I'm a computer guy,from the DOS days, but I know little about gaming. I promised my grandson, Santa would leave a Playstation3 to replace the P2 he left 4 years ago. I have some basic questions (to me):
Other than size is there a difference between 40 & 80 gig systems ?
Is ther a "new" system coming out that I should wait for or is that a rumor

Other than size is there a difference between 40 & 80 gig systems ?

None.

Is ther a "new" system coming out that I should wait for or is that a rumor

Not likely. But the longer you wait the more likely you'll see prices drop.

The 80GB Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle ($499) features backward compatbility, 4 USB ports, a Dualshock 3 controller, and memory card readers. The 40GB unit features 2 USB ports, a Sixaxis controller, and is not compatible with Playstation 2 games. There is an 80GB unit about to be released that is going to be exactly like the current 40GB unit, but with 40GB of extra storage and a Dualshock 3 at no additional cost($399). I recommend the Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle while you can still get it(discontinued).

well, the new 80G is already showing up.

If the PS2 still works, that's the one I would get.

If his PS2 is gone and he still has a lot of games for it, hunt for the Metal Gear Solid bundle system.

Now, the 40G should only be purchased if you absolutely can't find anything else. The dualshock3 and the bigger 80GB drive for the SAME PRICE is the reason.

Yes... the 80 gig is at 399.99 now...

if backwards compatibility isn't an issue...get that!! super good price....

if backwards compatibility is needed.. then get the metal gear solid bundle for 499.99 ... but how old is your grandson? Because metal gear solid 4 isn't a game for children....

He's 12 years old, I forgot to mention that..........................
Thanks for advise..............

Dont forget Sony just announced the 160gig version with Uncharted and DS3 controller.

Perfect gift and a great! starter game to boot
Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune PS3 Bundle with 160GB PS3 System
The160GB PS3 system announced at the GC will be available here as part of a new limited-edition bundle that includes the hardware, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune game, a PLAYSTATION Network voucher for PAIN, and a DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller. We’re hearing from a lot of you that more PS3 storage space is important, particularly since the launch of our video delivery service, and this new model delivers more memory and a whole lot of content packed-in. The 160GB PS3 has all of the same functionality as the new 80GB PS3 that’s popping up on retailer shelves now, but obviously has twice the HDD space, so you can build levels to your heart’s content in LittleBigPlanet, download a ton of videos, and still have room for your entire music collection. The Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune 160GB PS3 bundle launches in November for $499.99 (MSRP).

Dont forget Sony just announced the 160gig version with Uncharted and DS3 controller.

Yeah, I so opened my mouth far to early.

Yeah, I so opened my mouth far to early.

LOL at the rate Sony has been coming out with PS3's..Im sure there will be another one between now and X-mas..:p

He already has a PS2... might as well get the smallest PS3 possible (40GB?) and not worry about backward compatibility. If you need additional USB ports then get a good powered hub (<$20 on Amazon). Hard drive upgrades are easy and cheap using 3rd party drives (procedure is officially supported by Sony).

well, the 80GB is out now in some places. May as well get that one for the same price.

I've viewed multiple "how to's" on hard drive upgrades, and having built 10 PC's over the years I feel I could handle the P3 upgrade as well, Although I know "size" matters. My concern as a gamming newbie is stength of features as they relate to the gaming and video experience....................Thanks All

The differences between the models shouldn't affect a 12 year old's experience. The stuff that could be missing (SACD playback, two more USB ports, PS2 compatibility) is relatively minor. The only thing that could be considered big is PS2 compatibility, but if he already has a working PS2, there shouldn't be a problem. He probably won't touch PS2 games very much after getting a PS3, anyway :)

I've viewed multiple "how to's" on hard drive upgrades, and having built 10 PC's over the years I feel I could handle the P3 upgrade as well, Although I know "size" matters. My concern as a gamming newbie is stength of features as they relate to the gaming and video experience....................Thanks All

I wouldn't worry about getting any different video experience from any model PS3 you buy.
I'd say your primary concern should be whether or not your grandson will have the PS2 hooked up still or not. If its going to be replaced and he still wants to play PS2 games, you'll want to look ASAP for the 80Gb Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle ($499) before they run out (most likely going to be discontinued).
If that's not a concern, certainly the new 80Gb w/o any pack-in game ($399) is plenty good enough. I'd advise not to buy the 40Gb bundle, as its the same cost of the 80Gb is now, but the new 80gb has a much better game controller (it has a DualShock 3 instead of the discontinued Sixaxis).

In case you aren't aware of this, you won't get any Hi-Def cables packed into the console purchase. If its going to be hooked up to an HDTV, you definitely want to include either an HDMI cable (doesn't matter what brand), or buy the PS3 component cables, as it doesn't do the PS3 justice hooked up by composite cables.