WinningStyle

A while ago Waxie stuck a post up on the old WinningStyle with a write-up of the GP2X.  This is, basically, an open source hand held which comes pre-loaded with Linux.  Since this original post about 12 months ago, the machine has been released and is currently in its 3rd reincarnation (after various small mods). I’ve been following the progress of this device off and on ever since reading that first post, and am now seriously considering parting with my hard earned cash.

Well, not exactly– I aquired an iPaq a while ago, which I have summised is a load of shit (after spending about 60 quid on memory cards, replacement batteries and sticks and things).  So I’m gonna flog that on eBay, and with the money I get for that, I’m hopefully going to be able to get a new GP2X.

So, why get a GP2X when I could get a PSP?

Because I’m not particularly interested in a PSP, I want something I can pimp.  I want something I can stick Mario on, and all the Amiga games I loved as a kid.

I want a fully integrated handheld media player that doesn’t need endless firmware hacks and patching every time I want to do something new.  or do something I used to be able to do until a recent mod means that I have to unmod it again to get it to work.

I actually thought that if I used my iPaq and modded it, it would offer a lot of this functionality, but alas it doesn’t.  its a complete pain in the arse to do anything with at all.  it takes a month to copy a single episode of Eastenders across (it has to reformat it to fit it on the screen.  the GP2X has a custom scaling chip).

This leads me to storage…  it would cost me an absolute fortune to buy additional memory cards for an iPaq (or a PSP, which used Sonys Pro Duo format cards).  The GP2X acccepts standard SDRam cards, but, and this is the fact that clinched it for me-  you can also purchase a £15 mod which allows it to accept USB Sticks.  or any other USB device you wish to plug into it.  a keyboard, a harddisk, a coffee warmer…

I want something that doesn’t demand I fork out £50 a time if I want a new game (not that I would).  the GP2X has a very active developer scene, and hundreds of free downloads available right now. They don’t cost a penny.  Thats cheaper than your average ringtone.

and finally,  I want something that I’m going to stick on my shelf, never use, and put on ebay in 12 months time for a loss.

Heres some reviews

http://www.maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=7486

http://craig.gp2x.de/review/GP2XReview.html

The latest PS3 news looks very interesting. I dont know if youve been reading guys but on the new playstation3 dashboard there is an option to install a linux operating system on the box!! - I guess the dashboard will allow you to boot into the os and will be seperate from the booting of ps3 games. Heres the video of the ps3 dashboard which shows install options.. The dash looks very simple compared with the xbox360’s dash.

This could open the flood gates for the homebrew community, if it is not crippled by Sony in any way.  We all know how kick-ass XBMC is on the xbox. All im saying is a playstation media center definatly wouldnt hurt sales!! 

Although with that said you can count me out of buying one just yet!! I havent got 500 squids knocking about.

Anyways check out these stories for more insight.

http://ps3.qj.net/How-to-install-another-OS-on-your-PS3-/pg/49/aid/72538
http://forums.maxconsole.net/showthread.php?t=35418
http://www.ps3land.com/article-975.php

And lastly (and least) this is the offical sony page advertising ps3 open platform, although theres nothing much up there yet.

http://www.playstation.com/ps3-openplatform/index.html

I’ve just been reading an interesting article that was linked from the BBC News Website.  In a nutshell,  Microsoft have cut a deal with Universal Music promising them 1$ for every Zune player they sell.  Failure to do so would result in failure for Universal to license their music for use by Microsoft, ensuring they were unable to get the necessary foothold they need in the already booming Digital Music industry.

In other words:  "Pay up, or else".

"If Apple had to pay at least $1 per device for every iPod sold over past two fiscal years, its cost would be $62 million at minimum: or about one more song per device. If music industry cannot sell one additional song to consumers (and has to blackmail for more money) then, you as a business, have lost grip over your core competency."

Read the full article here