If you read the subject line and thought to yourself, "you had me at time," then disregard this post. For those of you who really, really have your hearts set on the $500 version, listen up. Go preorder it now. Full payment to ensure you get one (trust us -- that works... at least in the stores around Athens, GA). Why? There will only be approximately 80,000 core systems released in all of North America. That's about 20% of the approximated 400,000! Sony representatives confirmed that this ratio, 80/20, is the preferred ratio of retailers and that is why they have chosen this path.The ratio would probably make more sense if the initial 2 million units shipped upon launch were still true, but alas. Does this news change anyone's mind about getting a PS3? There are those who were hoping for the core unit, but don't want to throw down a big down payment in hopes of getting one on launch. So, how many people are really taken aback by this? We're really curious, since 80,000 across the country is insanely small.
[update: changed USA to North America -- thanks Hedon!]
