initial software update with no problems
question: Why is it a good hardware?, context: I pre-ordered the PS4 after both Sony and Microsoft had their presentations at E3.  I haven't had a Sony console since the PS2 and my most recent console was the Xbox 360.  The console arrived on time for launch day and was a breeze to set up.  The Playstation Network (PSN) was more than a bit congested due to the massive number of accounts hitting it within the 24 hour launch day.I was able to set up my console and download the initial software update with no problems.  Getting my PSN account logged in took a bit of time, but that was to be expected given the high demand for the system and large network traffic.  Since I couldn't access the store from the console, I opted to use the nifty feature of purchasing a digital game through Sony's website and setting it to download to the PS4.  That bypassed the traffic and immediately started the download to the console.  The play while you download feature is nice, but be aware that you need to download a specified portion of the game before you can start.  With a retail size game, that still takes time.  My example was Battlefield 4.  6GB is necessary to start playing.  You can then play single player while the remaining 33GB downloads.The hardware itself is pretty great.  I love the simple design of the case and the power is a sufficient leap over the previous generation of consoles that it makes it worth it.  The DualShock4 controller takes a bit of getting used to if you have been using an Xbox controller, but it's a great controller.  I haven't used the touchpad yet, but it's a potentially interesting feature.  The triggers are different, but I think they are quite adequate for my primary gaming need - shooters.The user interface is simplistic, but everything seems sorted into logical areas.  I've only got about 8 hours into usage, so my experience is still that of a new user.Included in the box is a 30-day trial for PS+, which is required for online multi-player.  You also get some pretty great games free every month.  I already have a favorite launch game and it was free - Resogun.  There is also a 30-day trial of Sony's streaming music service.  I tested it out briefly and it works well, though I'm not sure I'd subscribe to it after the trial is up.The best part is that I was able to set up a PSN account for my wife so she can access everything I can but there is no fee for her account.  Also, Sony has not put any of the media streaming services not owned by Sony (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant, etc.) behind a paywall.  This simplifies multiple accounts on the console accessing streaming media.Overall, I'm very satisfied with my purchase and I highly recommend a Playstation 4 to people looking at upgrading to a next-gen console. 
Why is it a good hardware?
I was able to set up my console and download the initial software update with no problems .
I pre-ordered the PS4 after both Sony and Microsoft had their presentations at E3.  I haven't had a Sony console since the PS2 and my most recent console was the Xbox 360.  The console arrived on time for launch day and was a breeze to set up.  The Playstation Network (PSN) was more than a bit congested due to the massive number of accounts hitting it within the 24 hour launch day.I was able to set up my console and download the initial software update with no problems.  Getting my PSN account logged in took a bit of time, but that was to be expected given the high demand for the system and large network traffic.  Since I couldn't access the store from the console, I opted to use the nifty feature of purchasing a digital game through Sony's website and setting it to download to the PS4.  That bypassed the traffic and immediately started the download to the console.  The play while you download feature is nice, but be aware that you need to download a specified portion of the game before you can start.  With a retail size game, that still takes time.  My example was Battlefield 4.  6GB is necessary to start playing.  You can then play single player while the remaining 33GB downloads.The hardware itself is pretty great.  I love the simple design of the case and the power is a sufficient leap over the previous generation of consoles that it makes it worth it.  The DualShock4 controller takes a bit of getting used to if you have been using an Xbox controller, but it's a great controller.  I haven't used the touchpad yet, but it's a potentially interesting feature.  The triggers are different, but I think they are quite adequate for my primary gaming need - shooters.The user interface is simplistic, but everything seems sorted into logical areas.  I've only got about 8 hours into usage, so my experience is still that of a new user.Included in the box is a 30-day trial for PS+, which is required for online multi-player.  You also get some pretty great games free every month.  I already have a favorite launch game and it was free - Resogun.  There is also a 30-day trial of Sony's streaming music service.  I tested it out briefly and it works well, though I'm not sure I'd subscribe to it after the trial is up.The best part is that I was able to set up a PSN account for my wife so she can access everything I can but there is no fee for her account.  Also, Sony has not put any of the media streaming services not owned by Sony (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant, etc.) behind a paywall.  This simplifies multiple accounts on the console accessing streaming media.Overall, I'm very satisfied with my purchase and I highly recommend a Playstation 4 to people looking at upgrading to a next-gen console. 
I was able to set up my console and download the <hl> initial software update with no problems <hl> .
I pre-ordered the PS4 after both Sony and Microsoft had their presentations at E3. I haven't had a Sony console since the PS2 and my most recent console was the Xbox 360. The console arrived on time for launch day and was a breeze to set up. The Playstation Network (PSN) was more than a bit congested due to the massive number of accounts hitting it within the 24 hour launch day.I was able to set up my console and download the <hl> initial software update with no problems <hl>. Getting my PSN account logged in took a bit of time, but that was to be expected given the high demand for the system and large network traffic. Since I couldn't access the store from the console, I opted to use the nifty feature of purchasing a digital game through Sony's website and setting it to download to the PS4. That bypassed the traffic and immediately started the download to the console. The play while you download feature is nice, but be aware that you need to download a specified portion of the game before you can start. With a retail size game, that still takes time. My example was Battlefield 4. 6GB is necessary to start playing. You can then play single player while the remaining 33GB downloads.The hardware itself is pretty great. I love the simple design of the case and the power is a sufficient leap over the previous generation of consoles that it makes it worth it. The DualShock4 controller takes a bit of getting used to if you have been using an Xbox controller, but it's a great controller. I haven't used the touchpad yet, but it's a potentially interesting feature. The triggers are different, but I think they are quite adequate for my primary gaming need - shooters.The user interface is simplistic, but everything seems sorted into logical areas. I've only got about 8 hours into usage, so my experience is still that of a new user.Included in the box is a 30-day trial for PS+, which is required for online multi-player. You also get some pretty great games free every month. I already have a favorite launch game and it was free - Resogun. There is also a 30-day trial of Sony's streaming music service. I tested it out briefly and it works well, though I'm not sure I'd subscribe to it after the trial is up.The best part is that I was able to set up a PSN account for my wife so she can access everything I can but there is no fee for her account. Also, Sony has not put any of the media streaming services not owned by Sony (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant, etc.) behind a paywall. This simplifies multiple accounts on the console accessing streaming media.Overall, I'm very satisfied with my purchase and I highly recommend a Playstation 4 to people looking at upgrading to a next-gen console. 
I pre-ordered the PS4 after both Sony and Microsoft had their presentations at E3. I haven't had a Sony console since the PS2 and my most recent console was the Xbox 360. The console arrived on time for launch day and was a breeze to set up. The Playstation Network (PSN) was more than a bit congested due to the massive number of accounts hitting it within the 24 hour launch day. <hl> I was able to set up my console and download the initial software update with no problems . <hl> Getting my PSN account logged in took a bit of time, but that was to be expected given the high demand for the system and large network traffic. Since I couldn't access the store from the console, I opted to use the nifty feature of purchasing a digital game through Sony's website and setting it to download to the PS4. That bypassed the traffic and immediately started the download to the console. The play while you download feature is nice, but be aware that you need to download a specified portion of the game before you can start. With a retail size game, that still takes time. My example was Battlefield 4. 6GB is necessary to start playing. You can then play single player while the remaining 33GB downloads. The hardware itself is pretty great. I love the simple design of the case and the power is a sufficient leap over the previous generation of consoles that it makes it worth it. The DualShock4 controller takes a bit of getting used to if you have been using an Xbox controller, but it's a great controller. I haven't used the touchpad yet, but it's a potentially interesting feature. The triggers are different, but I think they are quite adequate for my primary gaming need - shooters. The user interface is simplistic, but everything seems sorted into logical areas. I've only got about 8 hours into usage, so my experience is still that of a new user. Included in the box is a 30-day trial for PS+, which is required for online multi-player. You also get some pretty great games free every month. I already have a favorite launch game and it was free - Resogun. There is also a 30-day trial of Sony's streaming music service. I tested it out briefly and it works well, though I'm not sure I'd subscribe to it after the trial is up. The best part is that I was able to set up a PSN account for my wife so she can access everything I can but there is no fee for her account. Also, Sony has not put any of the media streaming services not owned by Sony (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant, etc.) behind a paywall. This simplifies multiple accounts on the console accessing streaming media. Overall, I'm very satisfied with my purchase and I highly recommend a Playstation 4 to people looking at upgrading to a next-gen console.