The way I view this redesign is their last attempt at sales before the launch of PS3. Think about it, PS1 comes out as the big old system then is redesigned as the ultrasmall PSX just before the PS2 is released. Now the PS2 is redesigned and I do believe the PS3 is supposed to come out in late '05/early '06, if I recall. I might be wrong, but I swear I've heard rumblings.
I'm not getting it. I don't play games online. Heck, I hardly play games on my PS2 as it is. I never have time. If you have a PS2 and online capability as it is, to buy this new one is almost as pointless as those people paying higher than retail for it on eBay. But if you aren't online capable yet, go for it (or wait for the PS3 as you'll probably need the money then
).