buying from sony style nets you a decent amount of sony points, which more than covers the savings you get if you buy SG or even MY sets from game shops.

yes. but you can only use the points for the next purchase, so get the ps3 set, pay, get points and then only buy that extra controller or hdmi cable.

not sure how much is the rebate %, but between my ps3, lcd tv, the missus' laptop etc... them points never seem to run out for me

not really. i do get loads of stuff from other brands but the missus likes them tiny laptops and i do appreciate their aftersales service.