The heat/ power draw is definitely an issue. However, keep in mind that even though we are talking about off the shelf components, they would still be designed or "tweaked" for use in a console; meaning the PS4 can have an APU or FX CPU and be "cut" down to have acceptable heat and power draw. Also, same goes for the GPU. The latest rumor (which I don't believe) says the PS4 is to have a cut-down Tihiti GPU which would be the 7950. This holds as an example.

Sony going with IBM again is also a good possibility, but I don't think they will go with Intel unless Intel is the one who decides to be flexible in a deal, which is unlikely imo. I hope they go x86 as it would ease developers in developement for PS4/PC.

I originally expected Sony to announce it's next hardware early next year in an investor call, similar to the Vita, but seeing as how they are releasing some big name titles early next year, I'll put my money on E3. The later, the better.

I see e3 2013 at earliest for both MS and sony TGS 2013 might be when sony holds a special conference. although based on games coming out i still think we may see them pushed back to 2014, though only if both do a price cut this year and MS pushes out one more redesign closer to Christmas(there had been rumors of a diskless 360 ) 

I agree on the intel front, there would have to be a big deal cut. thats why i see IBM or freescale being the chip maker. though with a slightly more traditional core layout than last time. if it is AMD for the CPU it wont be off the shelf, but i cannot see them cutting down any current offering. and the constant rumors of a buyout of AMD, by various groups has to hurt chances, im still somewhat amazed they got all three gpus next gen, nvidia must have highballed or been unwilling to dedicate a design group which is surprising 

Sony's not going to IBM again....

IBM screwed Sony the last time and has been deemed untrustworthy.

Surely you have proof for this nonsense?

Do I need proof to proclaim IBM derived XBOX 360's Xenon CPU from the PPU of the Cell Processor?

That's already well known.

Few people seem to remember that you need to include cost to the retailer!

With many products if it cost you $500 to make, you should sell it to your retailer at $1000 and they will sell for $2000. (Unless you are Apple, who has even pricier mark ups.)

Anybody know what the markup is on gaming consoles? (I.E. what does Gamestop have to pay Sony for a PS3, that they sell for say $299). I saw 5% but that seems much to low, as most things are 100%-300%.

"Ram:
Fast Ram is so cheap nowadays, even the WiiU will feature 1.5GB ram. You can find 4GB Corsair Vengeance ram for 25 euros."

Lol... No! The memory ram you see on consoles is not the same you see on PCs, it's way more expensive to develop this kind of ram. I believe you should take a look at some neogaf posts.

Also, the most expensive aspect about the PS3 was Cell's development and blu ray.

And we have a new info about the WiiU's ram, which is not 1.5GBs, but we still need to know about vram and some other elements.

Retail mark-up is usually $5 to $10 for consoles, maybe a little more if the retailer dosn't want to stock a certain product (eg. i think PSP Go had $30 retail mark-up). This is because the retailers make there money on selling games and accessories which have much higher mark-ups.

Correct.

The business model is called THE RAZOR BLADE BUSINESS MODEL.

I notice that Most people that like to talk "consoles",  they seem to not know or understand how it works or pertains to the consoles themselves.

If sony released a $400 Base Model (Lowest HDD Space) and maybe another version for 50 bucks more with a bigger HDD Drive. Then i think its a worthy price point.. cant see it going 300 or less thats crazy.. and plus the 400 bucks would be an improvement over the laughable launch price of the ps3...