basically you'll see a whole lot of small upgrades like this. The main reason is Hard Drives generally don't get cheaper, and small hard drives become more expensive to manufacture when they're no longer wanted. An 80GB HDD probably costs Sony about 50c more than a 60GB HDD at this point, so it makes sense to use an increased size HDD

The old xbox did the same, originally came with an 8gig drive, later came with a 10gig (but was only partitioned for 8gig)

The dual-SKU strategy is also a fairly clever way to phase between two different models of the console. They need to bring in the 80 gig model for the reasons already stated, but they can't put them on the shelves at the same time and at the same price as the 60 gig. They also needed a price drop -- so, they combine the two moves, dropping the price while reducing their losses by selling the 80 gig (which is actually significantly cheaper to produce) as a "premium" model. Eventually the 60 gigs are all sold off, and the 80 gig replaces it as the sole SKU (presumably at the lower price).

Microsoft is doing a much clumsier job of transitioning between models. Some of the 360 Premiums on the shelves right now have an HDMI port and a cooler chipset, while the older ones being sold next to them for the same price don't. This is a sure-fire way to annoy customers, but considering MS has already got 4 different SKUs in stores, it isn't exactly practical to add another.

What makes you say that? I believe Sony has actually come out and said they intend to pursue a single bundle strategy for the forseeable future after the 60 gigs are gone; and while I'm not inclined to accept what they tell us at face value, I don't see anything indicating they're "set" on this strategy. Like I said before, it looks to me more like a temporary strategic move.

And Sony has said the 60 gigs are shipped, but as they and Microsoft have shown us this past year, that's a far cry from "gone." There are probably still at least a million units sitting on store shelves, and those likely won't be sold until mid-way through the holiday season.

Borkachev said: Microsoft is doing a much clumsier job of transitioning between models. Some of the 360 Premiums on the shelves right now have an HDMI port and a cooler chipset, while the older ones being sold next to them for the same price don't. This is a sure-fire way to annoy customers, but considering MS has already got 4 different SKUs in stores, it isn't exactly practical to add another.

I don't think that annoys customers. The ones who know what they're doing simply buy the better model at the lower price. The ones that have no idea buy the crappy model at the same price and don't even know what they're missing. Everybody wins

 

omgwtfbbq said: Borkachev said: Microsoft is doing a much clumsier job of transitioning between models. Some of the 360 Premiums on the shelves right now have an HDMI port and a cooler chipset, while the older ones being sold next to them for the same price don't. This is a sure-fire way to annoy customers, but considering MS has already got 4 different SKUs in stores, it isn't exactly practical to add another. I don't think that annoys customers. The ones who know what they're doing simply buy the better model at the lower price. The ones that have no idea buy the crappy model at the same price and don't even know what they're missing. Everybody wins

 Not to mention that most people can't even take advantage of the HDMI slot.

All I know is that the 60 GB Playstation 3 is better than the 80 GB Playstation 3, because the 80 GB Playstation 3 does not have the emotion engine that the 60 GB Playstation 3, and Playstation 2, have. Instead, the 80 GB Playstation 3 relies on software emulation, which is not as good. Does the 20 GB of extra memory make up for it? No. And besides, who is going to use more than 60 GB anyways? Ignore the 80 GB Playstation 3, and just stick with the 60 GB Playstation 3.

The only reason they are releasing a bundled 80gb ps3 is to make money off it. Alot of you are saying(no price drop until next new ps3!) Well your incorrect, sony is not microsoft. They dont confuse people with 5 or more different sku's. When the 60gb is gone from STORE SHELVES, they will release the 80gb without motorstorm for $499.99 which by that time alone would make them some money. Then the left over ones that have motorstorm will drop to $529.99 as well as dropping the original motorstorms price to $39.99.

It all depends on when the 60gb sku runs out, Im guessing fall.

@Alex

You are incorrect to some point, Ive used up 20gb of space on my ps3 already, and its only been the first year without HOME or the play tv thing.

80gb is still very little room, but its enough for the average person, but people who want to use the system for more can get a 300gb drive from any store and hook it up, Plus the PS3 is going to have that Tivo like crap so the extra space is great.

- as everybody already stated : YES, they want to make money

- no, the 60gb is not sold out BUT Sony saied they dont have anymore in their warehouse (if I get the point)
but there are still a lot on the retailer's shelves

- when the 60gb will be sold out
I think Sony will put the 80gb model at 500$
and release a new 600$ offer :
==> new bundle + games + controller as the Starter pack in Europe
or, I doubt, a new SKU with more memory

does 80 GB have proper BC or is it gimped like the Euro version ??