I see the only real loss for me in this new model is the backwards compatibility and the USB ports. Having a huge catalouge of PS1 and PS2 games, backwards compatibility is definitely required. And I'm allready using three of the four USB ports on mine, all four when I decide to charge the controller there (so the PS3 doesn't have to stay on when not in use, I normally just charge the controller on the PC which is on all the time anyway). So only two USB ports doesn't cut it.

As for the rest, having a 40GB harddrive instead of 60GB is a non-issue, I yanked out that 60GB one and replaced it with a 200GB one almost immediately anyway. And the card-readers I've only tested but never actually used. For data-transfers I use an external HD (as I don't have any card-reader for the PC anyway), and for other uses my TV also has the same card-readers and can do mostly the same things with the content. Yes, even play MP3s. So I've no real need for those ports, but I guess they could come in handy for smaller data-transfers if I ever get a reader for the PC.

But less USB-ports and no backwards compatibility is a serious blow for me. If I hadn't allready bought one, think I'd still prefer the current model too.