Sony Announces Version 1.0 Of Linux for Playstation 2

ResearchBuzz writes: "Sony has announced the May 2002 release of Linux (for Playstation 2) Release 1.0." He quotes from the press release: "The company expects the kit to sell for about $199 USD when it is made available in May 2002 exclusively through its website, http://www.us.playstation.com."

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TEXT OF THE ARTICLE:

[ekrout]

TEXT OF THE ARTICLE in case it's Slashdotted:

Leader in Computer Entertainment Responds to Consumer Demand by Supporting
Popular Open-Source Linux Operating System

LINUXWORLD CONFERENCE & EXPO, NEW YORK, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ --
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today that it is set to
release "Linux (for PlayStation 2)" Release 1.0, targeted toward the Linux
development community in North America. Designed as a hobbyist development
environment, users can not only run the wide variety of computer applications
written for the Linux operating system, but also create original programs and
applications designed to run on "Linux (for PlayStation 2)." The company
expects the kit to sell for about $199 USD when it is made available in
May 2002 exclusively through its website, http://www.us.playstation.com .
(Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000510/SFW10 4-a )
As announced at the LinuxWorld Conference & Expo 2002, the leading event
focused exclusively on Linux and open source solutions, "Linux (for
PlayStation 2)" will for the first time allow developers in North America
complete access to the PlayStation 2 runtime environment and system manuals.
The "Linux (for PlayStation 2)" Release 1.0 kit includes:
-- Internal hard disk drive for PlayStation 2 (HDD) with 40 GB capacity
-- Network Adaptor (Ethernet) (for PlayStation 2) with 100 Base T Ethernet
interface
-- Linux Kernel version 2.2.1 (with USB device support)
-- "Linux (for PlayStation 2)" Version 1.0 software distribution on
two DVDs
-- gcc 2.95.2 and glibc 2.2.2 with VU assemblers
-- XFree86 3.3.6 with PlayStation 2 GS support
-- Computer monitor adaptor (for PlayStation 2) (with audio connectors)
-- USB Keyboard and mouse (for PlayStation 2)

In addition to the "Linux (for PlayStation 2)" kit, users must have a
standard North American PlayStation 2 (SCPH 30001, SCPH 30001R, SCPH 35001GT),
a Memory Card (8M) (for PlayStation 2), and a VESA monitor. The graphics
output requires a high-resolution computer display, with standard output set
as XGA (1024 x 768 resolution); home televisions cannot be used as monitors.
Computer displays supporting "sync on green" are mandatory.
Linux use is growing at unprecedented levels and according to IDC, a
leading market research firm, the Linux operating system marketshare is
expected to reach 38 percent worldwide by 2004. In response to many requests
from the Japanese Linux society to enjoy Linux programming on PlayStation 2,
Linux Beta Version Kit was made available to approximately 7,900 enthusiasts
in Japan in July 2001. Since then, overwhelming numbers of requests have
continued on Linux community websites all over the world, with approximately
9,500 people joining the movement.
Also, according to questionnaires conducted by Sony Computer Entertainment
America and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, more than 28,000 people have
expressed interest in the "Linux (for PlayStation 2)" development kit to date.
This led the company to release a new version as Release 1.0 to support users
of the worldwide Linux community. The company responded to feedback received
from the Beta test program in Japan and modifications were incorporated for
"Linux (for PlayStation 2)" Release 1.0.
Customer support and other community-based features will be handled
through the North American PlayStation 2 Linux website,
http://www.playstation2-linux.com . More details regarding the "Linux (for
PlayStation 2)" release, FAQs and related news will be disseminated through
this website, as it becomes available.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the
entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(TM) game console,
and the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system. The PlayStation 2
computer entertainment system is set to revolutionize the home entertainment
market, offering the most compelling interactive content and the capability to
be used as a network terminal in the coming broadband era.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops,
publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game console and
the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system for the North American market.
Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves
as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

NOTE: "Linux" is a trademark or registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in
the United States and other countries.
PlayStation and the PlayStation logo, PS one and PS2 are registered
trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are
property of their respective owners.

Re:Don't fret the $199

[niola]

I must be missing something here because I actually don't get it. How can they justify the $199? As far as a Linux box goes, the only thing it has going for it is an ill graphics engine, which when you figure in the purchase price of the console is comparable price/performance to a GeForce 3 card. Not bad there, but for $199 I sure hope it comes with more then just a CD, mouse and keyboard. Nowadays you can actually build a lower end box for $200.

I do have to say that I am sure I would be pleased justr to get bash prompt on a PS2, but one would have to think that $20-30 bucks would be a more reasonable price.

--Jon