While Sony fanboys and eBay scalpers are in L-U-V-love with their shiny piano black PlayStation 3's, it seems the New York Times just isn't feelin' it.

Mostly kvetching about the software services side of things, the Times dogs Sony for their inability to meet Microsoft's simple Xbox 360 set up and library-wide feature support (standard custom soundtracks, unified friends list). Sony also gets taken to task for hardware flubs like having to wire your SIXAXIS on a PS3 to get it recognized and failing to include component cables.

All valid complaints, but will gamers care? PS3 online is currently a no cost affair and free goes a long way. Plus, many folks will never know better about the Times' hardware complaints.

Will Sony's slick looking but spotty (read: kinda shitty) services design turn off the masses or does the PlayStation brand (and hype) carry enough weight to land them a pass? Michael McWhertor

A Weekend Full of Quality Time With PlayStation 3 [NYT]

Contact information for this author is not available.