I've been thinking about this for a while (Score 1)

As a former Maximum PC reader, I've been thinking that it would be rather easy for some manufacturers to send souped up review units out, to get good reviews of their product, when the actual retail product is inferior quality. Similar to how Road & Track will test cars with specific packages, which unless you are somewhat detailed oriented when buying a car, you probably would not get the same package.

I just believe that it's rather possible, but I am not aware of any companies that do this practice. Just stating my own $.02