Why is the Sony BWU300S so hard to find?

[3560freak]

This is supposedly the best new BD burner out there, but at a price of $399, I wouldn't think that it would be a huge seller. However I cannot find this drive in stock anywhere. Does anyone know if there are problems reported with it, or if it was pulled already? Thank you

[bykelife]

I just purchased this drive thinking it was hot stuff too. I know Tiger Direct's website doesn't list it anymore (I guess their warehouse is out of stock). However I do know that their store location in Naperville, IL has them sitting on the shelf with the normal price tag of $399.99 (and 7.25% sales tax I believe). Well I went to Sony.com to compare it with the former BWU-200S, and I am starting to get worried now that I do not see *any* BRD burners listed on Sony's site! I thought the BWU-300S was a pretty new drive, so I am really concerned as to why this appears to have been discontinued. At first I was thinking it may not be too big of a deal, since it may have been a short term promotion considering it is bundled with the BRD movie "Men in Black", or that they may shortly plan on or already have released something new (ie... the BWU-400S). Not seeing any BRD burners on Sony.com is really starting to concern me. To the point I almost want to not even break the seal let alone install it in my PC. At least until I know they are not discontinuing them for any negative technical reasons (ie... design flaw, failure rate, lifespan, or because it's flat out garbage etc) If I only knew that it was being discontinued because it was a promotional thing being bundled with "MIB" and they're going to re-release it w/o the movie, or they are about to release a newer drive (that's just faster, ie... a BWU-400S) I would be set at ease. Even if they had to cease production because of lack of sales I would feel much better. For now I am not going to even break the seal until I get to the bottom of this!