They replaced my full BC 60gb launch unit over six months after they stopped being manufactured. I call BS.

At least I hope it's BS. If my 60gb breaks, I don't want to lose it forever. =(

Its not BS, you don't see microsoft sending out xbox's with no HDMI ports anymore.  Reason; they are no longer manufactured.  Unless they can repair the unit you send in, your most likely going to get NO B/C by now as im sure the supply of B/C PS3's is running low

Within 5 days. wow thats quick.  They most likely replaced the disc drive and sent your old unit back

I'm not worried about it i got a brand new ps2 wen i got my ps3 cuz i knew the 40GB didnt have BC

Now that sounds like emergency response time from a company which cares about its customers!

I'm not exactly a Sony fan, but what do people expect? Since they don't manufacture that version anymore, what choice does Sony have? Electronic manufacturers can't afford to keep thousands of backups to hardware they ship. It is cheaper and more efficient to just give the customer a newer version...

In most cases a newer one is better.

It's pretty safe to say that there is a finite number of replacement full (60/20GB) and partial (80GB bundle) motherboards on hand.

Considering that they both used the now out of production 90nm CBE, unless they want to start soldering 65nm chips to old BC mobos or otherwise refurbishing failed boards, eventually they will be gone.

It's really unusual that the demand for the older consoles even exists among certain users for the sole function of BC.

The newer ones use smaller chips, dropping power consumption from about 200w to 130w, running cooler and with less work needed by the heat sink fan, quieter too. Since heat is the primary reason for mobo failure, presumably they'll last longer as well.

Basically better in every aspect other than the EE and GS chips soldered on the old mobos. The extra usb ports and card reader, while convenient, really didn't make the hardware any better although they were nice to have.

For regular use, the current PS3s are better for everyone who isn't buying one to play their PS2 games. About the only real advantage the old ones offer is the convenience of having one less console in the entertainment center as just about everyone with any number of PS2 games presumably has a PS2 sitting around somewhere.

About the only time I still use my 60GB console is to play PS2 games, or watch movies on the other display. Very rarely.

The 40GB I bought as a temporary replacement became my main console after the obligatory HDD upgrade, because it's quieter, generates less heat and uses less power.

My PS3s making a funny noise as we speak. I cant wait till a slim PS3 comes out, and il be selling my 60GB off

Just give the guy a PS3 and a PS2.

Problem solved.