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Sony claims that PCs will be rendered useless by the PS3

The folks over at Sony are so confident in the power and capabilities of the new PlayStation 3 that they think the console will render PCs unnecessary. This is just the latest in the console trash talk that has been going on for months. Just yesterday we reported that Microsoft was going to the mattresses over the PS3's standard Blu-ray drive.

Sony Computer Entertainment's Worldwide Studios president Phil Harrison feels that the PS3 is flexible enough to double as a gaming machine and a machine to handle all of your day-to-day PC-related chores. Sure, the PS3 has a powerful processing platform, storage capabilities, wired and wireless networking, USB ports, a media reader and a Linux based operating system -- but is that enough to displace a traditional PC? "We believe that the PS3 will be the place where our users play games, watch films, browse the Web, and use other [home] computer functions. The PlayStation 3 is a computer. We do not need the PC," said Harrison.

Sony also denied the notion that its decision to add motion-sensing technology to its PS3 controller was a knee-jerk reaction to Nintendo's Wii. Harrison remarked, "In a certain way, I understand why people would say [such things], but it is stupid, if you'll forgive me saying so."

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Err...
By Bonrock on 6/1/2006 1:17:54 PM , Rating: 4
Am I missing something here? Does the PS3 include a full-featured word processor, spreadsheet, etc.? Does it let me IM my friends who use AOL Instant Messenger or MSN Messenger? Can I use it to touch up my digital photos?

In other words, does it do anything that a PC does besides play games and surf the Internet?




RE: Err...
By Bonrock on 6/1/2006 1:20:04 PM , Rating: 2
I forgot to add: More importantly--can I do all of those things easily and right out of the box? If it requires hacking the PS3 to get at the underlying Linux OS, I'm sorry, that's not a satisfactory solution.


RE: Err...
By TomZ on 6/1/2006 1:21:03 PM , Rating: 2
What Sony is really attacking is not the PC per se, but specifically Microsoft's Media Center, i.e., the PC that we will have connected to our TV.


RE: Err...
By jasonslan on 6/1/06, Rating: 0
RE: Err...
By TomZ on 6/1/2006 2:49:33 PM , Rating: 2
You're dreaming...you can't just load up whatever software you want on it. It's not a PC after all!


RE: Err...
By peternelson on 6/1/2006 3:36:32 PM , Rating: 2

No, you can't just download software.

You have to type "configure" and "make install".

How incredibly hard.


RE: Err...
By TomZ on 6/1/2006 4:19:16 PM , Rating: 2
We'll see - I find it hard to believe that Sony will openly allow development and deployment on "their" platform. This doesn't make sense from a business standpoint, and it contrary to Sony's recent approaches when it comes to "their" platforms.

Sony offered Linux also for PS2, which was a major flop. More people hacked the XBOX than used Linux on PS2. What will be different for PS3?


RE: Err...
By freon on 6/1/2006 4:24:06 PM , Rating: 2
Are you going to imagine typing that on the imaginary command line with an imaginary keyboard on the imaginary access you will get with your PS3?
How incredibly easy.

Sure, PS3 will have a linux based OS.. YOU, however, will only have a PS3 that plays games and possibly has a built-in, proprietary web browser that will let you visit some websites. If you are lucky, you might have an IM app....that allows you to chat with other PS3 users. You wont have the rights to install linux apps, and do whatever you please (without hacking it).


RE: Err...
By vnv on 6/2/2006 2:55:23 AM , Rating: 2
Sony has explicitly stated that PS3 can be used as any other Linux box, i.e. fully open ([http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?st...], [http://ps3.ign.com/articles/696/696056p1.html] and [http://www.beyond3d.com/forum/showthread.php?t=307...]), and that it will come with a full Linux install including dev tools (either standard or free download). They have also stated that any SATA HD will work as a replacement to the 60GB drive the PS3 normally comes with.

Quote: "Since PS3 has Linux installed Linux programming is allowed. License fees are not required for individual developers. ... But we don't intend to mix the PS3 as a game platform and the PS3 in the Linux world."

I read that to mean you either boot into PS3 "SonyLinux" and run games, or boot into your own Linux and do whatever you want, literally - compile OpenOffice, a new kernel, etc etc - but not both.

IBM has released a suite of dev tools including a simulator and FC4 for Cell since last December, which is a good sign.


RE: Err...
By KashGarinn on 6/2/2006 5:17:00 AM , Rating: 2
....So if the PS3 is a moderate hit.. could this mean that perhaps this opens up games developed for linux instead of windows?

A gaming platform.. linux compatible.. wouldn't need more than 2-3 games which are great to play to get people to install their own free linux on their ps3 to play 'em.. and a revolution is born :D

...Nah, never'll happen. would be fun though.


RE: Err...
By peternelson on 6/2/2006 5:32:39 AM , Rating: 2

Thankyou for posting this as it supports what I have been saying.

The official PS/2 linux kit allowed development and compilation too.

It was not suitable for COMMERCIAL release of COMMERCIAL PS/2 GAME disks. BUT you could experiment with it.

The PS/2 kit also came with EXTENSIVE hardware documentation on the platform.

I don't imagine the PS/3 deployment will be any different.

It is one way to raise a generation of programmers who understand the platform. From that they could approach Sony for a proper games developers license, code signing, making encrypted bluray disk of a game etc if it was likely to be a commercial success (or approach a conventional games publisher who already has a dev system).


RE: Err...
By vnv on 6/2/2006 5:51:34 AM , Rating: 2
peter, yes, i think you are exactly right, that's what we'll see.

i couldn't care less about games, i'm only interested in HPC, so this works perfectly for me. probably also works for a lot of other people with different goals - picture MythTV or Freevo on PS3, just as an example ;)


RE: Err...
By freon on 6/2/2006 9:01:26 AM , Rating: 2
Izumi Kawanishi: "Since PS3 has Linux installed Linux programming is allowed. License fees are not required for individual developers. Licensed PS3 game developers can get SDK and technical support by SCE, on the other hand in the Linux world they don't have to pay license fee but the support is minimum. In Linux, Cell is under the hardware layer of the OS supervisor, but things inlcuding SPE are expected to be open to developers. But we don't intend to mix the PS3 as a game platform and the PS3 in the Linux world."

What does that last sentence say, to you?
By the way, Sony has never said home users will have access to working with the OS. They also have yet to announce any kind of home user software fo it.


RE: Err...
By TomZ on 6/2/2006 6:15:18 PM , Rating: 2
You trust a Sony executive? Like I said, we'll see what really becomes of Linux support on PS3.


RE: Err...
By Clauzii on 6/3/2006 9:58:26 PM , Rating: 2
Now THAT's a reason for getting the "Stadium" (I think PS3 looks like thast :)


RE: Err...
By Zelvek on 6/1/2006 7:26:07 PM , Rating: 2
Just like A Tivo it may run linux but you don't have full accses


RE: Err...
By peternelson on 6/7/2006 8:33:32 AM , Rating: 2
You will have much more access on PS3 than on a tivo box.

The ability to compile etc in linux is a positive selling point for the PS3 console.

They will keep the commercial games dev separate:

a) because they don't want DIY linux code making the platform unstable for gaming

b) because they don't want people making commercial games to compete with their own titles.

Other than that, you can use the linux however you like.


RE: Err...
By peternelson on 6/1/2006 3:18:53 PM , Rating: 2

I've been saying for a while it will run linux, and that's why I will be buying one.

"Does the PS3 include a full-featured word processor, spreadsheet, etc.? Does it let me IM my friends who use AOL Instant Messenger or MSN Messenger? Can I use it to touch up my digital photos?"

Linux can do all these things so by implication there is no technical reason why such cannot be made available by compiling for Cell architecture.

As for replacing PCs, I'm not quite sure and I think I will be needing to keep an Opteron cluster too, as there ARE some things a games machine CAN'T do, even a linux one.


RE: Err...
By Vulpis on 6/1/2006 8:29:36 PM , Rating: 2
Just because Linux *can* do these things has no relationship in any shape or form to whether or not Sony will provide the ability to do them on the PS3. If not, the only way to get these things would be to hack the PS3 to get at the OS. Or..just use a PC. ;-)


RE: Err...
By Oscarine on 6/1/2006 9:07:29 PM , Rating: 2
They did provide a workable linux solution with the PS/2 hard drive as well as a keyboard, its not beyond the realm of possibility


RE: Err...
By peternelson on 6/2/2006 5:36:09 AM , Rating: 2

Not only possible, it's what they have SAID they will do.

And I'm inclined to believe them.

Whether the internal hard drive needs reformatting for linux or whether you get a Sony keyboard or Sony linux DVD/bluray boot disk we don't know? But the answers will come.


remeber the days of old?
By phatboye on 6/1/2006 1:16:52 PM , Rating: 5
I remeber back in the days when Sony stood for quality products. Even though their products would cost a little more than other similar products manufactured by other companies the price premium was well worth the quality that you got from the Sony brands.

As of late though it seems that Sony has retained the high price premiums for their products but have lost the high quality standards that they used to have. I really don't see any point in buying anything for Sony any more because their products are no better than any products made by competing compaines.




RE: remeber the days of old?
By Trisped on 6/1/06, Rating: 0
RE: remeber the days of old?
By icered on 6/1/2006 2:51:11 PM , Rating: 2
I disagree. I still have a Sony HiFi stereo system (doubling up as my PC sound system) which my Dad bought wayback in 1984 still up and running fine. I only had it serviced once in its entire lifetime. I think that in itself would vouch the quality of Sony products then.


RE: remeber the days of old?
By nfin1ty on 6/7/2006 12:46:13 AM , Rating: 2
wow you completely missed the point of what he said. did you not read his post, and instead just wanted to disagree with a disagree-r? he said sony products used to stand for quality... used obviously being past tense.. and a 1984 stereo would definitely be considered in the past.. so there's no wonder it still works.. he was saying that they used to stand for quality with a premium, now they just want money and skimp on quality altogether.. (hmm kinda sounds like apple.. you get to pay the 5x the dough for something that can be outperformed at such a cheaper price).. i highly advise you read posts in total before you try to stick up for something because you just look like you wanted to disagree without taking any amount of 10sec to read his post and understand what you were replying to.


RE: remeber the days of old?
By TomZ on 6/1/2006 3:03:58 PM , Rating: 2
I also disagree. In the 70's and early 80's, they had the best designs and the best quality in audio and video electronics.


RE: remeber the days of old?
By Samus on 6/2/2006 5:44:36 AM , Rating: 2
Thats fine, you two keep smoking the sony crack pipe.

I have a JVC receiver, Casette Deck and VCR from the 80's, they're completely functional. I also have a Lasertron (completely generic radioshack knockoff) compact disc player from 1989 in storage that still works.

Continuing, my parents have a 25" RCA wood cabinet television that was ranked horrible for reliability by consumer reports in 1983 and still works. I remember the date because its often the talk of topics such as this because its such an oddball.

I'd like to also add my brother has a 20 year old Lenox Sound tape deck/radio in his bathroom thats complex crap, but still, entirely works, even after being exposed to 90% humidity over years and years while he listens to the radio when showering.

The point is, all electronics were made pretty well back then, or simply put, they shouldn't break unless abused or if moving parts fail.

Sony has had their share of transformer problems in many receivers through the 90's which lost them a lot of loyal customers (a few of my friends to be exact) after Sony tried charging $150 to fix a design flaw.

Simply put, you're just better off with another brand. Almost any other brand, infact.


By littlebitstrouds on 6/2/2006 9:27:32 AM , Rating: 2
Wow you're an idiot...
quote:
my parents have a 25" RCA wood cabinet television that was ranked horrible for reliability by consumer reports in 1983 and still works.


Congrats you have the one that works... it was an urban legend that one still worked. Fact is a lot of people have old sony equipment that works from the 70's - 80's... Hardly anyone has an RCA that does. Hell I fixed my friend's RCA stereo almost as much as his Packard Bell back in the 80's.

Yay you're happy your RCA with a crappy picure still works, look at what you could have gotten from Sony back then: alot better picture and better reliability period. Realiability was/is based on actual repair numbers. Simple fact is RCA had more. And even that system is flawed because people bought RCA much like cheap cars that are destined to fail... if it breaks I'll buy another, so there will already be less repairs.


RE: remeber the days of old?
By The Boston Dangler on 6/1/2006 7:09:51 PM , Rating: 2
I agree completely. Although Sony and Panny still make the best TVs imo, the rest is NOT SCOTTISH (if it's not scottish, its crap). Sony has completely switched places with Samsung and Lucky Goldstar, but kept the price premium.

It's sad, how they had it so right (Walkman, VCR, TV, S/PDIF, PS1) and went so horribly wrong (ATRAC, MiniDisc, PS2, crazy oddball non-compliant CDs, rootkits, SACD, et cetera). Sony's list of proprietary, yet lesser, bullshit rivals Microsoft's and others.


RE: remeber the days of old?
By abhaxus on 6/1/2006 8:29:48 PM , Rating: 2
EH... sony isn't responsible for the VCR... JVC and VHS are.


RE: remeber the days of old?
By pixelslave on 6/2/2006 12:53:48 PM , Rating: 2
>> went so horribly wrong (ATRAC, MiniDisc, PS2, crazy oddball non-compliant CDs, rootkits, SACD, et cetera).

I won't add PS2 to the horribly wrong list. If that's an unsuccessful product, I don't know what a successful one will be. It completely defeated Sega, squeezed Nintendo into a corner, and attracted a new competitor.

PSP failed miserably, though. And, PS3 probably won't do as great as PS2.

Every time I heard big company outlining their grand plan for the next "century", I see a big failure. And, when there are people actually buy into the grand plan before its launch, I see an ever worse failure.


Jellous...
By jrjr on 6/1/2006 2:56:00 PM , Rating: 2
Did everyone notice that whatever sony says or someone post something about PS3 this is happen, you guys are jellous LOL.

It is a deal PS3 for $600, if you dont want I do!!

Stay with poor technology of xbox 360.




RE: Jellous...
By bounds on 6/1/2006 3:16:36 PM , Rating: 2
Of what now? I'll buy a PS3 but its ignorant to assume all criticisms are through jealousy there are major flaws in how sony is dealing with things and to say the PS3 will replace a PC is pure stupid.

Until the xbox360 gets a game that interests me MS won't be getting my money.


RE: Jellous...
By rushfan2006 on 6/1/2006 3:32:23 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
Did everyone notice that whatever sony says or someone post something about PS3 this is happen, you guys are jellous LOL.


"JELLOUS"...sounds like a new dessert product from the Jell-O brand. :) "New from the makers of Jello...Jellous".

But anyway how exactly is one jealous of an inanimate object again? Furthermore why would someone be jealous -- its a product, you either like it and buy or don't and do not buy it.

I'd say someone else gets a little geared up at his "baby" (the PS3) being critiqued. :)





RE: Jellous...
By peternelson on 6/1/2006 3:38:18 PM , Rating: 2
I think the word he was searching for is

COVETOUS ;-)


RE: Jellous...
By Vulpis on 6/1/2006 3:48:33 PM , Rating: 2
Ummm...Who cares about the 'poor technology of the Xbox 360'? In case you haven't noticed, that's another console, same as the PS3, with the same limitations. The comparison here is between the console and the *PC*--which, if nothing else, has the ability to adapt and improve its technology past the fixed hardware set of the console. It won't be too long before PC users are commenting on the 'poor technology of the PS3'..while emulating its games. ;-)


RE: Jellous...
By Clauzii on 6/1/2006 7:03:31 PM , Rating: 2
And U R dreaming :)


RE: Jellous...
By Vulpis on 6/1/2006 8:33:55 PM , Rating: 2
Yup...just like I'm 'dreaming' the NES, SNES, SMS, Genesis, MSX2, C64, PS1 (Remember Bleem?), and N64 emulators that are out there already...I'm fairly sure there's Game Cube, PS2, and Xbox emulators already in the works.

BTW...how hard is it to spell out the words 'You are'? 'U R' looks *so* moronic.


... nope.
By Clauzii on 6/6/2006 9:29:15 PM , Rating: 2
*Moron* can only be a written statement from one person to another in here, so I'll eat that with a smile..

Considering emulators - If You are talking about emulating a PS3 - forget it right now, and when it comes out.

NO PC that is owned by the majority of people can do almost 200 GFlops/sec. (Single Precision). That is a couple of years out, unless U R 'A Freak' that can wait for the whole PC buisness to follow on with AGEIA for Physix (when it matures) or Physix for SLI/Crossfire Dual card setups, using one card for the physix stuff - when THAT matures etc.

I'm aware that PS3 (SONY) just like Windows Vista (Micro$aft) or a lot of other things in the buisness are delayed by some reason.

I can live with that, as long as it's put in to quality control ALSO (not talking about all the other stuff that they are working on..).

And with PS3 (which will be my first console ever for games and movies :) I'll hope that it will work as promised :)

As goes for the rest of the emulators You R talking about - I know, I have a lot of them, so stop bulling before U know :)

That is all :)


RE: Jellous...
By Griswold on 6/1/2006 4:47:43 PM , Rating: 2
mmhmm Jello


they're right, you know
By vnv on 6/2/2006 3:59:34 AM , Rating: 2
1. There is nothing that a majority of PC users out there do that could not be done just as well on a PS3 booted up from a Knoppix LiveDVD - which I expect would be available about a week after the initial release of the PS3.

2. My own usage is a bit different: I run stuff that requires heavy number-crunching on multiple machines, so I'll simply use whatever has the most gigaflops per dollar... traditionally this has been mid-range PCs, simply because high-volume components are cheap, but the PS3 sets a new record in that area. Consider that the PS3 has a theoretical 200gflops and an actual 135gflops (in SP linpack), whereas my current Athlon64 X2 3800 nodes have a "mere" 16gflops theoretical and 13.8 actual (same benchmark)... Btw linpack is a pretty good predictor of performance in my application. Also btw I have been running the IBM Cell simulator since Jan and have ported a bunch of stuff already, and yes the Cell is a beast to program... but the beast can be tamed. Bottom line, the PS3 gets me 27gflops per $100, while at today's prices the Athlons are ~2.3gflops per $100. So the only question is how many PS3s can I get and when ;)

P.S. It is possible that Intel's Cloverfield/Kentfield quad-cores will bench in the 50gflop range (again, actual SP linpack)... that makes them almost competitive.




RE: they're right, you know
By peternelson on 6/2/2006 6:13:01 AM , Rating: 2
As for using the Cell for number crunching apps, REALISE that the cell SPEs do SINGLE PRECISION floating point maths, whilst the strong preference for scientific, maths apps is DOUBLE PRECISION. Therefore the folding performance may not be spectacular, whatever the quoted "FLOPS".


RE: they're right, you know
By vnv on 6/2/2006 3:58:39 PM , Rating: 2
peter, you will notice I said "SP linpack" above. SP=single precision. "strong preference for scientific, maths apps" - yes, probably, but I only care about my particular apps, where SP is just fine.


RE: they're right, you know
By Clauzii on 6/3/2006 10:07:27 PM , Rating: 2
Somewhere in the datasheets of the Cell @ IBM it is measured to DoublePrecission @ >20 GFlops/s. which is still pretty ok compared to todays CPUs :)

(From a PDF document @ IBM called Cell-Tutorial).


RE: they're right, you know
By vnv on 6/2/2006 4:31:06 PM , Rating: 2
P.S. quick update on the Cloverton/Kentfield - 3GHz Woodcrest has 26.8gflops actual in *DP* linpack - holy crap! that would put it at ~50gflops SP linpack, and the quad-core chips would be somewhere in the 100gflops range. This, if true, would actually make the upcoming Intel chips *very* competitive with the Cell, since they would be easier to program. As you can tell, I am not religious about platforms, I'd happily go with whatever makes sense, and at this point it looks like there will be a number of excellent options soon.


RE: they're right, you know
By Clauzii on 6/4/2006 8:07:34 PM , Rating: 2
Exept that the Cell does near 200 GFlops Sp / Second..... for 600$

I don't need no $1000+ CPU for that :)


RE: they're right, you know
By Clauzii on 6/4/2006 8:08:49 PM , Rating: 2
Btw. I would like to see alink to those numbers....


RE: they're right, you know
By vnv on 6/6/2006 3:21:12 AM , Rating: 2
http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/power/librar... - Cell gets 155gflops actual in SP linpack, bear in mind this was with 8 SPUs whereas the PS3 Cell only has 7, and may run at 3GHz instead of 3.2, so scale down the results accordingly. also only 11gflops in DP linpack which is pretty low.

http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=31836 - Intel Core2 executes *two* SSE/SSE2 128-bit SIMD instructions per clock (peak), instead of one for all the current-gen P4 and AMD64 chips. Thus 4 DP operations or 8 SP operations per clock. Dual 3GHz Woodcrest gets 38gflops actual in DP linpack, out of 48gflops theoretical peak. This would put a dual-socket 3GHz Kentsfield (8 cores) at 153gflops in SP linpack, in theory - but I expect only between 100-120 due to scaling.

Bottom line, yes the Cell would have been great if you could get it last year, or even this March, but by next Jan it will not be *that* amazing. I was really excited about it when looked like it might have a 10x price/performance advantage over anything else available, but due to the delayed launch it will be only a 2x advantage at best, and therefore probably not worth switching over. YMMV.


RE: they're right, you know
By Clauzii on 6/6/2006 9:43:11 PM , Rating: 2
I think it's november, worldwide. About the numbers from IBM they just state Single Precision. Not type of Benchmark, but they say something near 190 SP GFlops/8 SPEs. With 7 SPEs 166-6,7% (clockdifference if any..) = Amazingly ... 155 GFlops. So do they talk together or what??

Those 4x numbers look nice, but when will they be at $600 for a whole machine?


Next Gen?
By Daemyion on 6/2/2006 7:15:02 PM , Rating: 2
I never understood why people still call the ps3 and xbox360 next-gen. From my understanding, in terms of technical stats - the xbox360 cpu is weak and the ati Xenos gpu, can at best be described as the technical equivalent of a X1800. Not even a X1900. As for the ps3, I don't know how Cell handles real-life situations, but as for the gpu, it's again current generation - stats are almost identical to a 7800 gtx.

Now, with Conroe coming out in two months, and I'm willing to put money on that ati and nvidia have releases slated for Conroe (or two months after at most), I can't help but wonder if these next-gen consoles are soon to be prev-gen.

Any thoughts?




RE: Next Gen?
By lemonadesoda on 6/3/2006 8:55:55 PM , Rating: 2
Next Gen was correct when the products were announced. Now the technology is current generation. But by the time the PS3 is realised, it might be correct to call it Last Gen


RE: Next Gen?
By Clauzii on 6/4/2006 8:10:18 PM , Rating: 2
The PC parts You talk about - I will like to know where You get a complete macine for 600??

Ahhh - U can't :)


RE: Next Gen?
By Griswold on 6/7/2006 9:40:07 AM , Rating: 2
I can offer you a spell checker for 600 (bananas).


RE: Next Gen?
By Clauzii on 6/7/2006 7:42:51 PM , Rating: 2
Ohhh - that little 'h' in machine - poor You ...


RE: Next Gen?
By Clauzii on 6/7/2006 7:44:57 PM , Rating: 2
And considering I'´m from DK, using no fvcking spell checker, I think I do pretty good :)


RE: Next Gen?
By eyebeeemmpawn on 6/7/2006 2:58:21 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
The PC parts You talk about - I will like to know where You get a complete macine for 600??


try searching for "Dell coupon codes"
Today I see:
Dimension 5150 Desktop Pentium D 820 2.8Ghz Free 1GB/80GB Serial ATA, DVD, 19in Dell LCD, 1yr warranty for $549 shipped free.

I'm not affiliated with dell, and yeah, not the best system. I've been building systems for family members, and I've found that this is the best way to avoid falling into the 24 hour family tech support role....
Anyway, there is your complete system for under $600...


RE: Next Gen?
By Clauzii on 6/7/2006 7:35:10 PM , Rating: 2
But it doesn't come near the power of a PS3?? :)


RE: Next Gen?
By Clauzii on 6/7/2006 7:41:32 PM , Rating: 2
Btw. - what GPU?


Consumer:
By Sunbird on 6/1/2006 1:23:54 PM , Rating: 2
I Don't Need No Stinkin' PS3




RE: Consumer:
By Josh7289 on 6/1/2006 1:41:07 PM , Rating: 2
I agree. Screw freaking Sony. Those arrogant bastards can **** themselves.


RE: Consumer:
By Xenoid on 6/1/2006 1:50:20 PM , Rating: 2
For the price of a PS3 you can buy a decent little computer. I think I'll go with the PC. It can do things a PS3 can't. Like porn.


RE: Consumer:
By peternelson on 6/1/2006 3:48:45 PM , Rating: 2
If it has a web browser, I see no reason why pr0n would not be readily accessible.


RE: Consumer:
By jkostans on 6/1/2006 8:03:04 PM , Rating: 2
Replace a PC my ass. Does it come with a keyboard and mouse? And who the hell is going to use their TV to word process/browse the web? Give me a break. Didn't they learn when they said the PS2 would replace the PC? Purely marketing crap. In all honesty, what has sony done for us lately? Blu-ray? Yeah like that's going to become a standard. They will eventually run out of money and die... hopefully....


RE: Consumer:
By peternelson on 6/2/2006 6:35:25 AM , Rating: 2

If your TV happens to be a 1080 line 50 inch plasma, or a highdef projector, I foresee no difficulty web browsing on that.

If you thought you could wordprocess on a 14" portable set you should think again. Then again nobody spending $600 on a console and more for games would want to play games on a rubbish telly. So the screens connected to PS3 are likely to be of adequate standard both for gaming and linux desktop.


RE: Consumer:
By resqtek11 on 6/2/2006 7:30:32 AM , Rating: 2
I have a 45" 1080p LCD HDTV and, to be honest, I use it more for my HPC than anything else. Browsing, games, media, etc. Once in a while, I watch a TV show. Business apps are on my lappy tho. I suppose I would give up Media Center if I was a Linux enthusiast. But after my latest Sony receiver blew a fuse (PROTECT) after only a few months, I decided to ban the products from my house. Sometimes they are great, sometimes they are terrible. I need more reliability than that.


RE: Consumer:
By stugatz on 6/1/2006 1:54:39 PM , Rating: 2
Hahaha, after this month long debacle of Sony PR re: PS3, there's almost no way I'll be buying one unless it all turns out to be lies.


When it comes to Linux, most of you are CLUELESS
By stmok on 6/1/2006 5:07:20 PM , Rating: 3
(1) Sony is including Linux with the PS3. Which means you can load the necessary desktop environment with the basic 2D support. This is more than enough to surf the web (Firefox), chat on multiple IM networks (using GAIM), P2P, DVR, etc, etc. The issue could be with compiling the apps for the Cell architecture. (Which is often quickly fixed, as open-source is extremely dynamic and responsive to a changing environment)...The real question is: How hard is it to port apps and basic Linux infrastructure to a Cell based system? If it isn't too hard, what is stopping someone introducing their own PS3 distro?


(2) Linux kernel support for the Cell processor has been around for a number of months now. If you check the kernel compiling options, Cell support is there. (Mainly thanks to IBM).


(3) Linux in PS3 will be limited in that hackers will need to reverse engineer their own APIs if they want to access, say the Nvidia GPU on there. I suppose it would be possible to reverse-engineer the Linux Nvidia driver layer that sits between interfacing the kernel and its binary driver, to make the GPU in the PS3 work...Hmmm.

Otherwise, its NO different to a regular PC with Linux on it...Well, maybe its a big difference because you can probably use the Cell processor to do Folding and other scientific apps. (Ignoring the games and online services part of the console itself). The desktop preformance of the Cell is not gonna be good as a modern day desktop PC. But the number crunching potential offers some very interesting avenues. (Which many of you clueless people fail to see...Had you bother to read about the Cell specifications as available on the IBM website).


(4) The Xbox was more popular on the Linux front because it was using x86 architecture. (Intel Pentium III solution). It offers the path of least resistance. Now that Microsoft has made things especially difficult (and Sony has made things easier) to install Linux on an Xbox360, who do you think will get more adopted in Linux over time? I suspect Nintendo Wii! LOL! :-)


That's the problem with some of you. You think you know shit, when you clearly don't. I don't mind if you go on with your Anti-Sony attitude (and they probably deserve it), but yacking on about crap with little clue makes me wonder if some of you folks are actually thinking before you even touch a key on your keyboard.




By Vulpis on 6/1/2006 5:43:20 PM , Rating: 2
That's nice. But I think you're showing rather a bit of cluelessness yourself. Consider:

1) Linux has *already* been available not just as an OS but as a *programming environment* on the PS2..and we know how well that went over. Thr problem here is that even if they're using it as the OS on the PS3 (much as Dreamcast used Windows CE, etc), there's no guarantee (or even likelihood, for that matter) that users are going to have free access to it on the OS level as they do on a real PC--at best, they'll probably only be allowed to run pre-packaged (and overly expensive) programs released by Sony.

2) Okay...and the fact that the tools are out there (and are probably in use by Sony's programmers, and possibly part of the dev package for game companies) relates to the price of tea in China how?

3) And here we get more to the point of the discussion...the hallmark of Linux is the open source, and the easy capability to write your *own* programs for it. Is a proprietary API like this even kosher under the GPL? I'm seeing a *big* difference between being able to use Linux on a PC (or even the *nix flavor underlying OSX) and how its being used here. BTW, why are you presuming that the Cell processor *isn't* going to be implemented for PC applications?

4) Oookay, I'm really not parsing the point of this one. Considering that the platform that will be 'adopted for Linux' the most will...still be the PC. More flexability, adaptability, and expandability. Being able to hack a console (or handheld) to run Linux is a very useful gimmick, but I don't see it *replacing* a PC any time soon, if ever.

Hmm. Your closing comments really make me wonder about your right to call others 'clueless', to be honest. Not everyone who has criticisms on how Sony is handling this system are 'Anti-Sony' (I say this looking at my PS2 sitting nearby, along with my racks of PS1 and PS2 software...). Frankly, all *three* of the major players in this round of consoles have problems--MS is probably the most stable at this point, but as always their software library sucks badly (Of the few decent titles, the majority of them either are multiplatform, ports *from* other plaforms (including the PC), or before long will be ported *to* other platforms (again, including the PC. Halo, anyone? ;-) ). Sony...well, *their* stumblings have been pretty well-dcoumented, ranging from the unit price to their attitude towards used/rental games, to this arrogance about 'replacing the PC'. Nintendo...has a lot of potential, but one very, very key factor will continue to be up in the air until after it, and the games that go with it, are released--how well its unusual controller actually gets *used* in the games. Though their price point for the console, along with the planned emulation capabilities, are a definite bonus.

All in all, you might want to take your last bit of advice and follow it yourself...


RE: When it comes to Linux, most of you are CLUELESS
By TomZ on 6/1/2006 5:46:48 PM , Rating: 2
I don't think that Sony has released enough information to reasonably conclude the sort of capabilities you are assuming. Therefore, I think we are all "clueless" about how Linux support will play out on PS3 since Sony hasn't clearly stated specifics about Linux support, AFAIK.

You are taking an "optimistic" view, assuming that the PS3 will be free & open. I tend to take a more pessimistic view, based on Sony's actions lately, plus the fact that the PS3 is being sold at a large loss, as is normal for these types of devices.

Considering the latter point, how many PS3's do you think Sony would like to sell for non-gaming, i.e., Linux uses? Answer: zero.


By Vulpis on 6/1/2006 6:30:11 PM , Rating: 2
Indeed...and given their recent comments, I'm not particularly sure how interested Sony is in selling them for *gaming* uses...


By peternelson on 6/2/2006 6:31:30 AM , Rating: 2
I think Sony figure that if you bought a PS3 for linux and dev use, the ability to run commercial PS3 games will be too much of a temptation to the owner that they will surely buy at least one game to play on it.

Probably they are right.

Also note they have not said the PRICING for the "linux kit" maybe it's free, maybe it's not. We will find out. However, in terms of software and GPL they will comply with the licensing and make full sources available for the linux, although not their own proprietary game APIs. You will have to buy the devkit if you want those, and rightly so. If you want to write the next "minesweeper" game for ps3 on linux, you will be able to do that though.


By rushfan2006 on 6/2/2006 8:41:17 AM , Rating: 1
Ok you sound like my gf hear a bit -- over analysing something so much that you skim right over the simplicity of the issue.

Let's just say that your post is 100% accurate (which it isn't btw, but let's pretend it is) the only folks who would bother to use the PS3 in that way...modding, "hacking"...farting around with the code, the kernel etc. would be the geek crowd who probably only like the ps3 as a game console as a "secondary" purpose. The actual majority of consumers for the ps3 won't care about that stuff in the least, they just want to play cop killer part 982 and mortal combat 80 on it.

So unless you REALLY know what you are doing or really don't care about $600, why play around with a PS3 risking to toss $600 out the window just because you want to be "l33t" and brag how you modded the crap out of ps3 so know you have a crap half arsed linux box with a bluray drive that doesn't really serve any real purpose beyond brag factor (since its not a recordable drive).

There is less sophisticated, financially responsible ways to spend $600 and acheive the same thing.




Better than a PC ?
By AllYourBaseAreBelong2Us on 6/1/2006 4:41:32 PM , Rating: 2
Will I be able to do my taxes on a PS3?




RE: Better than a PC ?
By Griswold on 6/1/2006 4:49:37 PM , Rating: 2
Better yet, will it pay taxes for you?


By AllYourBaseAreBelong2Us on 6/1/2006 4:53:45 PM , Rating: 2
Cool. I will pre-order one right now. ;-)


RE: Better than a PC ?
By jtesoro on 6/2/2006 5:26:32 AM , Rating: 3
quote:
Better yet, will it pay taxes for you?


I think the version in Soviet Russia will.


RE: Better than a PC ?
By peternelson on 6/7/2006 8:46:51 AM , Rating: 2

A better question, will it be TAX DEDUCTIBLE? ROFL.


Concur
By Scabies on 6/1/2006 2:09:24 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
We believe that the PS3 will be the place where our users play games, watch films, browse the Web, and use other [home] computer functions.

Our users? All %2 of the video-gaming consumers out there. Whoops, only %5 of that %2 knows how to use (if its preloaded) linux. Shxt.

quote:
The PlayStation 3 is a computer. We do not need the PC,

I always thought it was funny when the PS started up and said Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA.) It computed, perhaps, but was in no way like a computer other than what Sir Webster had to say. Change my opinion, please.




RE: Concur
By tenguman on 6/1/2006 2:17:13 PM , Rating: 2
Hey as long as I can check my MySpace on the PS3, I don't need no stinkin' PC.


RE: Concur
By peternelson on 6/1/2006 3:29:12 PM , Rating: 2

Erm, unless the PS3 is telepathic too, I'm going to need to plug in a KEYBOARD and MOUSE to do all those wonderful things.

Maybe Sony will bundle free PS3 keyb and mouse with console (or with some linux pack), but somehow I doubt it ;-)


RE: Concur
By Clauzii on 6/1/2006 7:00:21 PM , Rating: 2
U can get a USB Keyb+Mouse for $30...


RE: Concur
By peternelson on 6/7/2006 8:40:10 AM , Rating: 2
Yeah eg my MICROSOFT keyboard works plugged into my PS/2. I guess the same will be possible with PS/3.

HOWEVER, in terms of BRANDING, Sony will not want to be promoting a mix of official and 3rd party hardware. Therefore they will make a PS/3 badged keyboard even if very few people buy it.

They need to have "whole system" press photos if they are promoting this as a full computer system not just a console.


Why Would This Be Bad?
By kelmon on 6/2/2006 2:56:27 AM , Rating: 2
I'm confused. While the onus is on Sony to deliver a computing platform using the PS3, if they are able to do so then I for one would highly welcome it. I don't think that there is much doubt that the PS3 contains the components necessary to put together a fairly reasonable PC so if they provide access to the applications (i.e. they produce and supply then rather than needing users to hack the console) then surely this delivers additional value.

Hypothetically, if Sony was able to deliver software that allows you to do on the PS3 what you do on your PC (and I am talking about mainstream activities here), then what do you need a PC for?

I'm currently sided with the "no" camp when it comes to the PS3 due to the price but if the console was expanded so that it could be used as a regular computer as well then I'll need to reconsider.




RE: Why Would This Be Bad?
By peternelson on 6/2/2006 6:18:38 AM , Rating: 2

Yeah, I think he's right.

The thing holding back linux on the PC is because you need windows XP to play the best games.

PS3 overcomes this by HAVING the best games in PS3 mode, whilst giving you linux for non-gaming purposes.

I think it could help speed linux adoption.

Certainly if your computer (PS3) plays games well, "we don't need no stinkin' Windows XP"


RE: Why Would This Be Bad?
By Griswold on 6/7/2006 9:23:22 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
The thing holding back linux on the PC is because you need windows XP to play the best games.


Not really. From the hundreds of millions of windows PCs out there, only a fraction is used for gaming. There are other reasons why the masses stick to windows - lazyness, some ignorance on the user/business side and the lack of user friendlyness on the linux side being major players here.


RE: Why Would This Be Bad?
By Clauzii on 6/10/2006 8:34:46 PM , Rating: 2
And the urge to have something being LEGO for grownups and upcommers :)


RE: Why Would This Be Bad?
By TomZ on 6/2/2006 6:18:19 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
While the onus is on Sony to deliver a computing platform using the PS3

Why? I already have a computing platform in my home - several in fact - they are called PCs. I don't need a stinkin' PS3 for computing.


Same thing with the PS2.
By AnaxagorasZeres on 6/1/2006 1:21:12 PM , Rating: 2
Sony was claiming the PS2 would drive PCs into obsolescence, since it was Oh-So-Powerful. It didn't, and neither will the PS3, except for the Linux-heads who'll try dealing with Cell. It's all pre-release hype to keep people interested, and Sony happens to be a master at generating press coverage for the PS.




RE: Same thing with the PS2.
By segagenesis on 6/1/2006 1:29:50 PM , Rating: 2
This has been ongoing since the days of the 16-bit consoles. Sony can try all they want but right now they are in Operation Grasping At Straws.


RE: Same thing with the PS2.
By lemonadesoda on 6/1/2006 3:32:09 PM , Rating: 2
PS3 is as likely to replace my PC as a Sinclair C5 to replace my motorbike http://www.sinclairc5.com/photos/photo_1.htm


RE: Same thing with the PS2.
By peternelson on 6/1/2006 3:47:44 PM , Rating: 3
ROFL I've seen a real C5.

I think a better analog would be "like I will be replacing my car with a Segway" ;-)


By Trisped on 6/1/2006 1:29:42 PM , Rating: 3
quote:
The folks over at Sony are so confident in the power and capabilities of the new PlayStation 3 that it thinks the console will render PCs unnecessary. This is just the latest in the console trash talk that has been going on for months.
Exactly. Sure, they have a Linux based OS, but can you get any apps on it? Considering the market penetration of Linux and assuming the unlikely use of PowerPC commands on their cell processor, there is a very limited number of apps available that will even run on the machine.

I’ll tell you what though, you can replace my computer as soon as you include the following:
HD and SD TV tuners
PVR capabilities
Video out put through RCA, S-Video, Component, D-Sub, DVI, and HDMI connections
Video input through RCA, S-Video, and Component connections
Audio input through RCA, SPDIF, Fiber, and head phone type jacks with support for 6.1 recording and digital recording with all the newest codecs
Audio output through RCA, SPDIF, Fiber, and head phone jack with high sample rate, 8.1 surround sound support, and support for all the newest codecs
Ability to burn any type of DVD or CD at a reasonable speed with out failure
Ability to add larger hard drives for a reasonable price
Ability to use commonly used software
Ability to browse the internet
A Keyboard and Mouse
Web Server with easy configuration
A programming interface with detailed debug process and IDE
Support for multiple displays running at 1600x1200 or greater resolution

quote:
Sony also denied the notion that its decision to add motion-sensing technology to its PS3 controller was a knee-jerk reaction to Nintendo's Wii. Harrison remarked, "In a certain way, I understand why people would say [such things], but it is stupid, if you'll forgive me saying so."
Translation: “No, I didn’t copy you because I think I suck. You are just stupid” Reminds me of play ground taunts that only make you look worse.




By peternelson on 6/1/2006 3:25:16 PM , Rating: 2

There is already powerpc linux easily eg it can run on macs.

IBM ported support for Cell which exists NOW.

Therefore the linux kernel and any apps just need compiling.

Sony will supply the kernel precompiled and maybe a whole distro of packages ready to go.

Sony already have a track record of making linux available on the PS2, so believe them if they say they will deploy it on PS3.

Microsoft, on the other hand, won't be promoting linux, and if they want to put windows on the Xbox360 they will have to port it to powerpc which is probably harder.

The work for linux on Cell is already done, so for Sony it is a "free" (to them) way to improve the usefulness and value of their console.


By Josh7289 on 6/1/2006 7:26:24 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
...to improve the usefulness and value of their console.


Sure, if "value" to you is paying $600 for a stripped down "computer", when you already surely have at least one right now that is perfectly suitable for everything the PS3 will be able to do, besides play movies and games.


By jtesoro on 6/2/2006 5:17:05 AM , Rating: 2
How about adding this capability:

- I can use it at work


Is it possible?
By lemonadesoda on 6/1/2006 3:34:01 PM , Rating: 2
Do you think I could use the PS3 to replace my laptop? Perhaps take the PS3, a large car battery, and a small portable TV, in a large briefcase?

Just j/k. LOL




RE: Is it possible?
By Vulpis on 6/1/2006 3:50:32 PM , Rating: 2
Well...there *were* attachable LCD screens for both PS1 and 2...I know there was a battery pack for the PS1 as well, but I'm not sure if there was one for the PS2.


RE: Is it possible?
By peternelson on 6/1/2006 3:55:56 PM , Rating: 2

Also this is Sony masterplan:

Stage1: Replace all desktop PCs with PS3.

Then

Stage2: Take on the notebook PC market

By launching SLIMLINE version of PS3 for portability.

NOTE: They did it with the PS/2 ie launch it as a fat console then later bring out a miniturised slimline version.

Hehehehe: Cue arrogant product announcement "You don't need no stinkin' notebook either" ROFL


RE: Is it possible?
By jtesoro on 6/2/2006 5:23:56 AM , Rating: 2
If the PSP wasn't already in the market they'll probably say that it is the platform to replace the notebook.


Three to four years....
By Clauzii on 6/1/2006 7:13:43 PM , Rating: 2
... faster it be will. Cell... yes....yes....three to four years before get it will PC people ... Yes ... yes...




RE: Three to four years....
By Josh7289 on 6/1/2006 7:40:03 PM , Rating: 2
What the hell?


RE: Three to four years....
By Clauzii on 6/1/2006 8:02:36 PM , Rating: 2
In Cell it rimes - yes .... yes ..... Cell-hell ... Yes... Yes ....


RE: Three to four years....
By Clauzii on 6/10/2006 8:32:00 PM , Rating: 2
Sorry, distracted from reading how to program the damn thing :)


oh geez...
By ksherman on 6/1/2006 1:10:47 PM , Rating: 2
*sigh*

Sony reminds me of Steve Ballmer, screaming "DEVELOPERS! DEVOLPOERS! DEVELOPERS!...."




RE: oh geez...
By miahallen on 6/1/2006 11:02:19 PM , Rating: 3
Does this mean we can finally say goodbye to those glorified paper weights Sony calls VAIO?


RE: oh geez...
By knowyourenemy on 6/2/2006 11:48:03 AM , Rating: 2
Sony is such a joke...


Smooth Move
By CKDragon on 6/1/2006 2:29:51 PM , Rating: 4
Are they trying to alienate EVERYONE?

Tomorrow on DailyTech:
Sony says PS3 is too good for Women, Elderly, and Certain Ethnic Groups.
"Those less honorable must pay more for the privaledge to look upon the PS3!" - Sony Computer Entertainment's Worldwide Studios president Phil Harrison




RE: Smooth Move
By blueray on 6/2/2006 12:41:10 AM , Rating: 2
How 'bout this one:

"PS3 warshipped in Yasukuni shrine, Japan Prime Minister planning to pay respect to it next week".

just joking.


I'll believe it when...
By Hokum on 6/2/2006 4:56:28 AM , Rating: 2
I can get adobe photoshop on it...

Yeh right...




RE: I'll believe it when...
By vnv on 6/2/2006 5:46:40 AM , Rating: 2
it's just called gimp ;)


RE: I'll believe it when...
By peternelson on 6/2/2006 6:15:05 AM , Rating: 2
GIMP is great for most purposes, but LACKS proper native CMYK operation support for publishing users (although there is a plugin to help work with CMYK import/export).

That doesn't make them equivalent (yet).


Hmmm...
By Vulpis on 6/1/2006 2:28:00 PM , Rating: 4
I'm just wondering...has anyone from the Vaio division beaten the living crap out of this guy for saying this yet? Not good to badmouth *your own company's products* you know.. ;-)




What?
By bhigh on 6/1/2006 4:04:37 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
going to the mattresses

What are they going to do, sleep with them?

I think you meant "Going to the mats" as in boxing or wrestling.




RE: What?
By bearxor on 6/1/2006 8:45:21 PM , Rating: 2
It's obvious you're very young...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Godfather


Sony PR as usual
By shaw on 6/1/2006 6:48:36 PM , Rating: 2
Sony is trying to attack Microsoft's weak point for massive damage with this move more than anything. They're also trying to scoop away the casual PC user with this move at all. If it'll work will be determined how user friendly their distro of Linux is.

As for killing the PC, maybe if you could install WOW on it. :p




RE: Sony PR as usual
By rushfan2006 on 6/2/2006 8:45:54 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
As for killing the PC, maybe if you could install WOW on it. :p


I like how you think...WoW has been my crack for over a year now..love that game...lol.

I don't know how well WoW would translate to console though, aside from the point that I like having a keyboard/mouse for those kind of games...they'd have to make the add-ons work as well...like CT_RAID, Decursive, etc.


Marketing ploy
By billybob88 on 6/1/2006 8:44:04 PM , Rating: 2
What does that even mean, "run Linux"? They're going to have toasters and microwave ovens that "run Linux". That doesn't mean that I could run KDE off them. Are they talking about the kernel itself, GNU/Linux, one of the Linux-based distributions such as Debian, etc.?




RE: Marketing ploy
By theteamaqua on 6/1/2006 8:58:06 PM , Rating: 2
i tihkn its gonan be their own OS, they wil lprolyl take linux kernal code and mod it to what ever they want then put it in the HDD, for a fee of course


SONY, SO funNY
By blueray on 6/2/2006 12:06:03 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
"We believe that the PS3 will be the place where our users play games, watch films, browse the Web, and use other [home] computer functions. The PlayStation 3 is a computer. We do not need the PC," said Harrison.


So, is Sony gonna produce hundreds of daily used applications, like spread sheets, word processors, e-mail clients and such? Yeah, there are lots of such apps for the Linux, but I doubt Sony can be as shameless to grab these free Open Source softwares and press them on the Bluray disk and sell them for $200 a piece. They don't want to get in any legal issues, after their late experiances with the rootkit/DRM fiasco.

So, are they gonna let users download the apps from the net? It's very unlikely that they will want users monkeying around with software from unknowned/uncotrolled source which under a conspiracy theory, will always be used to hack and exploit the system, rendering it to be venerable to Piracy attacks. Sony was never known to be moderation/homebrew friendly, with their iron fist DRM history.

That leads me thinking, is this funny guy trying to say his PS3 is so miracleously powerful that it can run ALL the PC softwares streight out of the box?

What I believe is, Sony is now totally freaked out by the pressure of getting the PS3 out on schedule, providing the game studios with a proper SDK, and trying to turn over and back away from their promisses about selling a $800 hardware at $600, they now might wish to sell it a $1000 since it's a "Bluray Player", not just a console. Imagine how angry the other supporters of Bluray are, who manufactured their Bluray players and have to tag them with $1000 price tag, and Sony herself is selling a Bluray player at $600. Sony puts herself in hot water now, boiling hot.

I'm pretty sure they are now suffering from nervous breakdown, being freaked out by the idea of loosing $200 to $300 a unit, and they are loosing ground. They will now do anything, talk any nonsense trying to gain back whatever respect from the General Gaming Community or general consumers (that means, rich fanboys/gals are not included). Sadly, the nervous breakdown has caused them to say the wrong crap everytime.

By the way, I was wondering when will Sony replace ALL the PCs (I hope they are using their own VAIO, not some cheap DELL boxes) in their offices with PS3s? I guess then their CEOs will be suffering from the pressure of restricting their employees from playing games or watching blue movies, erm, I mean Bluray movies during working hours...




RE: SONY, SO funNY
By peternelson on 6/2/2006 6:21:55 AM , Rating: 2

LOL, I think a "PS3 on every desk" could be the office of the future.

But for that to succeed, games need to be written to include a BOSS MODE.

If they are forward thinking, the boss mode feature could be a part of the PS3 OS so it can overlay any game with something looking like work without specific coding in each game.


It doesnt have to last...
By gdongarra on 6/2/2006 3:06:48 PM , Rating: 2
Nothing electronic, especially a PC, is designed to last more than 5 years. Go out to your garage and grab that 6 year old PC and try and run todays applications on it. If the PS3 is not a complete piece of crap, it will do pretty well and its succesor will be even better. But this is not to say that other game platforms wont be evolving into the same thing. I do know this, other than those of us who keep it cause it works, people want one box in their lives which does video, internet & other PC functions, Gaming & Music. If it wil fit in a backpack and connect to any video display, you got a winner...
gdongarra@gmail.com




RE: It doesnt have to last...
By Cuw on 6/2/2006 3:50:07 PM , Rating: 2
If you really think a PS3 will replace a PC in any house you are kidding yourself. PS3 will be as functional as WebTV if they restrict what can be run on it, like I assume they will. WebTV was a horrible horrible flop if you will remember. Hell Windows MCE still hasnt taken off and it does all the features ps3 has, and probably most of them better, because people don't want to have to deal with any more electronics than necessary. PC's are for word, IM, video, etc in the eyes of a average joe and ps3 is for games! thats it.


It's not about what they say
By ZX80 on 6/3/2006 5:49:48 AM , Rating: 2
This is marketing and they're getting you lot to talk about their product and repeat the name of ps3 and playstation thoughout this page. fools




RE: It's not about what they say
By Clauzii on 6/3/2006 10:11:04 PM , Rating: 2
It's not the name PS3 that screams to me - it's the name Cell.... That's the thing that makes the PS3 rock. The physics calculations on a cell will be worth a whole 1900 or 7900 ina PC, just for calculating physics. And the cost almost if not more than the whole PS3.

People who won't see the good deal - well it's a shame actually. SONY or not...


poor translation
By itsonlyreality1984 on 6/1/2006 7:59:37 PM , Rating: 3
Without the context from the original article on Der Spiegel, this comment does indeed sound arrogant. But the translation leads me to believe they were countering the connection between the integration of devices through Microsoft and Windows (Media Center, Vista, etc) and not stating that the PS3 is the end all, be all to the modern home PC. It seems like all of the fan boys for BOTH sides have read into this statement too much.




They're right...
By INeedCache on 6/2/2006 2:47:35 AM , Rating: 3
Sony is right, they don't need a PC, they need reality.




Arrogance is peaking
By UsernameX on 6/1/2006 1:33:04 PM , Rating: 2
Another arrogant quote by Sony...ffs.

"For our next trick the PS3 will BLAST from the cannon, FLIP through the flaming hoop, and LAND in the net 2 miles away, PS3 CAN DO ANYTHING!"




Snicker
By Griswold on 6/1/2006 1:46:06 PM , Rating: 2
With all the power of the PS3, I wonder why Crysis, due out not long after PS3 launch, makes all those PS3 game preview movies look rather not so exciting after all.

Ah well, I dont play enough games (that play well on consoles) to justify a purchase anyway. For these games, like the 1-2 shooters per year and the odd MMORPG, the PC is more than adequate for me.

I dont need not stinkin' PS3.




By Vulpis on 6/1/2006 8:39:08 PM , Rating: 2
I'm starting to wonder if somehow the heads of the big three companies *all* got dosed with mind-altering substances along the line...I mean, look at this--you have Nintendo's 'Wii', you have various and sundry stupidities from Sony, and I just got finished reading another site's forum about Microsoft dropping further work on backwards compatibility because it was 'too hard' (amusingly, a Barbie title *is* on the list of 360-compatible games...). What is *wrong* with these people??




suicide
By theteamaqua on 6/1/2006 8:50:36 PM , Rating: 2
sony is trying to kill itself




By kitchme on 6/1/2006 11:31:35 PM , Rating: 2
They probably did some survey and realized that the numbers are not coming to their expectations. So, let's advertise it as a "cheap" computer and not as an expensive game console. It's amazing that they pulled so many bad moves/statements in such a short time. They are really losing touch with reality. Releasing that statement questions their computer department (VAIO). Somebody needs to ask the Sony CEO if he's planning to stop producing VAIOs now that PS3 will be out. Why would you want anything else but PS3. I can see all the Sony engineers sitting at the desk with PS3s. Way to go, Sony.




From Russia with Love...
By proamerica on 6/1/2006 11:57:21 PM , Rating: 2
Latest Sony claim: In communist Russia, PS3 boots YOU!!

WOW it realy is better than a PC!!!!!




Yes for whom?
By crystal clear on 6/2/2006 12:20:49 AM , Rating: 2
" The PlayStation 3 is a computer. We do not need the PC,"

Yes for whom -kids only 7 to 12 age groups.
Yes for whom -for people at Sony -they have nothing much to do ,except play games,watch movies etc.




Answering your own question...
By MIDIman on 6/2/2006 8:49:29 AM , Rating: 2
"Sure, the PS3 has a powerful processing platform, storage capabilities, wired and wireless networking, USB ports, a media reader and a Linux based operating system -- but is that enough to displace a traditional PC?"

IMHO - this question answers itself. All of the above contains everything needed for *most users'* daily tasks on a computer.

Believe me - if you can't install linux apps the day of the release, you will be able to before Christmas!




What does Sony say?
By freon on 6/2/2006 9:05:17 AM , Rating: 2
Izumi Kawanishi: "Since PS3 has Linux installed Linux programming is allowed. License fees are not required for individual developers. Licensed PS3 game developers can get SDK and technical support by SCE, on the other hand in the Linux world they don't have to pay license fee but the support is minimum. In Linux, Cell is under the hardware layer of the OS supervisor, but things inlcuding SPE are expected to be open to developers. But we don't intend to mix the PS3 as a game platform and the PS3 in the Linux world. "




By jerome horwitz on 6/2/2006 10:01:28 AM , Rating: 2
Hmmm... has a hard drive...has a Linux OS.... has USB....

It does seem like a PC.... which begs the question is it really nessacary? I have a PC that provides all of this already. What do I need a PS3 for?




PS3 vs. Vista
By GaryJohnson on 6/2/2006 10:30:35 AM , Rating: 2
In the next year gamers will have to ask themselves: Do I buy a PS3 or buy/build a new Vista PC? I see this as the real platform war, not PS3 vs. 360.

I choose Vista. There is a lot of design/development software that I run which is only available on the Windows platform.

The only thing that should cause anyone to buy a PS3 are the games. People don't need a box that duplicates functions of the PC they already have or will have. The Browser/Blu-Ray/OS Functions are bonus features, not selling points. There aren't any launch titles that I feel deserve the price point the PS3 is setting.




This quote is taken out of context!
By K0NY on 6/4/2006 1:13:56 AM , Rating: 2
Phil was responding to a question about whether Sony is concerned about a lack of connectivity to Windows PCs, in a comparison of what Xbox 360 could do with "Live Anywhere" and he responded by saying the quote above.

He's saying that the additional functionality for entertainment that PC connectivity may provide is unnecessary for the PS3 because those features are already built in. The 360 links with a computer for added functionality. While the PS3 is like a computer with the same functions built in.

He isn't saying that people should get rid of their PCs. He's also not saying that PS3 is better than a PC. He's simply talking about not needing to connect the console to a PC. If you read the full interview instead of allowing sites like this to rip a bite sized piece out and force feed it to you, you'll know more of the truth.




Money!
By Matte979 on 6/5/2006 6:47:56 PM , Rating: 2
Do everybody forget that Sony will take a share in every game title and movie on this machine? The cost is not 600 its a lot more when you have to buy everything Sony licensed. Sony is a profit driven organization, I wouldnt expect that things would be free. As long as the consoles are based on this revenue model I wont get one, and they wont replace a PC. The PC games are migrating into download teritorry this is going to keep the PC gaming strong for many years as developers can directly get money without big distibution cost. On PC developers dont have to pay to Microsoft or Sony for right to license and can therefore sell cheaper which will attract a lot of gamers add the flexibility of PC and better graphics / physics.

The consoles will be the the common car and the PC will always be the ferrari that how simple it is. So consoles will stay and make money but so will PCs.

Sorry Sony you will have a good console but its no PC killer.







Favorite Sony Tagline
By greatwhytehype on 6/7/2006 2:31:46 PM , Rating: 2
Not really relevant, and from some movie i can't recall the name of. But the closing scene was the commercial a bunch of "mentally challenged" people came up with for sony and the tagline at the end was "Sony, because caucasians are just too damn tall." Relevant? no. But it still makes me laugh.




PC Gamer Forever , Console Gamer On and Off
By rushfan2006 on 6/1/06, Rating: 0
By peternelson on 6/1/2006 3:43:56 PM , Rating: 1

I think Sony have been saying some reasonable messages. It's true that the PS3 will include blu-ray and that somewhat offsets the higher price. It's true that all PS3 have a hard drive. It's true that if you want HDMI you can buy it with that. It's true it will run linux. It's true that it will do more than just play games and movies.

HOWEVER, where Sony are shooting themselves in the foot is how they COMMUNICATE those messages.

Perhaps it is poor knowledge of cultural differences. eg A lot of statements are coming across as arrogant and insulting to potential buyers thus alienating rather than attracting them.

The marketing department need to clamp down on letting these people make public relations statements without a training course in selling skills and diplomacy.

That however, does nothing to detract from the validity of the PS3 console itself. It is the console itself that will be judged, not any claims nor the tone of voice and attitude used in making those claims.


Stupid Sony
By Trogdor on 6/1/2006 10:00:52 PM , Rating: 1
How fickle Sony..... Just last gen Sony was trashing MS saying "Xbox is just a PC in a console case" saying PS2 was THE gaming machine. Now they're gloating and touting PS3 as a computer like it's the greatest thing.

I lost all respect for Sony a long time ago, it's these types of things that keep reminding me why.




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