Before I start about the PS3 let me just say this: I'll do what I did for the PS2; wait, wait, wait.  I waited actually until after the slim one came out before buying my first PS2, and it's the best decision I ever made when it comes to video games.  As long as you're not the kind of person who has to have the newest thing right away, that is.  Large selection of games to offer you many options, reasonable prices, plentiful feedback, and glitches worked out- these are the advantages of waiting a few years before buying.  But some people want it when it's ready!  And I don't blame them.  So, this article is directed towards that excited, frenzy crowd.

Well, I read the feature on Sony's delaying of the PS3's release in Europe.  That doesn't directly affect me, but the other points brought up by the editors were very interesting (and I feel empathy for those with dashed hopes of a PS3 for Christmas in Europe ).  It seems there's a component in the Blu-Ray system which is difficult to mass-produce, and is the cause of the massive delays.  Originally, Sony said it would have 2 million units ready for the launch date.  I think that's usually the amount of units sold in a year, or at most in a few months; if I'm right on that, then that number is hopeful on the part of Sony.  And in fact, now there's only going to be 500,000 available worldwide for that hectic first day; 100,000 to the home country of Japan, and 400,000 to the competitor Microsoft's home country of the USA.  So Europe gets the short end of the stick, as does Australia and whoever else gets games.  Makes sense if you had to only pick 2 areas of the world, but still....

And at the same time, Sony's trying to replace DVDs with this Blu-Ray that they can't make?  An editor made great points that the company should use the chips they would have put into the standalone player to make more PS3 units.  Well, which would you think would make more money; a Next-Gen console which so many people are waiting for, or a video player that doesn't offer any difference in selection than a regular DVD player, except in the form of a higher price?  Anyway, if they pioneer a new disc player in the form of a Gaming Console, there are a few things to consider.  The emphasis will be on the gaming function, so it may be overlooked, as it is not the primary function of the device.  Plus, not everyone who watches DVDs likes video games.  It'd be such a waste to buy a PS3 to use only as a Blu-Disc Player and not for games.  So it's not a very efficient way of introducing the new technology.  But if they do it first, then they secure the royalties.  I think the best thing for them to do is concentrate on getting it to work in the PS3; if it's the same machinery as a standalone player, then for goodness' sake focus on one thing or you're gonna lose both races. 

I will say this, though-I'm not concerned about the Blu-Ray player, since as a gamer I think it's quite convenient that my PS3 could also play discs if I wanted it to, and I wouldn't have to bother with buying a separate player when the time comes.

I don't know, Sony...

I might not be in the field of business, but I can see Sony is royally screwing up this whole thing.  I am sure they worked hard on developing a great system, and I have no doubt in the quality of the games which are to come.  But I must admit, the hardware concerns me.  It's apparently not fully tested, and there's a possibility it will be rushed and have glitches- granted this can and usually does happen with any recent system, but still.  Sony's biggest problem, as voiced by the editors, is that they make too many claims and then can't back up what they say.  I know they want to save face in front of Microsoft and Nintendo, and want to win out in the DVD successor competition, but if they just can't do it, then they shouldn't say they can and then have to change their plans.  And the price!!!!!!!!!!!!!  It must be expensive to produce that new laser, and they want to give themselves security and make sure they have a profit; of course I understand this.  But we consumers only have so much money.  And why bother releasing 2 versions?  That's just a way to add to shipment mix-ups, more unavailability, etc...... now you're distributing those precious lasers into 2 different consoles, essentially halving the supply and doubling the demand.

Anyway!  That's my spiel.  I'd love for others to discuss it-I don't know too much about it but these are my impressions, as a general customer.