i found this on
http://www.psx2.com :
PlayStation 2: The Ultimate Weapon?
Reported By Robbie Otal | 08:21 PM EST | Source: PSX2.com
Over the course of 2000, we reported several stories in regards to the PlayStation 2 and it\'s possible uses as a military supercomputer.
In April of 2000, Japanese officials decided to restrict exports of the PS2 console specifically because of the fact that it\'s graphic processing unit (GPU) could be utilized in guided missile technology. In December of 2000, reports had linked Saddam Hussein with utilizing Sony\'s console for military purposes.
An unnamed military source claimed that the console\'s own graphical capabilities were more powerful than that of a graphics workstation, and exceeded much of the technology available in standard PC\'s. Much of the buzz had died down by early 2001 however, as the PS2 was distributed to North American and European audiences. It had seemed that the whole military controversy had died down. Or so we thought.
Today, reporters have revealed that both the United States and Japan have asked Sony to halt their plans in manufacturing the PlayStation 2 in China. These requests have been made in light of the possibility that the PlayStation 2\'s DVD feature could be converted for military use.
Apparently, it is the DVD capability within the console that would pose a usefulness to China\'s military forces. Beginning in July, Sony Computer Entertainment were to begin receiving as many as 400,000 console units each month from two Taiwanese outsourcers.
Asustek Computer and Acer, both outside manufacturers for Sony, planned to produce a quantity of the game consoles in plants located in China. Asustek is currently using its Chinese plant to produce bare-bones desktop systems for Sony\'s computer division.
Acer, Taiwan\'s top PC maker, began production of various computer components, including CD-ROM and DVD drives in China last year. When Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) was unable to secure the 1 million units that they had promised for the North American PS2 launch, it became clear that the company was unable to meet the demand of consumers.
Although the console is more readily available in North America and Europe than ever before, Sony is still having problems being able to meet the demand expressed by consumers. The company had hoped that Acer and Asustek could help compensate the manufacturing demand for the console.
Michael Goodman, a senior analyst for Boston, Massachusetts-based Yankee Group recently commented on the issue:
"Don\'t think of consoles, think of chips. The danger is you are teaching [China] how to build" the processor."
Sony\'s 128-bit Emotion Engine is equal to a mid-range Intel microprocessor, making it an easy target for possible military purposes. According to Goodman, it remains unclear as to why the U.S. and China would express worry in regards to the PS2\'s DVD capabilities.
In a final twist of irony, Sony\'s own website recently declared their PS2 console as "the ultimate weapon in the universe". We\'ll have more news as it becomes available.
