@Rath that is big news. However, 2.6 mil in this quarter is still a big ask.

 They've got the invetory to do it though.  They've just got to create some incentive to move them out the door. (price cut i hope.)

$100 price cut and new 120-160GB SKU with BC would be nice

Yeah.  I wonder how much of their built up invetory is 80 gig.  If it's a decent amount even the discontinuation of that SKU and a subsequent price cut on it of 50 + new model + Channel stuffing might get them there.

After all, a new model would force retailers to take on further product before they sold all their 80
gigs because a certain group of people would want the new "elite" model.

Really a new model is a crafty way to further stuff the channel to meet their target.  It might explain why they were so reluctant to lower expectations before.  Because they knew they had this ace in the hole.