More PS3 News - Pricing and Launch Date

Sony suprised E3 attendees when it fully unveiled its launch plans and pricing details. The PlayStation 3 will launch in Japan on 11 November, and in North America, Europe and Australisia six days later on 17 November.There will be two bundles (or 'configs' as they called them): a 20GB version and a 60GB version. However, the differences go far deeper than that.The 20GB config does not feature any HDMI ports. It does not support WiFi, and there is no card reader for Memory Stick, Compact Flash and SD. It has four USB ports and one ethernet port (instead of the six USB ports and three ethernet ports shown last year).The 60GB config has one HDMI port (instead of the two shown last year), it supports WiFi and has a card reader, and also features the four USB ports and one ethernet port.Sony plans to have 2 million units available at launch, followed by another 2 million by Christmas, and a total of 6 million by March 2007.PricingJapan will be the first to get hold of the PS3 with a price of 59,800 yen for the 20GB package. The 60GB package is to have an "open" price that will be determined by the retailer.North America will be getting the system with a price of $499 for the 20GB and $599 for the 60GB package.And in Europe, the prices will be €499 and €599 respectively.By Bhavin Shah & Dusty Stokes

$600 - what a freaking deal!!!