There is a 499 model you know.
I'd disagree about the 499 model being a total waste. Since HDMI isn't necessary except for 1080P and the movie industry has already almost unilaterally said they won't enforce HDMI for next gen movie content playback. You can hook up your PS2 and PS3 and transfer the files that way, Microsoft also has an onlien solution for transfering files from your Xbox to the 360, so Sony will probably use something similar.
Alternatively if you own a PSP you could transfer the files that way.
That being said they really should just include the stupid memory ports.
As far as GTA goes all we know is that Microsoft is getting some exclusive DLC, but this being Rockstar don't count them out of it being a timed exclusive. We don't know the actual nature of it yet of course.