I can not understand the policiy of Sony. They have the skill how to make excellent sensors, but they do not use their competence as unique selling proposition. Instead they sell the sensors to their competitors (Nikon...) and publish - at least (also the A 700 is a great camera and I prefer the A 700 over the Nikon D-300) it seams to me - a slim version of the competitors camera (Nikon D-300 has additional features, better balanced noise reduction). Will we see also a slim version of the A 900? Is Sony only interested to make sales and not to compete with CaNikon :-<? If I were Sony, Nikon could buy their sensors from Canon or elsewhere! Come on Sony keep your unique selling proposition in making of sensors. Give us a A 900 with a unique sensor. If not - please do not sell sensors anymore to competitors unless you are convinced that the alpha product is the spearhead! Otherwise people could get the idea to buy the long established brand rather than a commercial copy.
Or - imagine you were Minolta.