They also took out "Install Other OS" (install operating systems like linux, Yellow Dog officially supported, as a separate bootable partition) and an ethernet plug.

Most people wouldn't bother with another OS, and most give up after trying it, since Sony's firmware blocks access to the graphics card, so it isn't realiable for 16-bit emulation and is impractical for anything above that. Seeing that the function is being removed proves that this ill will never be remedied, which is a shame for me, but probably no more than the 15 other people who tried it.

Personally I always liked how the PS3 has both ethernet and wi-fi whereas the 360 and Wii only have one option. However, it strikes me as much more convenient to have Wi-Fi on a gaming system since having a close cable modem (or moving a cable modem) or hub isn't the most practical way of doing things. Of course, you might not have wi fi or dependable wi-fi in your area. But routers aren't that expensive anymore (just got a great netgear for 35), so i would have to say wi-fi is still the way to go.

Regarding Linux in a larger frame, I'm just disappointed how Sony has cut little and little each time out of the system due to the general public bitching about how costly the system was. Originally it had: 1) PS2 emulation, 2) 4 USB slots, 3) Three card readers (SD, CF, Memory Stick), 4) Install Other OS.

^ Combined with Blu Ray, it really made the system stand out among the competition. But because of the adversity to the price, they had to cut it a little more each time to make it more comparable and competitive with current systems. Those were all great features that differentiated the product more than we know, with everlasting potential due to firmware updates.

I'm a gamer, and not a business student (although I did minor in economics) - I could care less how Sony corp. does as a business, but I do like having a great hardware package. I still have a 60GB, so I shouldn't complain, but the older features are negligible now because current models have dropped them.

I like the look and feel of the ps3 slim, but all I'm really hoping for is that it shuts up all the "industry gamer" news phenomenon that's plagued and diluted game discussion over the last 3-4 years. Hopefully we won't have to hear business analysts and ignorant game journalists use economics as a reason to bash or (ideally) praise video games and consoles anymore. No one gave a smurf what the Nintendo 64's year-over-year growth was in 1998, and no one should give a smurf what it is now.

With that out of the way, I highly recommend the PS3, but would suggest getting the 80GB models at $299 new now, since they have ethernet and Install Other OS (although you probably will never use it).