So I'm heading stateside begining of September, and have worked out that a US PS3 would cost me 190 GBP compared to 250 GBP if I were to purchase one here in the UK. That 60 GBP which could buy me a game and a spare controller. 
 
So my Question is will a US PS3 work in the UK, power wise and network wise? 
 
Just to make clear im talking SPECIFICALLY about the new SLIM MODEL. I already own a fat one that has decided too second up as a hair dryer / heater.

Power systems are different, it'll destroy your PS3 and maybe even start a fire or hurt someone.  Always be careful about that, people have died that way (seriously).
 
edit - I should add it probably won't even plug in, different power outlets.  However, I've heard of stories with compatible plugs but uncompatable power.  Some kid in Europe went from one country to another with his DS, when unplugging it it shocked him to death.
 
AC plugs : 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets#Types_in_present_use

Network will be fine, but remember Blu-ray films are Region specific. If you want to watch BDs its gonna be a case of importing each time.  
 
Seems power might not work as I had initially believed.

" I don't see why not, seems to use an old PS2 power chord by the looks of things. Network will be fine, but remember Blu-ray films are Region specific. If you want to watch BDs its gonna be a case of importing each time.  "

" Power systems are different, it'll destroy your PS3 and maybe even start a fire or hurt someone.  Always be careful about that, people have died that way (seriously).  edit - I should add it probably won't even plug in, different power outlets.  However, I've heard of stories with compatible plugs but uncompatable power.  Some kid in Europe went from one country to another with his DS, when unplugging it it shocked him to death. "

The fat US PS3 model works on UK Power just fine.    That why im making sure that the new model will too "

Ah kl, might just write to Sony and claim that I am moving from the US to the UK and have already preorderd a US model and see if they can do me a UK model for the same price.

I spent some time in New Zealand, trust me, get a heavy duty power converter. I tried using just a little plug converter and fried a GameCube.

For a saving of 60 GBP (97 USD) I might aswell save myself the hassel and get a UK model. Plus as Diamond said that at least I can buy local region Blurays. 
 
When im in Florida ill just stock up on games :)

" For a saving of 60 GBP (97 USD) I might aswell save myself the hassel and get a UK model. Plus as Diamond said that at least I can buy local region Blurays "

" I spent some time in New Zealand, trust me, get a heavy duty power converter. I tried using just a little plug converter and fried a GameCube. "

" @TooWalrus said:

" I spent some time in New Zealand, trust me, get a heavy duty power converter. I tried using just a little plug converter and fried a GameCube. "

I am using a Canadian NYSC Wii in Australia with the Australian power lead and it works fine.  I did research beforefand though.  Also, my US DS Phat workd fine with an Australian charge cable.  I agree that a power converter (step-up or step-down, whichever it is) is usually the safest. "

" @oldschool said:

" @TooWalrus said:

" I spent some time in New Zealand, trust me, get a heavy duty power converter. I tried using just a little plug converter and fried a GameCube. "

I am using a Canadian NYSC Wii in Australia with the Australian power lead and it works fine.  I did research beforefand though.  Also, my US DS Phat workd fine with an Australian charge cable.  I agree that a power converter (step-up or step-down, whichever it is) is usually the safest. "

I found out 2 years later when I moved back to the states, that it only fried the power box, the GameCube itself was fine, I just needed a new power cord. "

You'll need a step-down converter by the sound of things. NTSC-UK.com have a decent thread going through the importing process, but it's for the old phat model - http://ntsc-uk.domino.org/showthread.php?t=66748 - there is still useful information there. While the original PS3 worked regardless, the new power system in the PS3 Slim will more than likely need a converter. I've just ordered a PS3 Slim from the US ('cus I was going to get a Region-A Blu-Ray player anyway) and I'm looking around for converters. There's some cheap £5 - 15 models, but I'll probably end up spending more.
 
I don't mind spending more on the import because I'm getting a Region-A Blu-Ray player (I want to play Japanese BDs aswell as English ones). You won't be able to play UK Blu-Rays on your US PS3 Slim. If you're only importing to 'save money' then you'll probably find it'll cost the same after shipping and import tax. Even if you do save £30 or something at the end of it, you'll be spending that on the step-down converter anyway.
 
If you're still interested in importing, I'd get searching for a 'US to UK Power Converter'. For example - 
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tacima-Step-Down-Transformer-sockets/dp/B0009K6M76/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&qid=1251706600&sr=8-6 - still saving money? :)

If I were you, I'd cut out all the hassle and stump up the extra £60. But that's me. I prefer to pay for convenience.

Having to import all blu-rays would be a bit too much of a hassle to bother with.  Also, the PS3 is pretty damn heavy, the import tax would be very high, in the end it'd probably cost you just about as much as buying one from here.

Cheers for the comments guys, Ive decided that im going for the UK, model just to save hassle. But I will be getting games when in the states. Also if I were to get a US model, I wouldnt tell customs... thats just stupid.