You can hook the console directly up to the internet without a PC. While I usually have both on at the same time so I can web surf/play at the same time, sometimes if I don't feel like being on the PC it stays off.

That said, the PS3 web browser's shittiness is only surpassed by the PSPs. It's a pity they couldn't use the Opera browser or similar like a few gaming/mobile devices have done quite successfully.