy from Shop.01Media
Price: $112.64


Overview : Connect any HDMI source in Full HD 1080p to any RGB display.

HDfury Gamer Edition is a straight HDMI to VGA cable that includes an embedded HDfury module. For example you can connect your PlayStation 3 via the HDMI port to a hi resolution VGA screen with it.

Features
Advantages of the Gamer Edition of HDfury:

• Worlds First and Only One PLUG and PLAY solution!
• HDMI straight to VGA! All in One Cable!
• HD gaming on PS3/Elite, Blu-Ray/HD-DVD and DVD playback up to 1080p!
• It transforms any RGB display into a HDCP compliant device.
• HDfury solves the BLACK SCREEN issue on Playstation 3!
• Affordable pricing to compete with the cost of Components cable + VGA box commonly used by gamers till now to connect their PS3/Elite or any others HDMI sources to a not-HDCP compliant analog display.
• Outstanding and Unbeatable quality for the money (absolutely no competition with VGA box, it will make any VGA box looks like a toy from the dollar shop! See our reviews section on HDfury.com!)
• Allow DVD playback with upscaling up to 1080p on PS3/Elite or any others HDMI source.

Specifications :
INPUT

• Feed in 1080p FULL HD HDMI SIGNAL
• Blu-Ray / HD-DVD Player
• Playstation 3, X360 Elite
• PC HDMI Graphics Card
• SAT and Cable HDTV Box
• Any DVI or HDMI source
• It is fully compatible (HD and Full HD - 720p/1080p) with any HDMI sources such as HD-DVD, Blu-Ray, PS3, X360 Elite, HDTV cable box, HDTV SAT box or HDMI graphic card.

OUTPUT

• Display a visual FURY up to 1080p to any technically able analog display !
• PC monitor (CRT, tubes, LCD)
• HDTV, Plasma, LCD
• LCD, DLP, SXRD, D-ILA proj.
• 3 tubes proj Barco, Nec, ...
• Any RGB, VGA Display
• Compatible with PC monitors, HDTV, Video/Retro projectors, LCD, Plasmas First and sole All In One cable solution to connect HDMI sources to RGB displays

Quality/Usability : When we first heard of HDfury, it was back in 2007. The original HDfury was just an adapter that plugged into your monitor. The HDfury is a revolutionary product that allows you to use the full resolution (up to 1080p) of any DVI/HDMI device on a CRT projector, PC monitor, older HDTV/Plasma TV, or any other device without a DVI/HDMI input! If you own a high quality projector/monitor/TV that does not have a DVI/HDMI connector you would need this device!

HDfury module will transform any "technically able" ANALOG display into a DIGITAL display performing a perfect visual HD & Full HD fury @ 720p/1080p from any HDMI/HDCP sources such as HD-DVD/Blu-Ray players, PS3, X360 Elite, Satellite/Cable HDTV set-top boxes, HTPCs with HDMI graphic cards, to name a few! Simply plug the HDfury into your projector, your DVI/HDMI device into the HDfury, and watch!

But what if you dont have a monitor or display that has DVI or HDMI? Well, now there is HDfury Gamer Edition. This time, cables are connected to the HDfury and the HDfury is enclosed in a casing. This is what we'll be reviewing today.

Like the original HDfury, the Gamer Edition also contains a HDfury module. Instead of a gold casing and having to plug your own cables to the HDfury, a HDMI and VGA cable is already connected to the HDfury which is enclosed in a black housing. No need to go out and buy your extra cables. Just simply plug in the HDMI to your device such as PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Cable box, etc and the VGA cable to your monitor or display and start it up. Its a simple plug and play device. The HDfury is 100% HDCP compliant. It is not an 'HDCP stripper'. The HDCP copy protected digital signal is first decrypted and then the digital RGB 4:4:4 signal is converted to an analog signal.

Below is a video of the HDfury in action. The same quality is the same. Just that the Gamer Edition has the cables built-in:

Having tested the HDfury Gamer Edition on both a CRT, LCD and HD Monitor, I must say, it works just like the original HDfury. My Dell 24" Widescreen monitor is already HDCP compliant. My CRT and LCD monitors are non-HDCP compliant. Without the use of HDfury, I wouldnt have been able to play my PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 in HD. The images were crisp and the colors were vibrant. Considering I have my consoles and PC near each other, I had enough cable to reach console to HDTV and monitor. Even if the consoles were tucked inside a shelfing, I still had enough cable.

Since I the HDfury Gamer Edition only allows you to connect one device to it, I thought I would try it with a HDMI selector. I tried it with XCM HDMI/DVI Crossover Selector, Joytech TriLink Switcher and Talismoon HDMI Switcher with Remote and all worked. Of course, I would need additional HDMI cables to connec systems to selector. The HDfury Gamer Edition connected to the back of the selector.

Conclusion : Overall, the HDfury Gamer Edition HDMI to VGA is a great plug and play device. If you do not have a HD TV or monitor ...

Nyko Dual Charger AC
Manufacturer: Nyko
Site: Buy from Nyko / Buy from ConsoleSource
Price: $24.99

Overview : The Nyko PS3 Dual Charger AC for the PlayStation 3 features dual-USB inputs, allowing two PlayStation 3 controllers to be charged simultaneously from any standard wall outlet using the two included four foot Mini USB cables. The compact unit features collapsable prongs for easy storage and can also be used to charge any USB compliant electronic devices, such as digital cameras and MP3 players.

Features :

• Charge 2 wireless PS3 controllers from a standard wall outlet
• Includes AC adapter and 2 4ft Mini USB cables
• Collapsable prongs for easy storage
• Charges other Mini USB devices

Quality/Usability : A draw back with wireless controllers is that if you're playing and forgot to charge, you'll end up with a dead controller while you're playing. This isnt good if you're in a heat of the moment battle against that almighty villian. Luckily for these 3rd party companies, they have come to the rescue.

Nyko has released a Dual Charger AC for the PlayStation3. It is a miniature charging station for the SIXAXIS controller. The charger has a built in wall outlet plug with prongs that sticks out if needed and hides in the adapter for easy storage. On the front of the AC adapter, it houses two USB ports (with cables) that plugs into the SIXAXIS controllers for easy charging while you play. Whats great about about the AC adapter is that it also works for other USB compliant devices such as MP3 players, digital cameras, cellphones and even your PSP.

Simply plug the Dual Charger AC into the wall, plug the USB cables (included) into the adapter and hook up the cables to the controller and you're ready to game!

Conclusion : Overall, the Nyko Dual Charger AC is a must have accessory for any PlayStation3 owner. This item will definitely get a lot of use. Not only will this charge your SIXAXIS when you're not using it but it will charge while you're playing.

The best thing about the adapter is that its small and easy to store but you can also charge other USB compliant devices. Only bad thing about this is the short cables (4 feet) especially if you dont have a wall outlet by where you sit. 6 feet would have been better.

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XCM HDMI/DVI Crossover Selector
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China / Buy from Goldenshop
Price: $49.00-$69.99


Overview : A 5 in 1 video selector: 4 HDMI and 1 DVI input with 1 HDMI and 1 DVI output. Also features a unique extra audio plug and socket to connect to a loudspeaker.

Play any HDMI or DVI source at 1080p on your compatible TV or PC with this plug and play selector with unique features like being able to connect to an amplifier and extra speakers for perfect sound matching the quality of the image, or the included DVI-HDMI converter.

Features :

• Input: 4 * HDMI, 1 * DVI
• Output: 1 * HDMI, 1 * DVI
• DVI-HDMI converter included
• Easy to set up
• Compatible with HD Televisions
• Compatible with VGA/PC screens
• Audio socket to connect to amplifier/extra speakers
• 1080p resolution

Quality/Usability : The XCM HDMI/DVI Crossover Selector is designed to allow you to toggle between four (4) HDMI and one (1) DVI. If you havent noticed, as more and more devices such as HDTV's, HD cable, satellite boxes, DVD players (Blu-Ray and HD-DVD), they are now incorporating HDMI and DVI. As more people get into high def, they will have more and more devices but are only limited to a certain amount of inputs on their devices.

The selector is made of durable plastic. The top of the Crossover Selector has five switches (4-HDMI, 1-DVI). On the right and left side is a HDMI IN and Left and Right Audio IN. The front has two HDMI IN and L & R Audio IN as well as a DVI IN and L & R Audio IN. The back has a DC IN to plug the AC adapter into and a HDMI OUT and L & R Audio OUT. This is connected to your TV/monitor.

Setup is plug-and-play. Simply plug in the cables, select the port and you're good to go! If you have more than one device that uses DVI, you can also use those DVI devices so as long you use the appropriate adapter. If your monitor uses DVI, the Crossover Selector comes with a DVI to HDMI adapter so you can connect it to the device. When a device is in use, an LED is lit up to let you know which one is in use.

Testing with a Sony PlayStation 3, XBox 360 Elite and HD-DVD Player and a Dell PC that uses DVI, all devices switched without a problem. I did not notice any quality downgrade. Even upconverted DVDs worked without a problem. What makes the Crossover Selector stand out from some of the HDMI selectors is that you are able to connect audio cables to the selector.


Conclusion : Overall, the XCM HDMI/DVI Crossover Selector worked flawlessly. The ability to connect audio cables to the selector and to a home theater system is a big plus in our books. It would have been nice if it included a remote that lets you switch between the devices instead of having to manually switch to the device you want to use. Those who live in the US or outside of Europe will need to power adapter converter that will fit their outlet. The included power plug has three prongs.

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