Bigger is always better, right? That may seem like a universal truth, but when it comes to comparing the PlayStation 3’s two models, Basic and Premium, that may not be the case. Let’s take a look at the specific differences and decide for ourselves.

Price

First off, we should consider the difference in price. Although you can find deals depending on where you look, the Premium model is about $600 retail, and the Basic sells at $500. We’re looking at a difference of $100 give or take. Let’s keep that in mind while we look at the differences.

Size

The most obvious difference is the size. Premium PS3s have 60 gigs of memory, while the Basics have only 20. That’s three times the storage space for only a little extra cash.

Which machine would be better for you depends on what you plan to do with it. If you want to just play PS3 games and watch movies, the 20 GB machine will do just fine. But, if you want to download stuff, record or keep other data, the 60 GB machine may be a better deal. Some newer games are coming with add-ons that you can get later, and you’d definitely want the extra storage space of the Premium machine for this.

The extra space means that you have more options for upgrading the bigger machine. The 20 GB consoles can be upgraded somewhat, but with the 60 GB, the options are almost limitless.

The 60 GB PS3 is also BIG. I mean, it’s heavy. That might be a consideration, too. It takes up quite a bit of space, and it spits out hot air like a fire-breathing dragon. Take a look at your entertainment center before you decide.

Games

While you are getting more memory for you money, the games that come with the 60 GB are pretty disappointing. When you factor that into the price, it may be better to go with the smaller unit. Still, it’s only the release package; all the same games can be played on both units.

Flash Memory Card

With the 60 GB, you can use a detachable Flash Memory Card for storing data. The 60 GB machine can read a variety of memory sticks, flash cards and SD’s. The 20 GB machine cannot.

This would be useful if you plan to save data from or to your PS3. If you are planning to play games and movies only, it may not be so useful for you.

Wireless

A Wi-Fi connection allows you to connect your PS3 to your computer. With Wi-Fi installed, you can go directly online with your PS3. The 60 GB has built-in wireless networking. The older 20 GB models came with an Etherport but no Wi-Fi, but the newer models are being made with it installed.

HDMI

HDMI is a digital video/audio interface and requires an HDMI-compatible appliance to use. This usually means a High Definition TV. An HDTV could really turn up the gaming experience, but as of yet, not many people have HDTV’s.

The 20 GB machine also didn’t come with an HDMI drive like the 60 GB, but since last year, they’ve been making both models with the HDMI drive.

The main thing to keep in mind is what you want to do with your PS3. If you plan to do more than play games and watch movies, you may want to pay the extra cash and get the 60 GB Premium Playstation 3.