So I Bought A PS3

[adamlathrom]

Can somebody answer a few questions ? I just bought PS3 as title says,

1. How do I talk to friends online? At Wal-Mart, I didn't see them have headsets. Do I buy a USB Headset or one that would plug into top of controller?

2. I bought Gran Turismo and it said the game had to be installed on HDD. Do all games have to be installed or even GT?

Edit: 3. Do updates for games always take this long? There was an update for GT5 and it seems like it is taking forever compared to the quick 360 updates unless they are big ones. Are these big ones for GT5 or is the storm causing slow internet? Thanks guys.

[dady5000]

Can somebody answer a few questions ? I just bought PS3 as title says,

1. How do I talk to friends online? At Wal-Mart, I didn't see them have headsets. Do I buy a USB Headset or one that would plug into top of controller?

2. I bought Gran Turismo and it said the game had to be installed on HDD. Do all games have to be installed or even GT?

Edit: 3. Do updates for games always take this long? There was an update for GT5 and it seems like it is taking forever compared to the quick 360 updates unless they are big ones. Are these big ones for GT5 or is the storm causing slow internet? Thanks guys.

1. Most Bluetooth headsets work for the PS3 wirelessly there are also many wired USB based headsets out there that also work for the PS3

2. No, not all, but there are many games that do require installs but not all.

3. No GT5 is just one of the longer ones because they have updated their game ALOT since it's release. Most Updates are pretty quick, only a tad longer than the 360 updates.

[sa_nick]

Can somebody answer a few questions ? I just bought PS3 as title says,

1. How do I talk to friends online? At Wal-Mart, I didn't see them have headsets. Do I buy a USB Headset or one that would plug into top of controller?

Yeah I'd recommend a blue tooth headset, stay clear of USB ones. They're completely wireless and you don't need to plug in a USB for it to work leaving you more free slots.

Also, the game doesn't install onto the HDD, it just puts certain files on there so the game runs smoother.

And update times vary, the latest LBP update took me less than 30 seconds.

[adamlathrom]

1. Most Bluetooth headsets work for the PS3 wirelessly there are also many wired USB based headsets out there that also work for the PS3

2. No, not all, but there are many games that do require installs but not all.

3. No GT5 is just one of the longer ones because they have updated their game ALOT since it's release. Most Updates are pretty quick, only a tad longer than the 360 updates.

Thanks man, wow not having HDMI cables (which I'm getting tomorrow) is really killing my mood. The game looks like a toned down version of GT4. But I'm guessing its the cables. The graphics are horrendous. After one race though lol. I'll have to do some research on bluetooth headsets, never used one before, wait a minute, now that I think of it, my fiancee has one. HELL YEAH! Thanks again.

[adamlathrom]

And update times vary, the latest LBP update took me less than 30 seconds.

I figured as much, due to me finally getting a PS3 (thank you tax return). I figured there was a bunch of stuff. Thanks.

Edit: Any other pointers would be nice too, I only bought this game for The Show, which I'm downloading the demo as we speak. IMO, MLB 2k whatever they throw out isn't as good as The Show.

[adamlathrom]

Is it wise to always turn the back of the PS3 off? If so, I think I'll have to move it because I can't get my hand around it unless I move the entertainment center or pull the PS3 out.

[dady5000]

Is it wise to always turn the back of the PS3 off? If so, I think I'll have to move it because I can't get my hand around it unless I move the entertainment center or pull the PS3 out.

Not unless your worried about how much energy it takes while it's in standby. It's better to just leave it, I've never had a problem.

FYI, it is safer for the system, but it shouldn't be a problem.

[adamlathrom]

Not unless your worried about how much energy it takes while it's in standby. It's better to just leave it, I've never had a problem.

FYI, it is safer for the system, but it shouldn't be a problem.

Energy hah. My electric bill was 273 because of my land lord not wanting to put in central heat and air like he promised when I moved in. I've got 3 space heaters heating up this place. So, I'm not that concerned about energy.

Oh I think I fixed the minor graphical issue, it was set to 4:3 instead of 16:9. That will help a little bit til tomorrow. Thanks for the help. I appreciate it.

[dady5000]

Energy hah. My electric bill was 273 because of my land lord not wanting to put in central heat and air like he promised when I moved in. I've got 3 space heaters heating up this place. So, I'm not that concerned about energy.

Oh I think I fixed the minor graphical issue, it was set to 4:3 instead of 16:9. That will help a little bit til tomorrow. Thanks for the help. I appreciate it.

Fun Fact: if you already have a 360 (which I assume you do), it's also always on standby, the power supply's orange light signifies that it's on standby.

So if you were already worried about it you would unplug the 360 as well hahaha.

[seamjessjosh]

Never download the PS3 update on the PS3. They take forever. You can't play games online without it, but make due. Download the update to your PC following the instructions on playstation.com and then use a memory card to put it on your PS3. For me, it's faster, and you get to enjoy your fantastical system while you download! :D

[adamlathrom]

Fun Fact: if you already have a 360 (which I assume you do), it's also always on standby, the power supply's orange light signifies that it's on standby.

So if you were already worried about it you would unplug the 360 as well hahaha.

Really...that's crazy, never thought of that.


Never download the PS3 update on the PS3. They take forever. You can't play games online without it, but make due. Download the update to your PC following the instructions on playstation.com and then use a memory card to put it on your PS3. For me, it's faster, and you get to enjoy your fantastical system while you download! :D

I'm enjoying the MLB The Show demo right now, but can I download demos onto said memory card also. As I type that, sounds given. But I'm liking the system, can't stand the graphics. Blurryness (lol at word) is killing me. GOT TO GET HDMI CABLES!!!

[adamlathrom]

Okay, heading to bed, thanks for all your help. I have my system on "standby". Red light is still on. Final question that I will figure out in morning or whenever. Does it still charge the controller if plugged in on standby mode? Are there controller chargers? I've notice that you can't take out the battery which is pretty sweet but is there a way to charge the controller when I'm not playing it. Plugging it into USB could be a pain in the ass if I have to keep within 5 feet (estimated of course).

Edit: Okay, my cell phone takes the same kind of chord the controller takes. So, if I take my controller to my bedroom will it charge it?

[killer_roach]

Never download the PS3 update on the PS3. They take forever. You can't play games online without it, but make due. Download the update to your PC following the instructions on playstation.com and then use a memory card to put it on your PS3. For me, it's faster, and you get to enjoy your fantastical system while you download! :D

Never really had that issue... downloads as fast on my personal computer as it does on the PS3. Granted, my internet connection also sucks. Although there are times I have downloaded a firmware update at work and installed it when I got back home... :)

[sweet-t310]

A few random answers:

1)When you bought the PS3, if it came with a controller, it should have come with a USB charger that plugs into your PS3. I've found that while it doesn't completely charge while in standby, it does give it some extra juice. But to charge the controller from completely dead to full power only takes like 30-40 minutes. I typically charge mine while downloading demos.

2)No, you can't download game updates via the PC (at least I haven't found a way to yet)

3) I always leave my PS3 in standby and have never had a problem.

4)Spend some time going through all of the Settings just to make sure everything is set up how you like (plus you have to activate your bluetooth once you get it hooked up).

5) And just to be a jerk, make sure you're calling it GT5:P. Because when I see just "GT5", it makes me sad that I won't be playing it for another year. :(

6) And kudos on your purchase. I have a "19 Days til The Show" countdown board here in my office, and I've already played the demo 10 or 11 times.

[sa_nick]

Standby mode isnt tooooo bad. I'm a little bit of a tree hugger when it comes to stuff like that, I prefer not to waste too much. But yeah, as long as you don't have remote access on and set to allow your PSP to turn on your PS3 you should be fine.

I remember reading the standby mode uses 3 times much more power when you have that enabled... Might not be true, but just in case....

[DeadPhoenix223]

Wii owns PS3!!! :)

[bmaninc]

Wii owns PS3!!! :)

Haha, I look at that, then your sig. Justice.

[Bonez]

Okay, heading to bed, thanks for all your help. I have my system on "standby". Red light is still on. Final question that I will figure out in morning or whenever. Does it still charge the controller if plugged in on standby mode? Are there controller chargers? I've notice that you can't take out the battery which is pretty sweet but is there a way to charge the controller when I'm not playing it. Plugging it into USB could be a pain in the ass if I have to keep within 5 feet (estimated of course).

Edit: Okay, my cell phone takes the same kind of chord the controller takes. So, if I take my controller to my bedroom will it charge it?

You could do what we did for the wee little charging cable...we bought a USB extension cable from Radio Shack. They're a little pricey (I think ours is 10 ft. and it cost $30), but it's one of the best video game-related purchased I've ever made. It's especially handy if you've got a spare USB keyboard laying around, because they make messaging a breeze, but they usually have short cords as well. They're also great for Rock Band wired instruments...you can wander around the living room a lot more freely with those 10 additional feet.

[adamlathrom]

5) And just to be a jerk, make sure you're calling it GT5:P. Because when I see just "GT5", it makes me sad that I won't be playing it for another year. :(

6) And kudos on your purchase. I have a "19 Days til The Show" countdown board here in my office, and I've already played the demo 10 or 11 times.

Yes it is GT5:P, seems like a very slim version of GT if you ask me. I've only played it for 10 mins and then waited for my demo of "The Show" to download. I played it 4 times last night. Even went 9 innings once :D.

Thanks to everybody else who answered some questions. I'm gonna take the book to work and read through it tonight to find a few little tips and tricks.