40Gig all that bad?

[billsalias]

I think the 40G system is a good idea as it is spec'ed. If they get it a little cheaper that is the model I would buy.

The concern I have is the total confusion about the Sony marketing message. What products are still in production? What does the 60G model come with on my continent? Does it have BC and if so level 1 or 2 and what is the difference? Are the products available in region X coming to my region? Are there more new products coming?
....

The casual consumer is probably not confused because they do not follow these development very closely. They show up at a shop, see what is on the shelf, and buy what looks good at the time. For those that the 40G model beings the PS3 in under their personal casual purchase threshold it will sway them to buy. The problem is I think this model is still out of the casual purchase price range for most people.

The informed consumer usually does more research up front and a simple google is going to confuse the hell out of them. One of three things will happen:

- They will spend some time trying to sort it out and give up because it is too confusing, delaying any purchase until this is made simpler by price entering their casual purchase range or a clearer message is presented.

- They will figure it out and be too concerned about the uncertainty of what comes next to make a purchase now so will wait.

- They will figure it out and understand the trade offs they are making and chose the model that fits their needs and provides them enough value to justify the cost.

I think the question of how effective this move will be comes down to how many people fall into the third category.