got to cnet.com and listen to the 7-13-06 podcast (buzzcast) titled "inflatable private space station" http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11455_7-6457370-1.html
I've never owned a gaming console, and I've never been really interested in buying one. The Wii is about to change all that.
I think CNET took that info slightly out of context, at least the Cell stuff anyway. I believe this is the Arstechnica article they referenced in the podcast: http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060712-7248.html And this was his actual quote (the original source, not info that went through 2 or 3 places): http://www.reed-electronics.com/electronicnews/article/CA6350202.html?industryid=21365 Given that quote, it isn't even 100% that he was referring exactly to the Cell processor (or one like it), and if the yields were accurate as of today or just good start-up yields. That said, even if that was the case, he was referring to a Cell processor with 8-SPEs and not 7. Apparently, Cell yields for the PS3 could be up to 40% with that design (or even higher if he was referring to other types of redundancy that would increase yields). That's probably not much of a problem then, especially since Sony has probably been stockpiling these for a while now. The BR diodes are another story. They are a problem AFAIK. However, according to the Digitimes, Sony is putting a higher priority on the PS3 than other Blu-ray devices: http://www.digitimes.com/systems/a20060710PB205.html Some other sources indicate that the lack of diodes might delay the PS3, but it sounds like Sony is making sure that doesn't happen. Of course, that might affect companies that wish to manufacturer other Blu-ray devices. If this article is to be believed, full production has already started for the PS3 (apparently, 200K units were to be shipped to Sony this month): http://next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3450&Itemid=2 I don’t think there is going to be another delay, but there will probably be some bad shortages whether Sony meets their target or not.
