It's really not that expensive when you take a closer look at it. I mean, what they're putting into the system aside from BluRay makes it a heavy tech system capable of a lot of things. I've seen cameras that are more expensive.
For a game system, it certainly is more expensive than what we've been seeing normally. For a mainstream media entertainment device though, it is surely out of its 'proce bracket'. People who buy thousand dollar cameras are not 'mainstream', they know what they're getting for the price. Sony is trying to market this thing as a high-end device (which it is), and even told people to 'save your money' so you could afford one.

I'm certainly going to get one, but most likely not this year. Once more games that I actually want for it come out (mostly established franchises) then I'll consider it, otherwise i'll be happy with my currently owned systems and the Wii.

Conversely, if Zone of the Enders 3 happens to show its face, I WILL be all over that. In a heartbeat.