Given the problems with the PS2 lasers, is there anyway to know ahead of time whether or not Sony will use a similarly shitty laser or if they will replace it with something a little bit more reliable? What about any other problems?

That all depends on the type of disk they decide on using.

So if they continue to use the same disks you think it'll be the same laser? I would think since they're making it blue ray compatible, even if the first few games are on regular DVD or DVD-DL, they would probably have a laser that can read blue ray as well for the later releases that take advantage of it.

Yes your right it'll be a definate upgrade to say the least. Obviously whatever they do use it'll be able to do it all.

I would HOPE that a new system means upgraded parts. I also agree the laser in PS2s seemed like crap compared to.... well mostly every other DVD reader ive seen. i have had 2 PS2s die on me due to this. Sony at LEAST replaced the first 1 that died. second 1 though held together for a few years and BOOM cant read anything.

Apparently blu-ray get their name from the blue laser that is needed to read them, its more focused than the previous red ones for cds & dvds, so the ps3 will have to have two lasers in its drive.

This probably means one would blow out and you'd only be able to play games on one media format :S, kind of like those tv's with built in VCR's, if one fuc's out they both do.

I've read so much about ps3 i nthe last 48 hours i can't wait to get one, the graphics are amazing!!!

The laser problem was quicly over come in the PS2. If you have alater model number your laser is as good as any.

I doubt the PS3 will suffer the same. Optical technology has advanced far enough to accomadate a solid product. There is more at stake this time so both sides will do everything in their power to make these systems perfect.

The red laser for DVD shouldn't for sure. Blu-ray shouldn't, but since it is new it might.

Well this will be one of the first dvd lasers for the new blu rays so I can only imagine that no company will be able to create a very reliable laser until some of the problems arise. This happened with all other media but soon enough afterwards the problem was resolved. Anyway thats what I think.

Not true, Blu-ray is already time tested in Japan. In Japan you can buy blank BD disc and burn them and you can buy BD players etc. Blu-ray is already time tested! Blu-ray will be solid.

well hopefully im wrong I'd really like to see the ps3 triumph over the 360 im a fan of both ps2 and xbox but i think sony needs this cuz microsoft shouldnt own the jeapordy over the tech market.