Firmware 2.60 killed my PS3

My PS3 is Japanese 60GB model. The very first model released in Japan.

Here is what is wrong with my PS3:

My PS3 won't boot after firmware 2.60 update from 2.53. I updated via internet. It downloaded and copied the file to the hard drive. After the copying is done, it automatically restarted. From that point, normally it should boot and go into firmware installation. However, my PS3 does not boot and it never goes into the firmware installation. It just shows blank screen and nothing happens.

I have a spare 2.5" HDD, and tried replacing the original HDD with it. My PS3 booted and shows the message to format hard drive. After the format is done, it successfully boot into home screen of firmware 2.53. Games and movie still seem to work fine, but it lost internet connection. It does not recognize a connected LAN cable. I double checked the cables, routers, and modem; they are all fine. I tried reconfiguring the network setting, but I keep getting a message says connect LAN cable and error message: 80010201. I believe failed 2.60 update screwed up the Ethernet. The LEDs of Ethernet port are not even flashing. Also Wifi setting disappeared from network setting.

This time I tried installing via USB thumb drive, but I get the same result. I get blank screen after restart. It won't boot and start the installation. I reformatted this spare hard drive and my PS3 once again booted back into 2.53 without functional Ethernet or any internet connection. It still plays PS3, PS2, PS1 games, and Blu-Ray and DVD movie. Also card slots and USB ports seem to work properly. Next I tried the hidden recovery menu. I have tried all options in this menu, but nothing solved the problems. I also tried to update firmware from here, but I get an error: 8002F281 and a message say contact Sony Information Center.

Appears to be this failed firmware 2.60 installation totally messed up my PS3.

Sony America would not accept foreign PS3 for repair service, I would have to ship it back to Japan. That will cost me around $300 for 2-way shipping to and from Japan and whatever the price Sony Japan charges for repair. So I sent my PS3 to VideoGame911 for repair. Hopefully, my PS3 will be fully functional again. Otherwise, I would have to buy a new one.

Thank you so much Sony!!!!!