The PS2 linux kit is more of a geek lust item then a pratical accessory. The kit gives you full access to the Emotion Engine processor (which uses a MIPS core, with some additional stuff) and a "almost" complete access to the graphics core. You don't have access to the DVD drive or any of the PS2's security features. I've heard it said that you could connect an external USB CD player if you wanted though.
The PS2 hardware isn't actually that hot when it comes to general purpose computing tasks, it only runs at 147MHz, there is only 32 MB of RAM and the bus speed really isn't that great. The Emotion Engine has some architectual advantages over your standard x86 CPU, however those advantages don't add up to make it a 1GHz Athlon, or even a 450MHz PII. In others don't buy this and expect that your going to have some sort of desktop super computer like the ads say. The only reason I could see for buying this is if your interesting in actually learning how to develop game software specifically for the PS2, without forking out several thousand for a proper PS2 developer kit. I say specifically for the PS2 as well because the PS2s architecture is quite different (although not really better) from the architectures of the other consoles, and even personal computers. If your interested in learning development for the other consoles then get a Windows 2000 based x86 for the xbox, or some kind of PowerPC system for the Gamecube. The architectures on those two platforms is pretty mundane. If your just interested in learning some kind of embedded programming run down to Cash Converters and grab a Dreamcast for $60. It plays CDR disks, without the a mod chip. Also the linux port is getting pretty mature (hardly complete though). Check it out the Linux DC site on sourceforge. Serial cables are also available around the web for DC development. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jason Van Dellen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002 10:02 AM Subject: (clug-talk) Linux kit for Playstation I found this, it looks like it would be fun to try. Anyone try it? http://www.us.playstation.com/hardware/more/SCPH-97047.asp Jason -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jason Van Dellen Trilogy-Net Inc. #4; 1935 - 27Ave NE Calgary, AB T2E 7E4 www.trilogy-net.com Phone (403) 219-8868 Fax (403) 219-8860 Cell (403) 815-1626 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
