Posted on October 3, 2010
by Alex
From the “ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!” file, it seems that the Geek Squad at Best Buy is now trying to sell a PlayStation 3 update that Sony gives to PS3 owners for FREE. The update in question is a Firmware update to the PS3 that takes no time at all for anyone to do as long as you have your PS3 connected to the internet. (Comment) I can only assume that Best Buy is looking for some seriously uneducated customers. The instructions direct from Sony posted below.
The following shot (Source: http://dualshockers.com/2010/10/01/best-buy-sells-free-ps3-upgrades/ (http://dualshockers NULL.com/2010/10/01/best-buy-sells-free-ps3-upgrades/)) Shows the Geek Squad In Store Ad at a Best Buy in Staten Island NYC:
A “normal” PlayStation 3 costs $299, but if Geek Squad does the firmware upgrade for you, there is an additional $30 fee.
Geek Squad / Best Buy claims that if they do the upgrade you will benefit from
- Play all Blu-Ray Movies & PS3 Games
- Eliminate bugs & glitches
- System Runs Smoother
- Improved connection to Facebook
- Power Save Settings
- Photo Gallery & Video Editor
- Addition of PlayStation Plus (which is an online service)
- Improved System Settings
At best (In my opinion) this is unnecessary/misleading and taking advantaged of an uneducated user…..At worst…….
(My opinion) I don’t think this should be legal.
To show you how misleading the $30 fee is, here are the steps that Geek Squad is charging you $30 for. The following comes from Sony’s PlayStation Page (LINK)
http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/settings/update.html (http://manuals NULL.playstation NULL.net/document/en/ps3/current/settings/update NULL.html)
System Update
Software updates may include security patches, new or revised settings and features and other items, which will change your current operating system. It is recommended that you always maintain your system to use the latest version of the system software.
There are two ways to update as listed below:
- Update via Internet
- Update via Storage Media
Notices
- Do not turn off the system or remove media during an update. If an update is cancelled before completion, the system software may become damaged, and the system may require servicing or exchange.
- During an update, the power button on the system front and the PS button on the wireless controller are not active.
- Depending on the content, you may not be able to play without first updating the system software.
Update via Internet
Download the update data directly to the system from the Internet. The latest update is automatically downloaded.
1.
Select 
(Settings) > 
(System Update).
2.
Select [Update via Internet].
Download the latest update data from the Internet. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the operation.
Update via Storage Media
Use update data saved on a disc, Memory Stick™ or other media. Download the update data from a Web site using a PC. For more information, visit the SCE Web site for your region (http://manuals NULL.playstation NULL.net/document/en/support NULL.html).
Hints
- Update data may also be contained in some game discs, commercially available BD video software, and other types of disc media. When you play a disc that contains update data, a screen will be displayed to guide you through the update process. Follow the on-screen instructions to perform the update.
- An appropriate USB adaptor (not included) is required to use storage media with some models of the PS3™ system.
Of course those instructions are based on the fact that you have your PS3 already connected to your internet service. If you have a PS 3 and are not sure how to get it connected to your home internet connection, you can visit the following Sony PlayStation pages
Wired Connection (LINK) http://us.playstation.com/support/answer/index.htm?a_id=261 (http://us NULL.playstation NULL.com/support/answer/index NULL.htm?a_id=261)
Wireless Connection (LINK) http://us.playstation.com/support/answer/index.htm?a_id=238 (http://us NULL.playstation NULL.com/support/answer/index NULL.htm?a_id=238)
So for now, be careful if you purchase a PS3 at a Best Buy location, save yourself the $30 dollars and use that to buy either an additional controller, a Blu-Ray disk, or an additional game. If nothing else, use that $30 to pay the 12 yr. old family member tech. or neighbor child to get them to unpack and install the PS3 at your house. I’m sure they would appreciate it more.
(http://www