Are you really sure you will only use it for gaming?
As a multimedia machine the PS3 is AWESOME. And if you buy an hdtv, you'll want BluRay VERY soon. Remember for your weekend BR wont really be appreciated on a SDTV.
What i cannot agree is that ps3 is the cheapest system. From a hardware, features, live, etc... price it is correct.
But from a software point of view, the amount of software you'll want to buy is massive, making you poorer