I've found stores with both in stock and I'll be picking one up today (if they remain in stock by 2:00pm).

First, let me clarify that I have very little interest in owning MGS4 and ZERO interest in backwards compatibility.

Looking for your guys' opinions on this. Which is better on a purely hardware level?

(quick responses would be greatly appreciated as I'll be heading out in a few hours to make my final decision)

I think the MGS4 80GB system is backwards compatible... You can always trade in MGS4 if you don't like it.

The new 80GB is basically the 40GB with an 80GB HD. But interestingly, I was just reading an article before I saw this thread that mentions the new 80GB is more energy efficient then the old 40GB, which could mean it's using the 65nm chip. But Sony hasn't confirmed anything yet. Seeing as how you have no interest in MGS4 or BC (it's possible for them to just make the emu for BC downloadable in the future), if the 65nm chip thing is true, and it's more energy efficient I'd say go for the new one.

"The new 80GB is basically the 40GB with an 80GB HD. But interestingly, I was just reading an article before I saw this thread that mentions the new 80GB is more energy efficient then the old 40GB, which could mean it's using the 65nm chip. But Sony hasn't confirmed anything yet. Seeing as how you have no interest in MGS4 or BC (it's possible for them to just make the emu for BC downloadable in the future), if the 65nm chip thing is true, and it's more energy efficient I'd say go for the new one."

Done.

I've sent my minion (aka wife) out to grab one of the new 80gigs. Should be up, running and hitting Uncharted tonight.

Thanks again for the timely responses.

well ifyou dont like mgs4 and dont care about BC get the new 80 gb, is very silent and cheaper , and it comes with a DUALSCHOCK 3 controller :P

"

Done.

I've sent my minion (aka wife) out to grab one of the new 80gigs. Should be up, running and hitting Uncharted tonight.

Thanks again for the timely responses.

"

"ProfessorEss said:

" Is your wife hot?"

"

Done.

I've sent my minion (aka wife) out to grab one of the new 80gigs. Should be up, running and hitting Uncharted tonight.

Thanks again for the timely responses.

"

>_> why would you send your pregnant wife out to get your PS3?"