^^^ My 160gb ps3 has the same number of USB ports and isn't backwards compatible. BC is a software issue, the older models had it, and like I said, my 160gb doesn't have it, so I don't see how that helped them cut costs.
However, what I've read is they dropped the install other OS function because they weren't able to fully support it and devote funds to do all the required updates.
Do you know of anyone or any vids on the web where someone has actually cracked open the PS3 slim case and looked at the quality of parts?