I've had a strange but consistent experience with sony consoles. The smaller they are, the shorter their respective lifespan-LoL
But I kid you not!! Truly my loud, fat Ps2's all outlasted the slimmer varieties and I have 2 launch model PS3 60 gigs still working just fine to this day without any fixes or refurbs.
EDIT: Don't ask why I own/have owned so much sony hardware... I have spending problems...