40GB PS3 for US

Following up on the 40GB PlayStation released in Europe (and lacking backwards computability), a similar model has finally been announced for release in the U.S.

According to Reuters.com:

"The new version of the PS3 will come with a 40-gigabyte hard drive, cost $400, and go on sale on November 2, said Jack Tretton, president of Sony Computer Entertainment America.

"The price of the 80-gigabyte version will be cut to $500 from $600."

But don't forget:

"For the new 40-gigabyte PS3, Sony has removed its ability to play games for the predecessor PlayStation 2, which is still selling strong despite its aging technology."

Me? If I were to buy a PS3 (I'm not), I'd try to find one of the discontinued 60GB models still in stores that does play PS2 games.