so it's going to be summer release by the look's of it.

http://pocketnews.cocolog-nifty.com/pkns/2010/04/post-eed3.html

It uses aprox 15% less power than the previous slim version and 60% less power than a launch PS3. The 9W standby power is the same however.

Its also the likely reason for the hardware shortages as they were slow to ramp up production of the replacement model and had deliberately bled down their stockpiles of consoles.

Hm. Figure SCE will break even on this model?

Probably.

well here is some Q&A:

So it has been confirmed, the newest revision of the PS3 contains a 45nm RSX along with the already 45nm Cell. Power consumption has been lowered by around 10-15%.

What does this mean for me, the consumer?

It means you can buy a console which is going to be less prone to overheating, run with a more quiet fan and consume less power generally.

How can I tell I am buying the new SKU?

If the serial number on the outside of box has "CECH-2001" it is the older revision, if it has "CECH-2101" it is the newer more desirable one.

Does this make a difference to my gaming experience?

No.

If it's cheaper to make why am I still paying $299 for it?

Sony currently sell the PS3 at a loss, this revision enables them to sell the PS3 at break-even and even profit depending on some boring currency stuff. The reason you, the consumer, pays the same is so that Sony stop losing money in the PlayStation division.

Should I wait for the next revision, Sony seem to come out with these very often?

It's really up to you, but the price of the PS3 is going to be $299 for at least another year and there are no major internal revisions planned for another 8-12 months. If you want a PS3 then buying one now or in 6 months won't make a difference.

If I buy this new PS3 will it be outdated by an even newer revision.

No. PS3s by definition are all the same regardless of any internal or even external revisions.

Will the PS3 I buy be able to play all of the games?

Yes. All PS3 games are compatible with all PS3s regardless of what they have inside them.

If this is new, should I wait and see how reliable it is?

You can, but as a general rule - when silicon chips get smaller; hardware becomes more reliable.

When will the awesome new revision be out in Europe?

Summer 2010. Expected early July.

Does it come in 250GB?

Not as yet, but it is expected.

Who can I thank for this awesomely useless FAQ?

Err, you mean useful right?

CECH-2101A and CECH-2102B

most likely one is the 120GB and the other will be the 250GB

Well good for Sony.

I think the biggest thing out of all that is the "No price cut for another year" part. Not unexpected. Also, this means that this holiday season the rundown will likely be a Slim 360 Natal Bundle at $250-300 and a PS3 Slim Move Bundle at $350-400. Regardless though it looks like the PS3 is about to be considerably more expensive to purchase than the 360 once the new motion peripherals and the new 360 design + price cut is released.

Will it be another $200 (Slim Arcade + Natal)/$300 (Slim Elite + Natal) vs $400 (PS3 + Move) holiday? Seems like we are ever more likely to repeat the 2008 scenario now.

You're kind of overlooking the fact that not everyone will be buying a PS3 for Move any more than everyone will be buying a 360 for Natal.

Although in the case of Natal, it seems many times more likely that it will be a "forced" bundle from the standpoint that every Xbox will come with it.

i'm sure that not every ps3 will be bundled with move.

the bundels will probably be ps3 with move/3d glasses 400 $.

360 elite with natal 350$

There won't be any 3D glasses being bundled with the PS3. Move is entirely separate from 3D vision PS3 capabilities. The glasses themselves are dependent upon 3D HDTVs. If you don't have one, the glasses are useless; no point in packing them in.

360 w/ 120GB HDD and Natal will most likely be priced at the current Elite price of $299. Some of the big MS fans have been predicting less, but this is more wishful thinking with the idea in mind that this will "change everything" than based on anything substantial.