Actually what was linked is all it says, and it specifically mentions that the closing date of the next test will be communicated later on, so we don't know yet if it's a weekend. Since Duty Finder isn't ready from the looks of it, it's quite possible they'll extend the test until it is.
At NA launch 1-15 easily took a couple days or more, so it makes sense. Let's not forget they basically started you out with shit gear and you were left to your own devices to make money and whatnot to get more gear. There weren't quests to get gear and stuff.
Especially if the Duty Finder isn't going to be in right away they'll need some extended time. Good news though.
It's basically the same thing as the PC beta. Same characters, same servers, etc. Gameplay controls are excellent in it, but the usual downsides apply: typing into chat sucks ass unless you have a usb keyboard hooked up, and there's no voice comms built into the game so even if you're one of the few PS3 owners with a headset it won't do you any good. The graphics are a huge step down from the PC as well, so if you have a good PC you'd be much better off playing it there with a gamepad hooked up. (In case the email you got wasn't clear, your PS3 invite is good for PC as well.)
Speaking of this, how is the PC User Interface? I remember FFXI's being so horrible - if memory serves it was geared towards controller use. Did they get some work done on their UI?
As others said, it's above average for a MMO that doesn't support add-ons. There's still a lot of places where extra mouse clicks/drags are required compared to a single button press on the gamepad though. Some of it is pretty dumb, like making you select the items you want to hand in for fed ex/bear-ass collection quests.
