1. Play.com have been leading the way for other UK retailers since the PS3's release.
£399 still sounds like a lot of money but, to the informed buyer this is a damned good deal!

Talking of informed buyer, I was chatting with a mate this morning regarding the promotion of the PS3 and one question was prominent - How many casual gamers know of the PS3's media and gaming powers when they look at the system in GAME?
For example, a very good mate of mine has a PS3 but doesn't know how to play movies, music or show photos over his home network through his PS3.
Don't get me wrong, Sony are doing a superb job with Firmware updates and the PS3 itself is monstrous in its powers. I just don't think the message is getting across.

If Sony were to work with high street retailers and create 6 foot high billboards bullet pointing the PS3's capabilities the message might actually start to to sink in. Magazine and TV ads with the same message might be a good idea as well.

Posted at 6:20AM on Jul 17th 2007 by Ian

2. The only alternative which comes close to that (and would kinda beat it when the bundle comes out) is with John Lewis and discounted gift vouchers. MBNA CC card holders can purchase gift vouchers at 10% off (£100+) so if you bought £400 of V's then its cost you £360, pay the £25 in cash and your at £385 and have a UK store to visit if needed.
Doesnt include Click, Genji or the HDMI cable, but its £15 cheaper if those dont interest you and possibly the only sub £400 store price we'll see for a while and still includes MS, R:FoM & Controller #2.

http://www.mbna.co.uk/lifestyle/ (pw = mbna)
Only any good if you have or know someone with a card and have them purchase the vouchers (theres plenty others too, but none as good as the 10% for JL really)

Anyone know whether or not we can expect a bill from Customs with the delivery from Play? I've only ever bought DVDs & Games from them, nothing more than £40 at a time so i doubt any value was put onto the contents, so if anyone has ordered a few things over £100 from Play can pass comment on this it'd probably be appreciated by many. Cant be guaranteed i guess, but should give us an idea if its nailed on or unlikely.

Posted at 6:44AM on Jul 17th 2007 by P

3. Highly unlikely you'd be nailed by Customs and Excise... Play.com ship all electronics from warehouses based in the UK. I've bought a 42" plasma and a PS3 from them without any hidden charges.

Posted at 8:50AM on Jul 17th 2007 by Ian

4. We don’t have customs inside the European Union.

Posted at 9:17AM on Jul 17th 2007 by Laurens Holst

5. so the Starter bundle officially goes on sale in the UK tomorrow (Wednesday). I will see how much Amazon will sell it for and how much they then price the standard 60gb SKU, if its not really cheap/good bargain then I will buy the Play.com bundle for £399.

Posted at 9:36AM on Jul 17th 2007 by christian_oliff

6. Play will not ship electrical items to anywhere outside the UK..the same with most online retailers I have found sadly.

It even includes blank CDs as I am now living in Sweden this has proved a problem.

DVDs and games have proved bargainous though!

Posted at 9:51AM on Jul 17th 2007 by Sammy

7.
Stores should have Wireless internet with PS3 stalls allowing On-line racing / Fighting etc for games line Motorstorm / RFOM etc. Have booths with headsets etc just to give the full effect. Trust me, that would shift plenty of units, There really is nothing that can compare to full on human Vs human action.

Posted at 10:07AM on Jul 17th 2007 by Neil

8. Play is based in Jersey and so is not actually a part of the EU. They have a deal with the UK Revenue but no such deal with anyone else. If you live in Ireland they'll quite happily send you stuff neglecting to inform you that the product may get stopped and taxed so you pay the English tax(which Play pockets for themselves(17%?)) and if it gets stopped you'll pay the Irish tax(21%) on top of it. There goes your deal...I say Ireland as I'm from there I'd imagine is likely the same in other areas

Posted at 11:33AM on Jul 17th 2007 by KeVil

9. I don't know how much the PS3 costs in Europe, but 399 pounds is equal to ~816 dollars. Speaking from the perspective of an American, this is not the best option for other people living in the US. If I'm wrong, please correct me.

Posted at 3:04PM on Jul 17th 2007 by AK

10. @ #9, tell us something we dont know, you lot complaining about $600 are getting a bargin ;) but the post is really aimed at EU customers as thats cheaper than the European RRP price (£400 compared to £425 or equivelent in €).
Incidently this same bundle Play are offering was priced at about £540 back in February before launch, as i had it on pre-order but cancelled in the end, thats £1080 or a little more as the dollar sinks against the pound little more each day.

Nothing special for NA folks, but probably the best deal we'll see in Europe for the next 4 months, maybe something for xmas.

Posted at 4:28PM on Jul 17th 2007 by P

11. If you prefer to shop instore, and not online, Argos have a VERY good deal. Starter Pack, as starter pack (2 games, extra sixaxis) but £25 cheaper, and choice of 4 different games (choose 2).

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5683707.htm

Scroll down to 2nd offer:

"Special Offer Buy the Playstation 3 with 60 Gb hard drive (568/3707) with the official Playstation 3 wireless controller (568/3783) and any 2 games from the list below for only £399.96. To receive this offer add 4 items to trolley. Offer ends 27th July 2007. "

Print the form out, they will price-match instore (may have to override the checkout, but plenty of people have taken part in the excellent deal).

PS Argos 3yr insurance (std 1yr + additional 2yr), is also VERY nicely priced, at £35.

Posted at 5:07PM on Jul 18th 2007 by Mak