PS2 Laptop With Linux

[neocopernicus]

Perhaps this is a huge undertaking, especially for someone like myself who is a n00b (i.e. I have little experience engineering this sort've thing . . . okay, absolutely none), but I'm too poor to afford a real laptop and I only really need one to learn to make video games (I take courses at the Game Institute and am unable to learn in my home environment because of ADD and other issues). I read the PS2 Linux site and found that compilers for C++ exists on PS2 Linux.

So I thought I'd try to assemble a PS2 laptop. I'd keep it "simple" . . . in other words, I have no desire to modify the case itself and will probably just install a PS2 LCD screen (if that'll work for Linux?). The only thing I am worried about is making it run on battery power so that I can make it more portable. And although it isn't a necessity, is Wi-Fi possible on a PS2?

Perhaps I'm far too idealistic, but that's why I'm here . . . to have someone burst my bubble. I actually would like to learn this stuff eventually (I plan on taking a course in Game Institute that allows you to assemble a video game system!) and have Benjamin K. Heckendorn's book (I've never been able to apply it, though, because no $$$$, but I have an entire box of discarded PSOne's waiting for me when I do have the funds). I think a PS2 laptop could be more affordable than a real one, especially for the purposes I have in mind. I would use the PS2 fat with the official hard drive.

So yes, someone burst my bubble if this is too idealistic. I just want to try if its somewhere within the realm of possibility.

[bicostp]

I don't think it's worth it. Chances are any school you go to will require Windows tools, making this kind of pointless. Besides, even a $100 used laptop will be more powerful than the PS2, especially if PS2 Linux doesn't take full advantage of the system's custom hardware.

You're better off getting a used laptop off eBay, or a refurb from somwplace like Tiger Direct.

Famous Brand, Pentium M laptop (refurb), $400
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... CatId=2242

Slightly better Compaq, $450
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... CatId=1905

Check eBay, the local classifieds, and of course Craigslist for laptops. Chances are you'll fine something.

Don't get me wrong; you can make a PS2 laptop. However, it's not really a practical substitute for a real one.

[neocopernicus]

Thanks guys. I looked at the computers and they are a much better value. I never knew they went for this cheap! I have googled refurbished computers in the past and they always seemed to be too much for little value. This is exactly what I'm looking for.

I might attempt the PS2 laptop one day, if for no other reason to understand electronics better. To be honest, it seemed the most logical thing to do at the time, but I see that is no longer the case. Plus, I never liked the idea of working with only 32 MB RAM when it seems I can work with 1GB RAM at an affordable price.

However, do you think learning to work with Linux on the PS2 worth it? I heard PS3 was Linux compatible also. I know that all a video game system is is a specialized computer, but might there be some benefit in learning to work with gaming hardware? At the very least, I might just obtain PS2 Linux (I actually don't have it yet ) just so I can work with it and toy around. Or I could just acquire a PS3 and do the same.

I actually have no Linux knowledge nor do I have a computer I can freely install it on. I thought this might be the way to find out and try.