Patches have nothing to do with the PSN itself as af as I am aware. You can download them as long as your PS3 is hooked up to the Internet, no need to be signed in. Heck, they were also available during the recent PSN outage.

Personally I do use the PSN quite a lot, mainly for downloading demos and occasionally buying the download-only games. Actually, some of my favourite PS3 games are DL only, like Pixeljunk Shooter, Super Stardust HD, Joe Danger and Pac-Man Championship Edition Deluxe (best Pac-Man EVER:)).

You can't accidentally buy something UNLESS you have previously entered your credit card details when buying something. It automatically keeps the CC information for future purchases when entered (similar to Amazon), but you can remove it again if you want. Otherwise you can buy PSN cards from stores to be on the safe side (in case there is another haxxor attack).

As for good online games, I barely play any, but I did like what I've played of Uncharted 2 (mainly due to a co-op mode) and a recent beta for number 3. EDIT: And Demon's Souls has some excellent, innovative online functionality that is integrated into the singleplayer game, like bloodstains left by other players to warn you of potentially horrible death traps and monsters ahead of you (of which there are many:)).

So in order to patch the games and the firmware, I don't need to sign in to the PSN? Hmm..

Not sure about the firmware, but for patches I'm 99,999999999999999 % sure you don't need to log in.

I could go check, but I think I have all the latest updates/firmware already.

You definitely don't need to log in to PSN for that. I know that because whenever I go to the PSN link I have to log in.

Personally, the only thing I do with PSN is download the occasional demo, I had PSN gold or whatever it is when Sony gave that free month and literally logged in one time.

Also, PSN is useful if you need to install something like the Netflix app.

I say: why not? You don't really lose anything. You can fake your info if that's your concern and use PSN cards if you ever choose to purchase something off the Store. The Store has lots of free stuff like demos, themes, videos, etc. Since you're from Finland you get stuff like VidZone too, I think.

I don't play online too much myself, but I still have some friends I check up with over PSN. Also, the adhocParty service lets me use my PSP for online multiplayer, so yeah, that's cool.

=DDD

..well.. I don't even own a console.

one more question, what's with the reports that the new firmware update can cause overheating? Is it just some sort of misunderstanding or something?

The single best reason to hook your PS3 up to the internet is for the
Folding@Home client, part of the Life with Playstation application. I'm always getting use out of my PS3.

Start Folding!

WooHoo, I have a PSN account!

I think...

I download demos occasionally but play no online stuff. I've only had my ps3 for about 4 months but signed up for a PSN account soon after getting the console. I'm so glad I did since I received the 2 free games (inFamous and WipEout + HD for me) and had none of the risk (no CC# on file).

I did just buy my first DLC this week (the weapons pack for Alice: The Madness Returns) using a PSN prepaid card - nice and safe.

All-in-all it's been a pretty stress-free situation.

Sure if you want to have to constantly download annoying game updates and system updates that seem to come on an almost weekly basis. Other than that you get access to PSN which is fine if you want to buy downloadable games (though they're more expensive than their 360 counterparts.... probably offset by the lack of a paid subscription.)

One of the best things to do if you choose to do that and you watch bluray films is go into the devices and disable allowing blurays to automatically access the internet and then when you go to watch one, say no when it asks as all it ever does is act as an advertisement platform.

whats the account name will send a friend request :D [hope its not knee :D]

it should be kneecappi

(Kneecap was taken by some low-life, so I had to variate a bit finnish into it)

I'll send you one later tonight (I hope), if you don't mind. My ID is the same as my nickname here as well.

sure, go right ahead :)