consoles are just special perpouse computers, like an industrial computer or even a server. it is merely optimised to run games and omits any unnessicary hardware (like a keyboard and mouse and sometimes hard drive). but seeing as games require quite abit of power, theres no reason why consoles cant be used for lesser applications. its nice that the ps3 actually has an os (which would make it the first console with an os factory installed), but using that as an excuse to jack the price is bogus, when you can get a 360 for a few hundred less. because the os is linux, it would have the binifit of being able to run homebrew games, maybe even the scp. still the price is bogus, and unless they can get it down, there ****ed. what i think there trying to do is get away from the old buisness model commonly used by consoles (loose money on the console hardware but make the money from game licensing) and instead make money on the hardware while make it less expensive or even free for developers and thus increase the number of available games which in turn boosts hardware sales. still its going out on a limb and i dont think there gonna succseed no matter what their plan is. i wouldnt be suprised if sony gets bought out any time in the next 10 years. they seem to be putting to much faith in anti-microsoftism, and are trying to seriously jack their customer base who refuse to buy an ms product.
