iardon, my $200 is just a SWAG to illustrate a point based on lately contemplating replacing my 970 with a Sunfire TG5 (around $3K) or an Aragon Stage One (also around $3K). They both have more features than the 970, but I think the 970 would still be an attractive alternative at just under $1K and the 990 at $1.5K.

One strategy could be to repackage both of those units under a different product line for sale at brick-and-mortar high-end stores (not Circuit City please) where they could go head to head with the pricier competition. That would have the advantage of sparing the internet customers from the new pricing scheme and offering their product to a whole new audience of discerning consumers who don't necessarily know or want to buy direct online. If you want to be a giant killer, you do need to run into giants every now and then.

Why do I feel like Robert Cringely all of a sudden?