Here's the thing.  I'll probably be looking to get a PS3 in the next couple months.

BC is really a big deal for me since i've had more then my fair share of PS2s break on me... but when spedning like 350+ Dollars, buying used is quite a risk.

Anyone got any reputable used sources?

I saw gamestop had used 20 gigs refurbishsed for like.... $380.

Which eh... the loss of the warranty is distrubing... as is... wasn't the 20 gig originally like 399 anyway?

Anyone buy one of these refurbished deals though?

Heh, wonder if the PS4 will have BC so they can sell PS2 games like they sell PS1 games now.

well, i myself, do not like buying refurbed game systems. but some of my friends do and they havent had any problems as of yet. except 1 of my friends 360 had a disc tray that needed realigned but other than that...its been a good experience for them. if you could find a 60gig model try and get, but you probably know already knew that.

oh and $350 for a 20gig refurb seems a bit high imo.

I bought a used 20 GB for the exact reason that you stated above.

I can say with 100% confidence that you should buy one while you can, the EE chip is that important.

I bought mine for 350 last year, upgraded the HDD, and had a ps3 with full hardware BC and a 160 GB HDD for a total of 400 bucks.

Well worth it.

Besides, with the less than 3% fail rate, you would have to be very unlucky to get one that breaks down.

On top of that, if it does, it will only cost you 150 bones to get it fixed proper by Sony.

If you can find a good deal on ebay, you can actually buy a warranty on it from squaretrade. Google for some coupon codes... I think you can get 20-25% off on ebay warranties for 1 or 2 year coverage.

Good point.  Looks like i'll have to bargain hunt in a couple months once i get my "play money" fund back up.

The loss of Wi-Fi really is pointless as far as the 20 to 60 gig goes to me.  I mean I can support wiring so why wouldn't i?

That's kind of what I thought.

Check Craigslist, you can always find a pretty good deal there.

I haven't bought game systems refurbished but the deal your mentioning isn't a good one. Good luck finding a better deal.

You can always post a WTB ad on a place like craigslist along with how much you want to pay. Good way to get people's interest who are just tossing around the idea of selling theirs.

Thats how I found my gamecube for cheap. Most people were selling them for $50-$90 with shitty games but by posting a WTB ad and what I was willing to pay, i had quite a bit of interest and even got more than I was asking for (extra controller and a game) for $25.

Not from Gamestop.

My first PS3 was used 20gb, I put in an old 40 gig HDD that I had lying around.

In stead of buying that one look on Craigslist and Ebay to find a package of used games, controllers, cables, etc. Sell or trade what you don't want.

I just bought a new one, spent way to much on 1 extra controller, an extra usb, an HDMI cable (totaled $83). Argh. Add another 55 for each DS3 controller. $50 for warhawk with the bluetooth headset (though, I ended up loving it).