Using a PS3 as a workstation type pc(aka NON-GAMING pc)

[Suddenstrike]

PS3 for a PC......
Its basically a PowerPc cpu setup with a nvidias 7th gen (7800gtx etc)
Linux should recognize most of these hardwares and install it.....
They do have Linux distros made for the PS3

Has anyone consider that line of thought?
Aside from getting a laptop....I kind of had an urge to get a ps3.
Like if you just wanted a small form factor pc, where you could do all your non gaming tasks...(hwk/email/media...etc) when you arent playing PS3 Games.


I think that getting a PS3 for a workstation type ps3 is a good idea because:
1. Doesn't run windows:D
2. Runs Linux, have completely free working os.
3. Doesn't run many games(in linux at least, so no distractions when working)
4. Not many games to play PS3 games/Modchip(if it existed)/burner/blank discs costs ur soul.
5. PS3 hardware costs more than you pay for (meaning its Good DEAL:D )
6. Fun times with blu-ray and Cell cpu? (in the event you managed to afford a game or movie, or just want to run folding)

Bad things about it.
1. PS3 costs ur soul and maybe more....(I think the market value for souls is about $700ish;) )
2. You can get urself an actual computer for a lot cheaper. (especially if we take advantage of the awesomeness of RFD)
3. Not many upgradeable parts...
4. If it does break....royal pain to fix?

So after going through these points.....is a ps3 is good idea?
Personally I would go for one only if I
-already had a laptop and was looking for a small workstation pc
-had a sudden urge to watch blu-ray or play MSG4,FFXIII
-wanted a pc that wont distract me, (well...not having to upgrade/tweak/mod etc)
-Liked Sony?:razz:

I also know I'm poking at a few touchy topics like.
-Console gaming vs Pc gaming
-Blu-ray vs HD-DVD
-Windows Xp vs Linux.
-Sony vs ?????
(I hate their prices for stuff too)

Just keep in mind everyone has their preferences and there are valid points on both sides of those arguments.
So Please...no Anti-Sony/or Pro-M$ Fan flaming.....or anything like that
Just post a reason also...that would be great

Feel free to comment about the positive and negative points of using it.
If its practical or not etc..

Update: (Tiny summary)
Ok...I understand its a bad idea to completely replace your main pc with this, I saying its good to know that your ps3 that you are getting most likely to play games/media.....That it can be used for other more practical uses. For 600-700..or whatever the price is now...Its a bad idea to get a ps3 just to use for a pc.

Update 2:
Bloody...Read of my negative points! I know there are reasons why one wouldn't get one...and YES I would want to get one just for the gaming. Since it plays games NOT FOUND ON THE PC. The fact that it can be used a PC and a console is what I find most motivating...Multi-functional to me is better than having a product that has one REALLY GOOD single function, I would choose an ALL-IN-ONE printer....over a PHOTO printer....Reason being Ill probably I will want use other functions besides printing....I understand that some people want a PHOTO printer cause its higher quality. Thats because everyone has different needs.....I wouldn't pay for a $200 Physics card or a Killer Network card.....but I would want a $500 8800gtx cause I care about my frames...but I still wouldn't want it cause its way too much....But if I heard that it could also offload cpu process and handle physics as well as make my FPS speeds awesome....
I would get it then, because its not like the Physics card or the Killer NIC are useless....they just have limited function....but if some of those features are included to a certain extent on the 8800gtx you want anyways...it would be a surely be a convincing point for one to get it. (I Know the 8800gtx doesn't have the features mentioned....)

Update 3: Conclusion?
I guess after receiving the opinions of everybody......
I've come to an conclusion:
PS3 is useful and "worth" it only when
-You want one anyways for the Blu-ray games and Videos.
-Need a secondary pc/media center pc
-Have money lying around just for this kind of thing.
-Sudden urge to run Folding@Home better than most people?
(Take advantage of the superior computation power of the PS3.)
-Hate M$/Love Sony and Linux??????

Having the money to use for it...is another issue.

[jamgyu]

sounds like you're just trying to rationalize dishing out the $$$ for a ps3.... let's face it... you're getting a ps3 because you WANT a ps3.... if you wanted to do homework etc. (and not play games) you could save a bunch of cash by buying a $300 PC and installing linux in it (since that's what you'd use in ps3).

[i6s1]

So you want to get an expensive PS3 to run linux and not play games... doesn't seem that useful. You'd be better off to get a cheap laptop with linux and an external HDDVD from MS.

[Keas]

i think he is hooked on number 6 and wanted to not show it by dropping it down so far.

if it could work as a workstation and still play ps3 games and dvd's + blueray and you dont already have a dvd player (which i bet you do) then it could be a good choice.

[input]

Linux on PS3 is limited. The firmware on the PS3 limits the Linux OS from using the whole PS3 hardware. You will not even be able to use the PS3's RSX since its blocked. Plus, I don't think the 256MB internal RAM is replacable, only the HDD is replacable.

[Suddenstrike]

Well...yes I would want to get a ps3 for the games to.

But what I'm thinking was....if I wanted a pc just for work...ps3s small size and lack of customization would be handy. Limitations on Consoles is one of the good things about it, apps have to be planned around those limited specs....

Yes, the price is the major problem....
But
Small form factor pcs do tend to cost a tad more than their m-atx-atx counterparts anyways.

How much is a Cube/box computer with a decent cpu and video card.....work that out.

A 300 dollar pc wont game either.....and a high end video card and other parts costs alot too. 200 for video card/ 200 for cpu etc.

I do want the ps3 for games....when I can afford it.
But I also want it as a desktop during the times I'm not gaming.

RSX 'Reality Synthesizer...thats the "video card" of the ps3...
The part about RSX being locked....that is a shame, but linux to me doesnt really play games anyways.
Anyone bothered to try running our windows 3d games on linux?
I had nvidias 7800gt with Transgaming's Cedega....I barely got 30-40fps on Warcraft 3 and crashed on bf2.


Yes, I am trying to justify my urge/reasoning to buy a ps3...
If the ps3 only played games.....yes I would get one too.
But I'm also trying to say that the ps3 has other uses next to gaming....which is a fairly ok reason for getting it.
Other uses being it is able to run Linux....blu-ray player...

I do understand where you guys are saying though......
When will there be a situation where you will use a PS3 instead of a pc or a laptop.......

Anyways I'm personally not too sure myself....but knowing I can use my ps3 as a secondary pc....is a good extra feature,
and going on that reason.

Cheap laptops and pcs...are weak.....having linux on them may have them run faster than on windows....but I doubt those weak spec pcs can have enough power to play blu-ray, or anything High Def. Not too sure if linux plays blu-ray or HD-dvd either.....ps3 plays them natively.

[Emancipated]

Yeah,money to burn apparently. hey. I have a bridge to sell you,but the good thing is I'll throw in a PS3 for free.

[weedb0y]

go with older Xbox, it does more for lot less $$ when you mod it properly.

[toalan]

PS3 is impractical for running linux, and linux is impractical for doing work, therefore PS3 for doing work is impractical^2.

The only thing linux is good for is for developing applications for linux.

[gman]

PS3 for a PC......

Has anyone consider that line of thought?
Aside from getting a laptop top....I kind of had an urge to get a ps3.
Like if you just wanted a small form factor pc, where you could all your non gaming tasks...hwk/email/media...etc


Not sure what your non-gaming tasks include. Is browser one of them? Where do you find the latest JDK/JRE? Where do you find the latest plugin? Latest adobe reader? Are you going to port whatever missing yourself?

[gman]

PS3 is impractical for running linux, and linux is impractical for doing work, therefore PS3 for doing work is impractical^2.

The only thing linux is good for is for developing applications for linux.

What kind of work you have in mind?

For Linux (x86 one):
Reading email. No problem.
Browsing. No problem.
Writing document. No problem.
Spreadsheet. No problem.

[ShadowVlican]

What kind of work you have in mind?

For Linux (x86 one):
Reading email. No problem.
Browsing. No problem.
Writing document. No problem.
Spreadsheet. No problem.
+1

working in linux is fine for the masses... problems only come up for power users

[prvt10]

If you install linux, only 256 MB of ram will be available to you. A computer with so little ram sucks, especially when you try to multitask. There's more info about running linux with a ps3 at http://ps3.ign.com/articles/748/748255p1.html

I like the idea of using a ps3 as a backup computer but it seems like a pain to use.

[eelfliw]

Using the PS3 as a PC is one of the lamest reason to get one. Come on, just admit it. You want one for showing off. There aren't enough good games for the PS3 to justify the cost. So the biggest reason is showing off.

I want a PS3 too. But I can't justify the cost. So I'll wait until the price drops to $100 in a few years and that there are good games available.

As for using PS3 as a PC, you have probably never written software before or understand what an OS does. Just because it runs Linux doesn't mean all Linux software will run on it. Yes, you can run shell scripts. But shell scripts are too simple to do anything powerful. If you need any useful program, such as Apache, Jakarta, or any browser, it needs to be compiled for the PS3. Where do you get a PS3 compiler? The cell CPU doesn't use x86 instruction set and the OS certainly won't have driver support for the wide variety of keyboards and mice out there. Are you going to write your own?

[vrus]

Like if you just wanted a small form factor pc, where you could all your non gaming tasks...hwk/email/media...etc

I think that getting a PS3 for a workstation type ps3 is a good idea because:
1. Doesn't run windows:D
2. Runs Linux, have completely free working os.
3. Doesn't run many games(in linux at least, so no distractions when working)
4. Not many games to play PS3 games/Modchip(if it existed)/burner/blank discs costs ur soul.
5. PS3 hardware costs more than you pay for (meaning its Good DEAL:D )
6. Fun times with blu-ray and Cell cpu? (in the event you managed to afford a game or movie, or just want to run folding)
Having the money to use for it...is another issue.

Liunx Laptops that can do all that for cheaper. If you wanted a small desktop, how about a mac mini ? Doesn't run windows either and seems to do all the tasks you want. And imo it looks way better than ps3.

aopen pandora http://www.legitreviews.com/article/249/1/ - this actually looks pretty sweet too. Also has a linux cfg.

[Suddenstrike]

I admit in not knowing much about the ps3.

But I know this.
Cell processors are similar to PowerPc type cpus.
The same ones found in the Old Apple pcs.
Any flavour of linux with PPC support should be easy to port over with slight modifications.

Yellowdog Linux...http://www.terrasoftsolutions.com/tss_home.shtml
Is actually made with the intention of running on the ps3.
I heard that Sony had funded them to help develop it.....but it doesn't really say on the site...

And Yes you can pay and order the cds from them....but you can also download the isos from their website too.

I'm not saying I want a ps3.....just to use as a pc......
I'm saying a ps3 can be used as a pc when you are not using the other functions.
I'm saying getting a ps3 is good only if you want it anyways for a gaming console....Blu-ray player...and a media/secondary pc...

[rogeryen]

What are you gonna do when you want to use the ps3 for gaming and other works(browsing) at the same time?
So just get the ps3 and a pc.

[Suddenstrike]

Ok then....so should I get 2 computers if I wanted to play games and use msn at the same time?

I'm just saying the ps3 can be used as a pc.....
You dont have to...but its good to know that you can...
Like if I'm going to get a 700 dollar console to play games....I would really feel better if it could do other stuff to....like running folding or seti and help save the world:D

But I think we can all agree a PS3 is bloody expensive.......but not exactly without reason....it does use fairly new/highend parts.
Whether or not its worth it depends on the person getting it and the money he has.

Its like getting highend pc parts......
Do you REALLY need 8800ULTRAS in SLI with a Quad core X6800?

[rogeryen]

Like if I'm going to get a 700 dollar console to play games....I would really feel better if it could do other stuff to....like running folding or seti and help save the world:D

By doing that you are just using up more energy and producing more green house gases, not really saving the world but saving Sony instead.


It's pretty obvious that the public opinion is saying that it's not a good idea, but you are still trying to convince yourself to buy one for "work", I think you should just go ahead with what your mind is telling you, buy it now and worry later! But after you got it and when you find out that it doesn't work like you expected(if that ever happens), you'll probably spend more and get something better, like a real PC or a ps4.

[gman]

I admit in not knowing much about the ps3.

But I know this.
Cell processors are similar to PowerPc type cpus.
The same ones found in the Old Apple pcs.
Any flavour of linux with PPC support should be easy to port over with slight modifications.

Yellowdog Linux...http://www.terrasoftsolutions.com/tss_home.shtml
Is actually made with the intention of running on the ps3.
I heard that Sony had funded them to help develop it.....but it doesn't really say on the site...

And Yes you can pay and order the cds from them....but you can also download the isos from their website too.

I'm not saying I want a ps3.....just to use as a pc......
I'm saying a ps3 can be used as a pc when you are not using the other functions.
I'm saying getting a ps3 is good only if you want it anyways for a gaming console....Blu-ray player...and a media/secondary pc...

Did you actually try to install Linux PPC to a PowerPC system before? If yes, how many different type?

All the PPC board has different way to boot. It is not something like a x86 platform. You need to find a right boot loader. The best way is get a package that tailored for PS3.

If you do know how the things work, it is not that hard. If your experience is limited to install OS in x86 platform, I would say good luck (unless you have an installation package that is tailored to PS3).

Porting to PowerPC can be hard or easy. It really depends on your experience. PowerPC can be big endian and can be little endian. It can have floating point co-processor or does not have one. If the package you get does not know about your system, again, good luck. Binary that works in one PowerPC Linux system does not mean it has to work in another one.

However, if you want to use this as a challenge, I encourage you to do so. Don't forget to register to this link (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=432508) though. ;)

[Suddenstrike]

Well...what I meant by "saving the world" was running those massive calculation apps on them.....

Folding at Home for an example runs well on the Cell...Since Linux distros on PS3 can use the multi cores of the Cell cpu.
Upon checking out that site...I noticed they actually point out that it runs natively on the ps3 menu. So I conclude it runs even better and easier:D
Actually better than most pcs running those apps.....:)

I honestly think it wouldn't be draining too much power.....should be similar to another pc's power usage.

Also...Ive been trying to say this for the longest of times......Everything required to run Linux on PS3 is made.......They have distros for PS3, Yellowdog Linux (YDL) was funded by Sony to make such a distro.
PS3 was made in mind to run Linux on it and I have a feeling more pro ppl have found the time to make the necessary adjustments to run their other flavours of Linux (Ubuntu/Red Hat/Linspire etc)

Being the lazy soul I am Ill use YDL....until other distros support PS3
Also since YDL is opensource Linux and is based on the Fedora Core......I think people trying to run other distros shouldnt have too much trouble on the PS3.

Its not like Windows where it can only run on X86....The main advantage of Linux is its ability to adapt the code to run under different cpu/hardware architectures. It can be made to run on certain wireless routers,pdas,ipods,PC,MACS,PS2,PS3......The only reason why Linux on certain hardwares dont run as well is because some hardware manufacturers are tip-lipped about their software.

In the event Microsoft forces everyone to run Vista (legally) and the whole worlds hackers/pirates etc...suddenly feel guilt.....Linux seems good then...legal and FREE:D


Anyways.
I'm not really in a hurry to buy a ps3.....It's expensive and somewhat out of my price range..... But if I got one I would be really excited to run other random apps on it.....and of course the PS3 games are always fun too.

I guess after receiving the opinions of everybody......
I've come to an conclusion:
PS3 is useful and "worth" it only when
-You want one anyways for the Blu-ray games and Videos.
-Need a secondary pc/media center pc
-Have money lying around just for this kind of thing.
-Sudden urge to run Folding@Home better than most people?
(Take advantage of the superior computation power of the PS3.)
-Hate M$/Love Sony and Linux?;)

Multipurpose machines are the way to go......only if you as going to use most if not all of those functions. Otherwise just get a machine that does that task very very well. Example....All-in-One Printers/Photo Printers/Photocopier......Or....Transformers/vs Car + Robot

Depends on what you really need and how much you are willing to shell out.

I just hope that some people can understand my point and decide its not completely unreasonable....

[Jon Lai]

The argument is pointless.

Bascially, if you have or want a PS3 in the first place, and you've teck savvy, you'll most likely want to try installing Linux on it yourself for the cool factor. Just like how someone would want to install OSX on a Thinkpad. However, it's not cost efficient to buy a PS3 JUST to use it as a computer. Right now, it is still cost efficient to buy a PS3 JUST to use it as a BluRay player, however (and a good quality one too, PS3 is still considered one of the best BluRay players out on the market at the moment with consideration to its price).

And about running Linux, that's a totally different topic. However, your experience with Linux could be had with any computer - heck, Linux is so resource-efficient that one could easily reformat that old computer sitting at some corner of your basement and it'll probably run (almost) as fast as the current machine you are using right now with XP or Vista's bloated software on it.

[gman]

Good luck finding a JRE that works with Linux PPC. Mind you that gij does not really work if that is what you are counting on.
Good luck finding shackwave and other plugins for your browser.

[Kwirky]

This is a bad idea as performance would be poor for generic workstation use. See:

http://forum.beyond3d.com/showthread.php?t=36058
and
http://www.geekpatrol.ca/2006/11/playstation-3-performance/

[Suddenstrike]

http://folding.stanford.edu/FAQ-PS3.html

PS3s have done a better job at processing than most pcs.
The hardware inside that PS3 isnt shabby at all....
On that point....G5s are expensive.....back then those things cost 1000 dollars more than our standard pc....thats because they were actually awesome.
Only meant for professional use...video editing etc.

Also the overall score is about the same....
If anything that post is old.

Now
PS3 is now supported by some flavours of Linux.
YDL is an example of it.....its based on the fedora core too.

[Suddenstrike]

Good luck finding a JRE that works with Linux PPC. Mind you that gij does not really work if that is what you are counting on.
Good luck finding shackwave and other plugins for your browser.

Wah? Why doesnt java or shockwave work?
They have openoffice running on YDL....(Openoffice is JAVA based btw)
It uses the GNOME desktop....

http://www.terrasoftsolutions.com/products/ydl/apps.shtml
see random list.....alot of stuff comes with the dvd...which is FREE TO DOWNLOAD.

The only thing in my mind I think would not work is DIRECTX SUPPORT.
and the RSX (aka gpu) cause its locked.
I honestly dont know why alot of you guys are complaining about the PS3.....its only expensive and a waste of money if you get it for a pc.

Yes my title was PS3 as a PC....but that was to point out the idea of using it as one....and if it was a practical idea.....I did not expect so much resistance to it.

To me is seems like a straightforward plan.....whats wrong with using it as a pc?
Its not like Im going to throw out my main pc.....or use it all day long to word process....
I dont know why there is so much resistance to it.....I'm going to say it again.....you buy a ps3 for the games and the blu-ray movies....but your going to feel that your ps3 is a lot more useful and worth the money when it can do other things.

Its worth the money if you are going to use it default/included functions.
Gaming and Movies.....its going to be more worth it when it does other stuff...

I dont why its a bad idea.....does it just feel "wrong" to you guys?
Like....playing fps on consoles? Or driving manual on like a Toyota Echo?