Dodece, that's a fair analysis. Sony IS in trouble, but them actively working to fix taht isn't a bad thing. Them getting rid of assets that are a drain to the company is a GOOD thing. That plant is not making them money, and is almost certainly costing them money.
If this is an omen at all it's a good one. Why? Because an omen is something telling of the future. At present Sony is in trouble. You can't have an omen forcasting what'd already going on around you. But if they recouperate a large chunk of their investment into the Cell and save themselves a large expense at the same time that is good for them even if the current situation is still bad.
Gamerace, while it would seem like it shouldn't be cheaper, we can't even say that for sure. The fact is, Sony can't shoulder the cost of retooling their factory. If Toshiba can retool it for less, they can make the chips for less than Sony would have. And if their production cost is lower they may be able to sell it low enough that cost difference is in Sony's favor. It certainly will be in the short-term, and could be in the long term. And if it's not, there's still the fact that they couldn't really afford the retooling anyway.
In the end, this is a necessary action in order to keep costs reasonable in the present and near future. Yes, it is by no means a step towards a $400 PS3, but anyone expectign them to hit that price range this year was a bit too hopeful to begin with. As far as them not producing 45nm chips in-house, well, that's a no brainer...
You do not have the right to never be offended.
