POWER A Media Expansion Bar for PS3 Slim

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $19.99
Sale Price: $11.85
Today's Bonus: 41% Off

Bought this to get some extra USB slots and it works great.

I was a bit hesitant after seeing the other review mentioning that it wasn't that snug...I found that at first as well then decided to read the manual before throwing it away, there is a hook on the right hand side that fits into the PS3, then you hook up the USB side...this makes it a lot tighter and a better fit.

Click Here to Read More Reviews >>

This was the best accessory I ever purchased for the PS3. It fits perfectly and is completely snug IF INSTALLED CORRECTLY! Make sure to install the hook end FIRST then the usb port SECOND. If installed that way, it works absolutely perfectly! I tried every port and it read everything that I plugged in and quickly too.

On top of it all, it's aesthetically pleasing which basically it doesn't stick out far and fits perfectly. When installed, it looks like its part of the system naturally! No large jutting pieces or anything like other media expansions.

I would recommend this to anyone, its cheap, and literally perfect! A MUST BUY FOR ANY PS3 USER!

Buy POWER A Media Expansion Bar for PS3 Slim Now

This media expansion bar works fine, but Power A should definitely re-think their definition of "seamless." It fits okay, but to me does not look like part of the system (as the box and product description would have you believe). I've used it to transfer videos and photos as well as play Rock Band and it has worked well thus far. The only other thing is you have to be careful when removing USB connectors and media cards as the unit doesn't really fit into the PS3 all that securely. All in all I think I would have been better off getting a media hub slim, but was able to get this new for less than 10 bucks so couldn't pass it up, and I'd say it was worth what I paid for it.

Read Best Reviews of POWER A Media Expansion Bar for PS3 Slim Here

This product was a little bit tricky to install. If you don't pay attention to the small hook-shaped tab, you can easily plug the device in incorrectly, which will cause it to feel wobbly and loose. Once it is installed correctly though, the usb hub/card reader fits very securely.

The device blends in with the system perfectly and you can barely notice it's there, which is a plus. I plugged in an Eye Toy camera, charged 2 controllers and a bluetooth headset, and everything seemed to function just fine.

The main reason I chose this Expansion Bar is because I used to own a 60GB model ps3 that had 4 usb ports and a multi-card reader, and this add-on attachment basically brings those features back.

I used to always keep a memory stick pro duo plugged into my 60gb ps3 and I used to routinely back up my game saves to it. The cool thing about the 60gb ps3 was that there was a plastic door that concealed the card reader and you could keep the memory cards plugged in at all times without worry of dust or having the sticks accidentally bumped. After testing out the card reader for this "Media Expansion Bar", I noticed that the pro duo memory card stuck out almost an inch out of the front like a flimsy diving board. I was hoping to leave the memory card in there at all times, but the memory stick can easily be bumped and possibly damaged because it sticks out so far. The ps3 detected the memory stick just fine and I was able to import and export game saves, music, and other files with ease. Another problem with the card reader is that there is no door or covers to keep dust out of the open memory card slots, so expect a lot of dust to build up after a while.

Overall, here is what I loved and hated about the "POWER A Media Expansion Bar":

LOVED:

I can finally charge multiple accessories without having to unplug something else (4 USB ports)

The device blends in with the console, not too bulky

fits very securely into the system (if installed correctly)

HATED:

the "hook" part can be a little tricky to install (and uninstall)

memory cards stick out too far, putting the cards data or the card itself at risk of damage

no way to keep dust out of card reader

In the end, this is great USB hub and I am mostly satisfied, but if you are looking to keep your memory cards plugged in at all times, look elsewhere.

Want POWER A Media Expansion Bar for PS3 Slim Discount?

Overall I like the product; for the money, it is a nice way to add some additional ports and memory card slots (which I miss not having after owning an original PS3 "fat").

The fit and finish in my opinion is just fine snaps right in fairly tight. It took about 5 seconds to install, and seemed to work flawlessly for the last month.

So why only 3 stars? I went to plug in my PS3 SingStar USB microphones (branded and sold specifically for PS3; not some cheapo aftermarket thing), and the SingStar program continually kept recognizing and then dropping the microphones. I finally unplugged my new media expansion bar and just used the original PS3 USB ports, and the microphones worked perfectly. So bottom line, all of your accessories may not work with this product, which is a major flaw.

Still, overall for the money it is decent. If you just play normal games (no singing) and need the memory card slots for slideshows, etc, then this product will be fine for you. And it detaches fairly easily, so if you have to temporarily disconnect it, it isn't a big deal.

Overall recommended, but just go in knowing that it isn't a perfect product.