well sony's 60GB version has a lower failure rate than the older Xbox360 versions

anyway my PS2 survived 2 fires and is still going strong although the lid is somewhat crooked.

Wow...captain obvious has arrived! Why bring the 360 into this thread, that is trolling? (Take note leo-j) Nobody is debating that the 360s had a much larger failure rate, infact that was never brought up until some insecure fanboy showed up. The OP was wondering if he had anything to worry about before he takes the plunge.

Well every PS3 that you hear about dying is the 60gb, and i think some of the 40gb....but 60gb PS3's are always the ones that people say are dying.  

Oops, I missed this (Nice spot yo_john). Now...I get to have fun, I warned you leo-j.

Yes, I will respond by using "random forum posts" Two posts within the past two weeks from two different people and guess what...both were 60GB. People all over the web getting the YLOD on...you guessed it, 60 GB models. People on numerous forums and websites saying that the 60GB models are the ones with the highest falure rate. Try using this nifty little search engine...it's called, GOOGLE. Perhaps you can show me where I am wrong? I don't think there is a person on this forum, who knows anything about the PS3 falures, who would tell me otherwise. 

And here is what I don't get. Why are you so insecure about the 60GB model that you call me a troll? Why does it even matter which model failed the most? Sony obviously fixed the problem with the newer consoles. Now, please point out how I was trolling in ANY way shape or form in my OP, or apologize here, in this thread, for all to see. 

If we want the cold numbers, then SquareTrade - an independent company dealing in extended warranties - estimated the failure rates of PS3 in 2008 at about 3%.
Since that's an average that includes early 60GB models that had a higher failure rate due to the overheating (it had extra chips for BC and SSD interface, its CPU and GPU were larger and more power-hungry), by buying a new PS3 today you're going to have a product with a way lower likeness of failing. Someone talks about "less than 1%" but I can't give references for the source.

Ah, yes, the facts...I want my apology leo-j! 

@OP I would feel perfectly comfortable purchasing a PS3 if I were you, the Falure rate of the new ones is almost nill, like I said, stay away from the 60 GB models, and you should be fine.

Come on. 1% LOL.

By no means does PS3 have as big an issue as the launch 360's. But 60gb is definately a faulty product, and the main reason PS3 now has it's own form of RROD in YLOD. 60gb PS3's are quite common for Firmware update killing your machine. If you get PS3 and want to have a much higher chance of no YLOD dont get 60 gb version. Some 2nd hand stores near me wont buy 60gb PS3's off people now, just the same as the won't be a 2nd hand 360 with more than 175w on power pack.

My ps1 (practically launch) still works. It doesn't have to be turned upside down or anything.

My ps2 (fat silver) still works.

My psp2000 still works

My ps3 (60 gig euro) still works.........


...
My point is just that you cant guard yourself from problems... but just because they can happen, doesn't mean they will.

Nightwish, you're fine by buying a new PS3 model, it's not very likely to fail. In fact, when you say you bought a 360 but are worried about your future PS3 failing, things turn funny (which is why you have been getting all these comments ). The only PS3 units showing signs of unreliability are the old launch units, go out and buy any PS3 fresh from a retailer, and you wont be in trouble

Don't worry, YLOD pretty much only happens to 60GB models. The current model has close to a 0% failure rate- it's the most reliable console Sony have ever made.

Having said that, NONE of my four Sony systems have ever needed to be sent in for repairs.

Go ahead, buy one