@ WEWdeadeye
Grow up, I made efforts to get this thread back on track and now you're trying to derail it again? Send me a private message if you want or better yet share your perspectives on why the PS3 could or couldn't beat the XBox 360 for christmas instead. But IMO researched data or good examples adds weight to your reasoned comments.
@ stranne
They did random research, if done right this is usually a good indication. At least with regard to the youth two different surveys came to the similar conclusions.
For me a PS3 wouldn't be an option, a PS2 for a 8-16 year old should be good enough. Maybe if the Wii dropped in price next christmas. If I had kids I wouldn't want to spoil them too much, if they really want it I would need a better reason, good school grades or cleaning up their rooms and helping their mom or such.
@ NJ5
Agreed with regard to kids, adults will usually just buy it if they really want one for christmas. The PS3 IMO isn't really that expensive for an adult.
In any case I do think such surveys are interesting and usually of more value than just a random guy's personal opinions.