PS3 Cooling Fan Turbo Centrifugal
Manufacturer: PEGA
Site: Buy from Renchi
Price: $19.90

Overview : Keep things cool with this Double Cooling Fan for the PS3. Ensure you get optimal performance from your PS3, by keeping the machine at a decent temperature. It is operated by plugging it into the USB port.

Quality/Usability : As with most new next-gen consoles they consume a lot of power and can overheat easily. As with any new console, there is always a cooling fan to follow to help lower the temperature of the console and prolong the life of the console. The first cooling fan to hit the market is PEGA's Double Turbo Centrifugal Cooling Fan.

The Cooling Fan is powered by one of the PS3's USB port. This will leave the PS3 with only three available USB ports in the front. The cooling fan is placed underneath the PS3. The design is sleek like the PS3 and blends in well. The cooling fan itself is mainly black but with a silver mirror trim. On the inner side of the fan that faces the PS3, there is a grill. This is where the air will be pushed into the PS3.

There is no ON/OFF switch so the cooling fan is on when the PlayStation3 is on and off when the PlayStation3 is off. A blue LED is lit when the fan is running. Like any cooling fan made for consoles, they arent quite. But is not as noticeable when you're enjoying your game. The cooling fan does not draw a lot of power.

Since I am unable to see how much air is being pushed into the PlayStation3 since the vent is aimed towards the inside of the PlayStation3, I plugged the cooling fan into my USB hub. A good amount of cool air is being pushed through the cooling fan.

Conclusion : Overall, the PS3 Cooling Fan Turbo Centrifugal is nice product. Its sleek and does a nice job of pushing air into the PlayStation3. It would have been nice if they had included a ON/OFF switch.

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Datel PS3 Communicator Headset
Manufacturer: Datel
Site:
Price: $29.95


Overview : One of the best things about modern console games is playing online against gamers from all over the world. And whether you’re going one on one in the latest sports sim, joining a party to mash the monsters in a MMORPG or indulging in first-person team-on-team action, playing with and against other people is much more fun when you can talk to them as well…

That’s where Communicator Headset for PS3 comes in. With its comfortable, over-the-ear design and snazzy hi-tech look, it’s an essential purchase for online gamers. With a microphone positioned near your mouth and an earpiece for crystal-clear sound, Communicator Headset lets you bark out your orders or taunt your opponents as you play. So if you want to keep in touch with gamers from all over the world as you batter them in a beat-‘em-up, drive ‘em crazy in a driving game or blow ’em to bits in that first-person shooter, Communicator Headset for PS3 is the ideal choice.

Features :

• Comfortable, stylish design.
• Crystal clear sound.
• Mic positioned near mouth – no need to shout…
• Works with WiFi connection.

Quality/Usability : Datel has released their Communicator Headset for the PlayStation 3. This allows you to chat to other gamers over the PlayStation 3 network or in game. The look, style and feel is similar to that of the Datel PSP Communicator Headset. It should also be the same to that of the Xbox 360 and DS versions as well.

The earphone is pretty sturdy. On the earphone itself, is a small clip that loops around your ear. If you own or have seen some SONY Street style headphones, this is similar. The earphone fits on your left ear. You’re unable to switch the clip like you would do with a Bluetooth headphone. If you’re the type of person to wear them on your right ear, you’ll be disappointed and probably feel uncomfortable. The microphone doesn’t stick out all the way (approx. 3.5”) but is long enough for the other person on the other end to hear you. The length of the wire itself is long enough that you can move around freely and not too long where you have to drag it.

The Datel PS3 Communicator Headset works with pretty much any game that allows voice chat such as Resistance, Motorstorm. From what I know (dont own the game) but Call of Duty 3 does not support voice chat. The headset connects to the PlayStation 3 via the USB port. There is also a Bluetooth version available as well. It worked flawlessly in the PlayStation Network as well during in game. The quality of voice is fairly clear. There were times where voice was garbled.

Conclusion : Overall, the Datel PS3 Communicator Headset worked great whether it just be over the PlayStation 3 Network or in-game. Majority of games on the market now allows for voice chat. Unfortunately, it would do no good if the other player doesnt have a headset. You'll just be talking to yourself.

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Joytech Fusion Charging Station
Manufacturer: Joytech
Site:
Price: $24.95


Overview : Play in style with the Fusion Charging Station from JOYTECH. Compatible with the Sixaxis™ wireless controller, the Fusion Charging Station protects and stores your controller whilst charging the internal battery via the USB charge cable provided with your console. Features high gloss aerodynamic design and blue LED Charging Light.

Features :

• Store and protect your Sixaxis™ wireless controller
• Charge your controller via USB charge cable
• Sleek aerodynamic design and blue LED Charging Light

Quality/Usability : There is nothing special about the Joytech Fusion Charging Station. It is just a charging dock for your PlayStation 3 SIXAXIS controller. Although, it kind of looks like a airplane...to me of course.

In order to charge the SIXAXIS, you will need a USB cable. It does not come with one. You plug the USB cable to the back of the charging station. The SIXAXIS controller goes plugs on top of the dock. On the front of the dock is a LED. This will light up blue when the SIXAXIS is being charged.

Conclusion : Overall, the Joytech Fusion Charging Station does its job by charging the SIXAXIS. The design is nice but its a bit heavy for a single charger. It would have been nice if it also came with a USB cable for those who have multiple controllers and want to charge them at the same time. The price tag is a bit hefty for a single charger.

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Datel PS3 Bluetooth Wireless Headset
Manufacturer: Datel
Site: Buy from Amazon
Price: $39.95


Overview : Now’s your chance to talk, strategise and control. Stay one step ahead of the opposition in online games with Bluetooth Wireless Headset for PS3, a great mic and earpiece unit that also works with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones. At last, you can chat to your pals in online games without any cables to get in the way!

It’s the ideal accessory for PlayStation 3 gamers who like to play online with gamers from all over the world. With your Bluetooth-enabled games console, you can trash-talk with your opponents, make new friends in the games lobby and organise your party in co-operative games. It’s great for making hands-free calls with your Bluetooth mobile too!

Bluetooth Wireless Headset uses the Bluetooth 2.0 protocol for fast, reliable data transfer. It boasts a comfortable, over-the-ear design, crystal-clear sound and it charges in under an hour. A single charge is good for six hours talktime or 250 hours on standby.

Features :

• Comfortable, stylish design.
• Crystal clear sound.
• Up to six hours talktime.
• Up to 250 hours standby.
• For gamers and phone users alike.
• Bluetooth 2.0.

Quality/Usability : Datel released two versions of their Communicator headset for the PS3. One is the bluetooth version which you are reading the review on and the wired version which we also reviewed.

The Datel PS3 Bluetooth Wireless Headset is fairly about the same size of your average cellphone bluetooth headset. However, it is thicker. The bluetooth headset fits over your ear. It can go over either your left or right ear simply by turning the ear loop. On the headset itself, you have the ANSWER/END button on the face of the headset as well as a volume UP/DOWN buttons. The back of the headset has the jack to insert the USB charge cable.

To charge the Datel PS3 Bluetooth Wireless Headset, simply connect the USB charge cable (included) into a USB port whether it be your PS3 console or PC and plug the other end of the USB charge into the headset. It took approximately 1 hour to fully charge the headset. Depending on the usage amount, you can get about 5-6 hours of use out of the headset. This is better than some of the bluetooth headsets on the market for cellphones in terms of talk-time.

To use the bluetooth headset with your PS3 console, you'll have to register it with your console and then select it as an Audio Device.

The following steps will show you how to register the bluetooth headset with your PS3

1. On your PS3's browser menu, go to 'Settings' then 'Accessory Settings' and finally 'Register Bluetooth Device'.
2. Select 'Register Headset/Microphone/Headphones'. If prompted you will need to choose 'Yes' to registering a new Bluetooth device.
3. To put your headset in registration mode press and hold the multifunction button on the front of the device for around 10 seconds until 2 blue lights illuminate continuously.
4. Press 'X' on your controller to start scanning. Your PS3 should find a device called 'PS3 MAX'. Click 'X' again to select this device.
5. When prompted for a Pass Key, enter "0000" and choose 'OK'.

Selecting the Headset as an Audio Device

1. On your PS3's browser menu go to 'Settings' then 'Accessory Settings'.
2. Under 'Input Device' select the device 'PS3 MAX' as Input and Output Device and choose OK. You should see the microphone level displayed on screen confirming the headset is working correctly.

Once the bluetooth is registered and connected to your PS3, it is ready to be used. Using the bluetooth wireless headset, it was fairly good for the most part. There were times where the headset disconnected and I heard static. Regarding the headset disconnecting, I dont know if it was because it was low on battery or because I walked away from the PS3 (probably the latter).

You can also use the Datel PS3 Bluetooth Wireless Headset as a bluetooth headset for your cellphone as well. Connecting the headset to your cellphone is the same procedure as if you would with any other bluetooth headset. According to the package, it also supports multiple call management, call waiting, voice dialing and last number re-dial when used with Bluetooth enabled mobile phone.

Regarding comfortability, I was disappointed. The earpiece on the headset did not line up with my ear. When the headset was placed, it felt like it was falling off. Depending on how noisy your surrounding environment may be, you may need to push the headset closer to your ear.

Conclusion : Overall, the Datel PS3 Bluetooth Wireless Headset worked great, battery and charging times were better than most cellphone bluetooth headsets but the comfortability and layout of the headset was a big turn off. It didnt fit properly into the ear and felt loose.

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Nyko Blu-Wave Infrared Remote
Manufacturer: Nyko
Site: Buy from Amazon
Price: $14.99


Overview : Easily control the next generation of home entertainment with the Blue-Wave Remote from Nyko. The Blu Wave allows you to easily control the playback of Blu-Ray movies, DVDs and CDs on the PlayStation 3 console. Utilizing infrared technology, the Blue Wave can navigate system and movie menus, skip chapters or tracks, pause and play a movie or music and replicate other PlayStation 3 controller functionality from up to 25 feet away. The compact USB IR receiver plugs into any open USB port for easy set up requiring no complicate software, pairing or programming. The Blue Wave is powered by 2 AA batteries (included).

Features :

• Control playback of Blu-Ray movies, DVDs and CDs
• IR technology allows for control up to 25 feet away
• Easily navigate movie and system menus
• Compact USB dongle, no set up or pairing needed
• Powered by 2 AAA batteries (included)

Quality/Usability : The PlayStation 3 has a built-in Blu-Ray DVD player but in order to use the menus and to control the PS3, you'll either have to use the SIXAXIS controller or Sony's Blu-Ray DVD Remote, both of which work with the PlayStation 3 via bluetooth. Like always, there will always be cheaper alternatives from 3rd party manufacturers such as the Nyko BluWave Infrared Remote, which retails for just $20.

The Blu-Wave includes a USB dongle, which acts as a infrared receiver and the Blu-Wave infrared remote. To match the PS3's look and to be consistent, the Blu-Wave is black with silver outlining. Included are two AAA batteries which are included. The remote itself feels very good in the hands. The remote is exactly like the PlayStation 3 SIXAXIS controller but without the motion and with a remote design. Along with the standard PS3 controllers such as square, triangle, X and circle, Nyko added some shortcuts for easier access such as fast-fowards, rewind, play, pause, display, chapter advance and many more simlar to that of what you would find on a DVD remote.

Setup is fairly easy. Simply just plug in the dongle into any of the consoles USB ports. The moment you plug it in, it should work immediately. Just like you would with a PC plug-n-play. The Blu-Wave remote worked perfectly both with DVD and Blu-Ray movies. All features worked perfectly but I did notice that while existing to the PS3's menu, there was a slight delay or lag. This doesnt happen with the SIXAXIS controller.

I was informed that since Nyko uses a proprietary code, that if you have a universal remote, you can set that remote to work with the PS3 and the infrared dongle. This will eliminate having an extra remote laying around. It would have been nice if the remote allowed you to turn ON and OFF the PlayStation 3 but you cant.

Conclusion : Overall, the Nyko Blu-Wave Infrared Remote works great and as it should. It would of been nice if the remote was able to turn ON and OFF the PlayStation 3 and be able to eject discs. The ability to use a universal remote with the dongle to eliminate having an extra remote laying around is great.

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Nyko Charge Base PS3
Manufacturer: Nyko
Site: Buy from Amazon
Price: $16.98


Overview : Rapidly charge and stores 4 SIXAXIS™ controllers for the Playstation®3 with the Charge Base PS3. The Charge Base plugs into any standard wall outlet and is compact enough to fit in any home entertainment setup. Once plugged in, the Charge Base is able to store and charge up to 4 SIXAXIS™ controllers for the PlayStation 3. Utilizing Nyko’s patent pending technology, all 4 controllers will be charged simultaneously through the Mini USB ports, leaving all 4 of the console’s USB ports free while eliminating the need for cumbersome wires. The Charge Base is the ultimate charging and organizational accessory for the SIXAXIS™ controller.

Features :

• 4 Controller Ports: With 4 built-in USB ports the Charge Base can simultaneously charge 4 SIXAXIS controllers
• AC Powered: The Charge Base plugs directly into the wall, leaving the USB ports on the PS3 free and the console tangle free.
• Compact: Sleek compact design fits in any home theater set up
• Convenient Storage: Easily and conveniently stores and charges 4 SIXAXIS controllers with no additional wires
• Rapidly charges 4 SIXAXIS controllers simultaneously
• Store and charge all your controllers in one place
• Conveniently place in any home entertainment center
• Powered by a standard wall plug, no USB port required
• Compact design
• Keep your controllers fully charged and ready for use

Quality/Usability : To charge your SIXAXIS controllers, you have to plug them into a USB port whether it be on your computer or PlayStation3. But in order to charge, there needs to be power and you have to have your computer or PS3 turned on.

With the Charge Base, it doesnt need to plug into a USB port. It actually plugs in to the wall outlet. So you can charge your controllers anytime you want. To charge up to four SIXAXIS controllers simultaneously, simply insert your controllers on to the mini USB ports on the Charge Station and it will automatically charge your controllers. On the top of the Charge Station are four LEDs. These LEDs will let you know when the controllers are being charged. Red means it is currently charging and green for when it is ready.

Charging takes approximately 2 hours to fully charge your SIXAXIS.

Conclusion : Overall, the Nyko Charge Base PS3 is a convenient charger. It doesnt require any USB ports or cables and can charge up to four controllers at a time. Charge time is about 2 hours to fully charge. But if you dont have four controllers, you have two empty, useless spots.

Nyko has released a new Charge Base for those who only only two SIXAXIS controllers. They have released a Charge Base 2. Instead of four controller ports, it has two.

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PS3 Memory Card Adapter (Official)
Manufacturer: Sony
Site: Buy from Goldenshop
Price: $20.00-$26.00


Overview : With the PLAYSTATION®3 memory card adaptor, game save information from PlayStation® and PlayStation®2 Memory Cards can now be transferred onto the PLAYSTATION®3 hard-disk drive. This allows players to access all of their old games without starting over, keep earned scores and items, and continue where they left off on their PlayStation® and PlayStation®2 games.

Features

• Official Memory Card Adapter
• Enables PlayStation™ and PlayStation2™ memory card data transfer to PlayStation3™ HDD
• USB Connection

Quality/Usability : When the PlayStation 3 launched, it had backwards compatibility thanks to the 20GB and 60GB. Of course, everyone wanted to try out the backwards compatibility whether it be PS1 or PS2 games. But how can we continue from where we left off without having to start all over? Sony has released an adapter that lets you insert your original PlayStation and PlayStation 2 memory cards into the PlayStation 3 using a little USB Memory Card Adapter.

With this adapter, you no longer have to start from scratch. The adapter consists of a small black box that measures approximately 2.25" x 2" x 0.75". On one end, is one slot where the memory card goes into and on the other end is where you connect the USB cord. Unfortunately, no USB cord is included so you'll have to use the USB cord that came with your PlayStation 3.

Once the adapter and memory card is connected to the PlayStation 3, the memory card shows up under Game section of the XMB and you'll find a Memory Card Utility. When you press "X", a message will pop up telling you that the selected memory card will copy to the hard drive and do you want to continue?. Choosing "YES" will prompt you to give the internal memory card a name. It will then copy over your game saves. Copying of game saves takes a couple of seconds to a couple of minutes depending how many saves you have on your PS1 and PS2 memory card.

As of version 1.80 firmware, you can copy saved data from PlayStation or PlayStation 2 format software stored on their PS3 system to a Memory Card (15 blocks) or Memory Card (8MB) (for PlayStation 2), using your PS3 system and a Memory Card Adapter.

The adapter will not work with cards that have more than 8MB (PS2) or 15 blocks (PS1) of storage space. So if you have a 3rd party manufacturer memory card such as HORI or MadCatz, that has more storage space than Sony's, you wont be able to copy them over.

Conclusion : Overall, the PS3 Memory Card Adapter is great for those who own a backwards compatible PlayStation 3 such as the 20GB, 60GB and 80GB and want to transfer their game saves from the PS1 or PS2 memory card to the PS3. No USB cable is included, so you'll have to use the USB cable that came with the PlayStation 3. You're unable to use any memory cards that are bigger than 8MB or 15 blocks. So you'll have to go and purchase a PS2 memory card or borrow someones card in order for you to transfer from your 3rd party card to the Official Sony card to the PS3 via the adapter. As of version 1.80 firmware on the PS3, you're able to copy saves from PS3 to memory card. But I see this adapter not being used often.

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PS3IR-X1 IR Receiver Remote Adapter
Manufacturer: Schmartz
Site: Buy from Schmartz
Price: $35.00


Overview : This is the original snazzy looking version that plugs into a PS3 USB port. The look is sleek. It follows the contours of the front of the PS3 and has the same shiny black surface. When installed, it looks just like it is part of the PS3!

This device accepts PS2 compatible IR commands and converts them to PS3 game controller key presses via USB.

Plug it in and... It just works!

For best results, program your universal remote control for Sony PS2 mode.

Do not mistake this device with other competing products. This one actually works. This device is specially tuned for trouble free operation. It will work flawlessly right away, even when navigating using the arrow keys.

Note: This model will not Power ON the PS3 since the PS3 firmware doesn't enable this function for USB devices. It supports the same functionality as a game controller with the exception of the PS key.

Features

• Supports basic set of 31 commands
• Compatible with all universal remotes
• Uses PS2 infra-red codes
• Attractive form-factor

Quality/Usability : Having purchased a Logitech Harmony Advanced Remote to eliminate the amount of remotes laying around, the PlayStation 3 failed to help the cause. The PS3 does not use infrared (IR) but instead, uses bluetooth. If you are using a IR universal remote, there are different methods of using it.

Sony released their own DVD remote for the PlayStation 2 (model SCHP-10150). When the PS2 first launched, the DVD remote included a IR receiver. As newer PS2's were released, the IR was built in and the dongle was no longer being packaged in. For those that is able to find one or still have the original PS2 DVD remote, you can use IR receiver and a PS2 to PS3 controller adapter, since the PS3 doesnt have PS2 controller port.

Another option is to buy a 3rd party DVD remote that uses IR such as Nyko's Blu-Wave Infrared Remote but you spent all that money for a IR receiver and a remote you wont be using?

Schmartz is here to solve your problems. The PS3IRX1 is a IR receiver that connects to the USB port of your PS3 and allows you to use your universal remote. As mentioned above, I tested this nifty device with my Logitech Harmony Advanced Remote. To set up the PS3IRX1, simply plug it into any of the USB ports on the front of the PlayStation 3.

Now, to setup the Logitech Harmony Remote, I simply connected the remote to my computer. Set up an "Activity" and "Device" and chose "Sony PlayStation 2". The reason I didnt choose Sony PlayStation 3 is since the universal remote does not use Bluetooth, choosing the PS3 wouldnt work and even Logitech says that the remote would not work. Choosing the PS2 also gives that message but ignore this message as their database is a bit outdated. If you are using a more complex and advanced controller, you are able to enter HEX codes to your controller.

Choosing the PS3 instead of the PS2 only caused problems since none of the buttons really worked for me. Choosing the PS2, all the buttons were mapped. FF, RR, Chapter Skips, Play, Pause, Menu, etc. all worked without problems. Unfortunately, there is no eject and most importantly, ON/OFF. The ON/OFF is however, available on the PS3IR+PWR IR (review).

Conclusion : Overall, the PS3IRX1 IR Remote Adapter works great. Installation is easy...then again, its plug and play. Setting up your universal remote is very easy and will work. Have problems or questions? the support that AVSForums as well as from Mike Muecke (owner/designer), provide excellent customer support. People are willing to help, give tips and Mike is there every step of the way until you get your problems fixed.

However, $35.00 is a bit pricey considering Mike is a one-man show designing, building, testing, packing and shipping the PS3IRX1 all by himself. Not to mention customer service all from the US of A! Now that Mike has a manufacturer mass producing it to keep up with the demand, hopefully this will lower the price.

What I love about Mike is that he's honest and is upfront...


You can get the Nyko Blu-Wave IR Remote for approximately $15.00, but you'll end up with a extra remote that you wont use and the IR dongle will stick out like a thumbdrive. The product is very sturdy, blends in with the PS3 very well, but is a dust and fingerprint magnet like the PS3. For an extra $20, I dont need the fancy packaging. So as long product works and if I need help, I know that a person with knowledge of the product can help me.

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