Now you can go online to the PSN store, Sign in, and play games online without the system nagging you to update to the latest firmware. Follow these instructions here.

The instructions are somewhat confusing and out of order. But if you stick to it, you'll get it and be pissed at the tutorial writers, and know that you are smarter than them.

Things to note:

-charles.config is found in PS3DNS.zip.

-opening Charles for the first time, creates the charles.config fil.

-copy charles.config from PS3DNS.zip to C:\Users\xxxx\AppData\Roaming\Charles, replacing the file that is already there. To make it even easier for you, I have the charles.config file edited already for USA, see below. So no need to open Charles and edit the proxy,map local...etc.

-download ps2-updatelist.txt below and copy to C:\. This file is already edited for USA.

-see ps3news for more instructions.

ps3-updatelist.txt (288.00 bytes)

charles.config (11.46 kb)

EBAY!

Samsung's rechargeable 3D glasses normally cost $200 at retail stores. You can get them for about $98 each on ebay. They ship from Korea and most sellers offer free EMS (Express) shipping if you buy 2 or more. I bought 2 pairs and they came in 5 days. 3 more are coming. I ordered from 2 different  sellers and both respond to my questions within 1 hour (try that with US sellers, HA!). I highly recommend seller name green-sum and goodtrader0301. These glasses are fragile, so handle them with care. They work great with my 63" Samsung Plasma 3D TV!

A day after Verizon launches the iPhone 4, AT&T gives out free 1000 rollover minutes to it's customers.

To get the free 1000 rollover minutes, simply text "Yes" on your AT&T phone to 11113020.

Best Buy's new buy back program is clearly a ripoff. For now it's free until Feb 12, 2011, even that may be not worth sending your product back. The plan is steep, they are charging $70 (2-years) for netbooks, tablets, and phone. Charges for TV are currently unknown. Instead of paying for the plan and receiving a small amount back when you return the item, selling it on ebay is more profitable, and you get cash back. But with Best Buy's buy back, you get a gift card to spend at their store.

Buy a netbook at $300 + $70 plan (return within 2 years) = $370
Return the netbook in 18-24 months later, get $60. You lose $310.
Sell on ebay in 18-24 months, get $100-$140. You only lose $160-$200.

Clearly Best Buy is the biggest scammers of any B&M retail stores. Do they still charge an arm and a leg for setting up your PS3? Firmware update?

On January 27th, Sony of Japan revealed the new PSP. It's got dual joysticks which tilts like Playstation controller, large 5" OLED screen 960x544, front screen is touch, touch pad on back,Wifi, 3G, GPS, tilt sensitive axxis control, L+R shoulder buttons, front and back-facing cameras.

Games coming for it are Uncharted, LittleBigPlanet, Killzone, Hot Shot Golf, WipeOut, Resistance, Call of Duty...can't wait for Monster Hunter Portable 3!

Price to be determined.

Comes out 2011 Holiday. 

Microsoft's Project Natal - Control the Xbox, play games with your body and nothing else. No controllers. Just you. No thank you - I'm lazy.

Sony's Motion Controller - Seems fun, seems interesting - probably just for a while. Just like the Wii, you just want to try it out and that's it. I'm too lazy to wave my arms, stand up and swing, jump, bla bla.

Me stick to regular wireless controllers. When I play games, I want to relax and barely move, just my fingers only.

All this motion comotion with the Wii, Project Natal, SMC is strictly for young kids and grand nys and pas. 

Discovery has the Planet Eart Blu-ray set for $29.99 using Techbargain's exclusive 25% off coupon code TBEARTHDA

If you haven't seen Planet Earth yet, I highly recommend you do on Blu.

Discovery also has 25% off all other Earth Day related products. Use this coupon code for them: EARTHDAY

Amazon has started accepting pre-orders of LOTR Trilogy Blu-ray disc collection. It's $69.99. The only problem is it's the Theatrical release and not the Extended release. Extended release might come out at a later time.

Fans have been waiting a long time for this, no doubt that I just might pick up a copy myself. I already have the DVD Trilogy Extended Edition.