Estimated PS Vita bill of materials : $159.10

[greenmedic88]

Chark said:

greenmedic88 said:
And yes, there's plenty of space for hardware revisions, particularly with regards to smaller die sizes which would reduce power consumption and heat, both of which are conducive to smaller device designs.

Even with the same 5" screen size, which I've already come to prefer over anything smaller, the bezel could be made thinner without having to squeeze the controls any closer (IMO, already at minimum clearances), and it could be made considerably thinner once the SoC generates less heat and a slimmer battery can be used.

Would a thinner handheld be better though? I think if it was any thinner it would be uncomfortable to hold. I do understand smaller die sizes but that doesn't require the system to shrink, especially if it would jeapordize the ergonomics. Batteries have barely been improving lately, so a smaller batter would mean a shorter battery life. There isn't a great potential for cost savings from a different battery so if more efficient internals were made I would hope they'd keep the big battery. There would be room for it and it would really increase the battery life compared to downsizing.

That's one of those personal preference issues as far as dimensions go. But I don't see SCE making the PSV any thicker than it needs to be under the "ergonomics" excuse. Sure, a significant redesign (internals) could be thrown into a shell with the same dimensions as the current with a lot more empty internal space, but that would serve little purpose. Product redesigns based upon physical appearance and dimensions sell a lot better than invisible ones simply featuring revised internals. 

As far as the PSV goes, it could be thinner. The iPhone is very comfortable to hold thanks to the smooth contours. Same with the iPad. Both are considerably thinner. Both have better power management. The shoulder buttons are the only area of the PSV that need to be thicker which wouldn't rule out a tear drop design that tapers off at the bottom of the unit, or even curves inwards before tapering off, leaving smooth grooves for the middle fingers to rest. As much as I like the form of the PSV (most comfortable game portable to date for my tastes), I could probably come up with at least a half dozen diferent improved designs that preserved the current control layout. 

Battery is not an issue either. The current battery pack could be made flatter. Larger dimensions in width and height, but reduced depth. Lithium ion cells don't have to be shaped like a brick or chocolate bar; they can be custom made to any shape.