Will the PS3 40 GB model have a smaller size?

[TheBigFatJ]

W29 said:
I think Sony is going to find ways to cheapen the console. And I wouldn't blame them for doing that. If they do come out with a PS3 model that is $400. You can best believe I'm buying that console.

We *know* Sony will release a $399 PS3. We strongly suspect it will be at an even greater loss to Sony than the current models, because Sony cannot possibly cost reduce the device this fast (they don't have the technology).

The question here is: will they make it physically smaller. The size of the PS3 (which is already about $400 in Japan) is seen as one of the biggest hinderences to its uptake in Japan.

It would make sense, since the motherboard was apparently designed for a bunch of ethernet ports and a second HDMI plug, neither of which were in the launch models. Remaking the motherboard would be a smart move, and go a long way to helping the cost go that low.

Extra ports and plugs are cheap.  The biggest costs can be licensing issues.  USB ports likely cost about $1 each to add to a device, so removing unused PCB would literally cost more in motherboard redesign than it would save you in materials and production.  It would be nice if it was smaller, but it's not likely going to make $20 toward the cost (for Sony) of the console.