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PS2 Linux Kit Shipping in May

Posted by michael on from the dmesg-now-more-exciting-than-ever dept.

subharmonic writes: "Sony announced through an e-mail that the Linux PS2 kits were available for pre-order. The kits should be shipped May 22nd. There's a FAQ and a order site."

10 of 280 comments (clear)

  1. copy of email by hajmola · · Score: 3, Informative

    for anyone who cares...

    Many thanks for expressing your interest in Linux(for PlayStation 2) on
    our website (http://www.technology.scee.net/).

    We're happy to announce that Linux will be released in May in both the
    USA (SCEA) and PAL territories (including Europe and Australia), with
    full information and screenshots now to be found on our site.

    In addition, a joint website for interested users has been set up at
    http://playstation2-linux.com, which includes discussion and bulletin
    boards.

    Finally, although sales haven't yet started, if you send an e-mail with
    the message "subscribe" to ps2linux-request@technology.scee.net we'll
    let you know when pre-ordering starts.

    Many thanks again,

    Sony Computer Entertainment Europe

  2. Cost of the system by rufusdufus · · Score: 5, Informative

    Total retail cost of a minimal system is:
    PS/2 -- $299.99
    8MB card -- $29.99
    Linux Kit-- $199.99
    == $529.97

    Monitor not included, however you must have a monitor on hand to install, after install you can use TV.

    Not so cheap, but cool as an *upgrade* to an existing system.

  3. Sure are thorough... by Tetrad69 · · Score: 5, Informative
    The kit for LINUX (FOR PLAYSTATION 2) includes:

    • Linux (for PlayStation 2) version 1.0 software
    • Monitor Cable Adaptor (for PlayStation 2)
    • Internal Hard Disc Drive (40 GB) (for PlayStation 2)
    • Network Adaptor (Ethernet) (for PlayStation 2)[10/100 Base-T]
    • USB Keyboard & USB Mouse (for PlayStation 2)

    Ah, such is a sign of the times, where the kids don't have enough attention span to realize that all of their items are for the PS2.

    I mean, seriously, do the USB keyboard and mice NOT work on other devices or something?
  4. Compared to a new Gateway... by rufusdufus · · Score: 3, Informative

    A new 1.2Ghz PC from Gateway is only $489 without monitor.

    1. Re:Compared to a new Gateway... by rufusdufus · · Score: 3, Informative

      Actually, yes, it does come with hardware 3D support. Apples to Oranges, they are probably equivalent in graphics. However, the CPU on the Gateway would smoke the PS/2 at everything else.

  5. Re:Woah DUDE!!! by BlowCat · · Score: 3, Informative
    From the order page:

    USB Keyboard & USB Mouse (for PlayStation 2)

    Your are making fun of those who post here without having read the story. Too bad you sound just like one of them.
  6. Re:Can't read cd-r's! by Dimensio · · Score: 5, Informative

    Somehow I doubt that you could use the Linux dev kit to make the PS2 play copied PS2 games. A PSX emulator, maybe but I don't think that you'll get it to "boot" to play the game natively.

    I think that the warning given is a little misleading. Someone might misread it to think that the PS2 cannot read CD-R media at all to the point where you couldn't mount CD-R discs under Linux -- that's not the case, the system can actually read the media, it just won't boot games from them (without physical modificaiton).

    --
    STOP MISUSING APOSTROPHES, YOU MORONS!!!
  7. It's branding (for PlayStation 2) by Zach+Baker · · Score: 3, Informative
    This is Sony doctrine, presumably to assure consistency of branding. You may have noticed that PS2 games are generally obliged to always refer to a memory card as a "Memory Card (8 MB) (for PlayStation 2)" when displaying even the briefest of messages.

    It's a bit of a running joke (for PlayStation 2). I've even seen a Sony tech who was informally answering a question consistently refer to it as a memory card (8 MB) (for PlayStation 2), so their spellchecker may well be adding it by now.

  8. Re:LEGAL LOOPHOLES! (General Purpose Dev and DMCA) by Maul · · Score: 3, Informative

    IANAL, but this one will have to be taken to court.
    I believe, however, that this probably won't change the "legal" status of the PS2. This Linux development kit is an optional add on for the Playstation 2. The PS2 was still designed primarily as a game console, and will always be used primarily
    as a game console. The Linux kit is for hobbyists.
    I'm sure this is what a Sony lawyer would argue
    should the issue come up.

    --

    "You spoony bard!" -Tellah

  9. Re:I wonder... by mccalli · · Score: 3, Informative
    Could I write this off on my taxes for my home office

    Then wonder no more, because that's exactly what I'm going to do when buying the kit.

    I run a one-man contracting business in the UK, and anything computerish that isn't a game is quite definitely treated as investment cash. Having Linux available on another machine fits into that.

    Now...anyone know of a way to use 802.11b with it?

    Cheers, Ian