http://ps3.ign.com/articles/621/621155p1.html

Sony Undecided on Hard Disk
Head of technology unsure if hard disk will be included as standard.
by IGN Staff
June 1, 2005 - Sony has been somewhat vague on the inclusion of a hard disk 
with the PlayStation 3. The system's specifications reveal a slot for a 
detachable hard disk unit, but there's still not been any talk of a hard 
disk being included with the system from the start.


It seems that we're going to have to wait for confirmation. In an interview 
featured in the latest issue of Famitsu, Sony Computer Entertainment chief 
technical officer Masayuki Chatani, when asked if a hard disk will be 
included with the system from the start, replies "It has yet to be decided."
Chatani also reveals Sony's reasoning for going with a removable hard disk 
setup. The company believes that people will want to both upgrade to higher 
capacity drives in the future and carry their hard disks with them to attach 
to other PS3 units.

Moving away from the hard disk, Chatani is asked to comment a little on the 
system's controversial controller. "I don't think there will be any 
fundamental changes," he answers in response to a question on the 
possibility of changes to the controller's design, "but it's a prototype, so 
there could be some small adjustments."

Chatani also gives some hints into PS3 network gaming. Internet-based 
communication functionality will be a big part of the PS3, Chatani reveals. 
He belives it important to come up with communication tools for all ages.

Finally, those looking forward to more news on the PS3 should turn to the 
PSP for an estimated schedule. Sony debuted the portable system at E3, 
shared first fully playable games at the Tokyo Game Show, then launched in 
Japan on 12/12. Chatani reveals that the PS3 is set for Japanese release in 
Spring, so we can expect, to a certain level, a similar flow. This seems to 
suggest playable PS3 units at the September Tokyo Game Show.

And we can, hopefully, expect confirmation on the inclusion of a hard drive 
by around the same time.