(sorry for keeping that title going, I couldn't help myself)
Since it appears PS3 supporters in this topic are few and far in-between, I'll take a stand to protect the honour of this majestic console (sorry for the corny line, couldn't help myself here as well)
A lot of you seem very sceptical about the future of Blu-ray. True, the fact HD-DVD is cheaper than Blu-Ray plays a large factor it's not the only factor. However, the other big factors are corporate support and which format sells more players. Blu-Ray currently has just as much, if not more, corporate support than HD-DVD. As for sales, HD-DVD did have a head start on Blu-Ray but once the PS3 comes out this will switch immmediately to Blu-Ray. Sony expects about 2 million PS3's sold in its initial global release, meaning 2 million Blu-Ray players out in households. As well, someone who owns a HD-DVD player then buys a PS3 is more likely than someone who owns a PS3 then buys a HD-DVD player. There's no big rush to buy a device taht can play HD-DVD disks. The closest to that would be the external HD-DVD drive coming for the XBOX 360. I doubt that'll sell well since there's no HDMI port, there's little incentive to buy it (there won't be any HD-DVD XBOX 360 games coming out when it's released) and it'll cost as much, if not more, than the Wii.
True, there are decisions made by Sony that I don't agree with. I don't like the fact they are releasing two versions of the PS3, with little price incentive to buy the cheaper model for all it lacks compared to the more expensive version. I don't like that Sony removed the rumble from the PS3 controller, but it's not too late for Sony to change it's mind (like they did with the Boomerang, thank goodness)and if not there will definately be a third party that'll release one. And yes, the motion sensors addition to the remote may be a cheap attempt to copy the Wii controller but it's not trying to completely rip-off Nintendo. it's just using the new motion-sensing technology to enhance gameplay. If it was a complete rip-off, we would hold the PS3 controller on one side to use it as a sword.
Finally, many of you think features like HDMI and the cell processor are unecessary features that won't be used by most players when the PS3 is first released or won't be used to their full potential anytime soon. Well, you're right about that but that's exacty what Sony wanted to do. They're making the PS3 'future proof' so Sony won't have to release their next console (PS4 I presume) for a while to avoid the steep costs of releasing new consoles (most new consoles are sold cheaper than it costs to manufacture them). In fact, Sony may not release the PS4 until 10 years after the PS3 is releases (definately wishful thinking, but 6-8 years after seems realistic). I'ld prefer to buy one expensive console than 2-3 cheaper ones (especially since XBOX still has problems with backwards compatability of games).
I don't want the XBOX 360 because I prefer the better graphics on the PS3 and none of their games impress me enough to give up the PS3's better for their games (besides HALO 3, of course, but that's just one game). I gotta admit, I have a soft spot for Nintendo but besides the controller they have little going for the Wii. There games have especially disappointed me. All the new games that they have going for them are from their old franchises, especially their Super Mario characters. Besides the old franchises, they've got few new games that are particularly good. Because of this, they've reduced their main base to little kids and very nalstagic gamers who play the Wii just to play the new games of the old franchises and the old games throught the emulator. We all know there's more money to be made in the market towards older gamers playing serious games than the market towards younger gamers playing fun and cartoony games with their colourful graphics.
Anyway, I've said my peace. And to end things off:
ME: "Hey, is your XBOX 360 hot enough for ya?"
XBOX 360 owner: "No."
ME: "Ohhh...is it loud enough for ya?"
XBOX 360 owner: "NO."
ME: "Alright...is it crappy enough for ya?"
XBOX 360 owner: "NO!!!, I'm mean yes, I mean...DAMN!"
ME: "HAH!, that's what you get for buying the XBOX 360 after Microsoft rushed its release without fixing the bugs."