@welshbloke, The specs of the new SKU would not be crippled at all, all they're taking out is a few USB ports and some card readers. That is not a problem, you can use external USB adapters if you really need the card readers.
PS2 BC by hardware is not in the 80gb, this is not a big problem either. "1,782 of the 2,451 PS2 games (72%) released in Europe were playable on the European PS3, subsequent system software updates have improved software backwards compatibility."
Those who really want BC are extremely likely to have a PS2 anyways.
@Just_Ben, The 40gb should still have PS2 compatability with a large amount of games through software emulation. I think its safe to say a 40gb is coming soon, there's been more talk of this pricecut than I've seen for any pricecut in years if I'm remembering correctly. Now that price determination is in the hands of SCEA, SCEE, & SCEI individually I'm wondering if they will all have separate deals/bundles/prices/etc. I think they will.
I don't know. That would be a "low cost" blue ray player for the fall. The question is, who minds the things taken out? PS2 backward compatibility, maybe. 2 of 4 USB ports and card readers? I don't think so much. WiFi and Bluetooth are in it, that are the key features i think.
I am not sure this is going to help Sony's cause. To my mind this sounds like a step back. Sony need to understand that a real price cut is needed not more smoke and mirrors price reductions.
I am thinking why would I buy a crippled PS3? and this at a time when Microsoft are doing the exact opposite and improving the core 360.
In this forum somebody said he is working for a shop in Australia and got a call how many 40 gig PS3 he want to order:
"I work for a Sony Store in Australia and my Playstation rep just called to ask how many 40GB consoles I wanted to order. Here are the details:
40 GB Hard Drive NO card Readers No PS2 Chipset (Basically no PS2 Compatability)
Australian RRP is $699 (compared to $999 for the 60GB), so thats a 30% price decrease. There are no 60GB consoles left.
Release date is October 12th. There you go guys, first official confirmation!"
The date fits to the date Sony wants to announce something for Europe. If thats true and the reduction is the same in Europe that should mean a 399 € 40 gig PS3 in Europe.
@Just_Ben, I thought when they said the antenna gain is increased, measured by "dBi" that they were referring to its signal not noise. But I'm not sure what dBi is.
@kspraydad, thing to becareful with is if the deal specifies the actual SKU, rather than just PLAYSTATION 3. There are a lot of deals involving iPod Nanos, but they will specify the actual SKU number, which often are the older ones that they are trying to liquidate because the new ones have already arrived.
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The specs of the new SKU would not be crippled at all, all they're taking out is a few USB ports and some card readers. That is not a problem, you can use external USB adapters if you really need the card readers.
PS2 BC by hardware is not in the 80gb, this is not a big problem either. "1,782 of the 2,451 PS2 games (72%) released in Europe were playable on the European PS3, subsequent system software updates have improved software backwards compatibility."
Those who really want BC are extremely likely to have a PS2 anyways.