why are people assuming there will be a PS3 Slim?

[KBG29]

Look at the shelf space the current PS3 model requires. Places like Walmart, and Target, which sell a high volume of all consoles sold can only hold about 4 - 8 PS3's in their display case. Compare that to the likes of the PS2/360/Wii, and you nearly have a 3/1 ratio. This means stores have to stock more PS3's in the back, and likly have to have more on hand at any givin time. Thus the store is less likly to promote a device that is costing them more floorspace, and it turns into a vicious cycle.

By making a slim PS3 Sony gets;

-Instant reduction in cost of production
-Ability to manufacture, and store more units internally
-Reduced transpertation costs, by air, ground, and sea
-A face lift to the system, making some take a second, or first look at it

By making a slim PS3 consumers get;

-A smaller unit, that is easier to deal with in nearly every aspect
-A system that uses less enegy
-A system that comes at a cheaper price

Any way you look at it a slim PS3 is good. Both Sony and the consumers benifit from it, but it is not the best thing that could happen to the PS3. IMO, a PS3 slim would require software B/C with PS2 to truly make the impact it is capable of.