All the PS3 models produced after the original 20GB, 60GB, 80GB and 40GB models are identical when it comes to features. Slim and Super Slim have a few physical differences, but they work exactly the same way.

The first PS3 models i mentioned are different because they had PS2 backwards compability (all the PS3 consoles have PS1 compability through emulation, but only the first PS3 models run PS2 games from the original discs) and Linux support (which was later removed even from the old models with a system update because of the Geohotz hack). The 20GB and 60GB models had hardware-based PS2 backwards compability (which means that these models actually had the PS2 hardware inside them) while the 40GB and 80GB models had software-based backwards compability (i think they had the Emotion Engine chip, but not the CPU), so not every PS2 game works, but almost all of them do.

Despite having more "features" than later models, the fat models (20GB, 40GB, 60GB and 80GB) are not worth it. The first problem is that it's not easy to find a sealed fat PS3 nowadays. The second (and biggest) problem is that the fat PS3 models are prone to YLOD (which is the PS3 equivalent of the Xbox 360's 3RL or RROD). Many early PS3 models are dying because of that. I still have my 80GB PS3 that i bought 6 years ago and it's working fine, but i'm looking to switch it for a Slim or Super Slim model before it dies.

So, just get a Slim or Super Slim model. Both are pretty much the same and do not have the same issues as the first models. The size of the HD doesn't matter that much because the PS3 uses standard notebook HDs (unlike Microsoft). If you run out of space, you can just buy a bigger HD and put it into the PS3. It doesn't void the warranty or anything.

I was wondering the same, as I'm also looking for a good PS3 now that PS4 came out PS3s are quite cheap specially used ones. I was looking forward for the fat models since I really like the look of that one way more than the Slim models, but now I guess I'll go for the Slim version. However I really hate the super slim model, it looks sooo cheap...

i have actually read reports on forums that the super slim top loader lids are already getting loose enough to come out you can practically apply enough force to open it while a disc is being read , its a major hazard specially if you have little kids at home or animals who would love to yank things out.

and then there is sensor issue which happens a lot , causing disc read errors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z38iITG-Lkw avoid super slims if possible getting a new slim 320 gb is worth it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SV0np5bN_ts

A few months back my original fat 40Gb PS3 died it kept freezing and all that after awhile even switching out HDD didn't fix it then one day it just kinda stopped completely and I was looking to buy a new one myself I got a 320GB Slim move bundle lot with 15 games (9 of which I didn't own) and it has worked flawlessly no freezing or anything it works wonders so if anything i'd say 320GB Slim.

I really don't think 1TB is necessary but maybe if going that route is cheaper than a 500 GB model.

The hdd fills up pretty quick if you purchase psn games or have psn plus , my 320gb has come down to just 10gb free space