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Linux and the Coming Consoles

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the penguins-without-joysticks dept.

eldavojohn writes "Despite reports from the CEO that the PS3 will ship with Linux, LinuxDevices is now saying that it won't. Also, despite a rumor that the Wii will have Linux, the originator of the rumor has revealed himself to be a prankster. This won't stop you from putting Yellow Dog on the PS3 or running WiiLi, a live Linux CD for the Wii."

10 of 73 comments (clear)

  1. What practical things have people done... by chroot_james · · Score: 2, Interesting

    ...with Linux on consoles? Is it just for the fun of getting it to run?

    --
    Reality is nothing but a collective hunch.
    1. Re:What practical things have people done... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful
      What practical things have people done with Consoles at all!?!


      Linux on a console is a game - and a better game than any of the prepackaged games people are selling.


      • It has a wider open-ended playing field that WOW.
      • If you advance in the Linux-on-the-console game (by making a compelling application) it pays in Dollars (or the currency of your choice) instead of in fake-in-game-money.

      But more than that - yes, practical things will be done if the PS3 runs Linux. I want a computer in my living room, and the choices so far are Mac Mini w/ MacOS and PS3 w/ Linux. (I'll be damned if I ever need to update anti-virus files on my living room TV with some insecure OS).
    2. Re:What practical things have people done... by twistedsymphony · · Score: 4, Insightful
      if you really think about it, linux on the ps3 would be useful as hell, its soo powerful, uoi could run a large webserver off of it
      It's got a lot of power that will go completely wasted when you consider it's only got 256MB of usable system memory.
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      Collector's Edition
    3. Re:What practical things have people done... by twistedsymphony · · Score: 4, Interesting

      You could also build a mini-itx based computer running linux/MythTV, or a modified Xbox 1 with Linux, or even the default Xboxdashboard with Xbox Media Center, or PS2 Linux...
      I think a modified Xbox 1 would be your cheapest route, but a custom built MythTV box would be the most versatile... none of these options would be as expensive as a PS3 though, For the Price tag the PS3 could be pretty limited considering it's lack of system memory, and the fact that it only supports expensive 2.5" hard drives. Though I suppose the built in bluetooth and blu-ray would be handy... though not $500-$600 handy IMO.

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      Collector's Edition
    4. Re:What practical things have people done... by chroot_james · · Score: 4, Funny

      That might be a question for the NetBSD team.

      --
      Reality is nothing but a collective hunch.
  2. Actually... by aztektum · · Score: 3, Interesting

    "This won't stop you from putting Yellow Dog on the PS3 or running WiiLi, a live Linux CD for the Wii."

    <minirant>I will be too busy playing fucking games on it to want to do the above. For all the bitchin on /. about cellphones with cameras, mp3 players and web browsers, why does Linux on everything seem to get accolades?</minirant>

    --
    :: aztek ::
    No sig for you!!
    1. Re:Actually... by twistedsymphony · · Score: 2, Funny

      Have you seen the launch lineup? Something tells me if you actually bought one you'd have plenty of free time to spend installing Linux on it.

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      Collector's Edition
  3. says who? by brunascle · · Score: 2, Interesting

    not to queston LinuxDevices' integrity, but what's their source on this? it didnt mention anyone, it just kinda flat out said it.

  4. Say goodbye to WiiLi... by Chrismith · · Score: 2, Funny
    From the WiiLi website:

    Please DO NOT Digg/Slashdot this server, I'm just setting it up and is not ready for high load!

    Since their computers will be melting into slag fairly quickly, we may not be running Linux on the Wii after all.

  5. Obligatory... by JoshDM · · Score: 2, Funny

    ...but does it ru... uh, nevermind.