For anyone who hasn't already figured it out, I am a nerd, a dork, and a geek. I say this not because it's a fact I just discovered, but rather because I just had an experience that so thoroughly confirmed it I thought I should share it in the interest of full disclosure.
For anyone who doesn't know, the Playstation 2 is the undisputed king of the video gaming universe right now. Because I'm broke as hell, I only own a Playstation 1 (and an Atari 2600 and an NES and a Super Nintendo and a Gamecube and a GBA SP, but who's counting). Sony, the omnicorporation who will one day be our unrelenting masters, has given the PS2 a sexy new slim form factor, but the downside is it wont accept a hard drive. In trying to figure out if I could get one of the old models for cheap once the newer ones come out, I discovered HDLoader. Basically, its software that allows you to transfer images of PS2 games onto a PS2s hard drive games load significantly faster, you dont need to swap out games or wear out your laser, and (if youre unscrupulous) you dont even need to have the games in your possession for more than the 20 minutes it takes to rip them.
I havent even gotten to the geeky part yet. Because the launch of the newer form factor is days away, and this whole HDLoader situation was too good to pass up even if Id need to scrape together $300 to make it happen, I had to run around the net to find the best prices on all the parts and make sure this crazy scheme would actually work. In doing so, I encountered what is quite possibly the geekiest thing ever. Linux for the Playstation 2. Now, Im a big fan of the countercultural balls necessary to run Linux on an X-Box, but the hardware is already in the damned thing. Getting Linux to run on a PS2 requires a separate network adaptor, a hard drive designed for use in PVRs and game consoles, a mod chip (youll need to use a burned copy since the Linux kits arent sold anymore), and the technical wherewithal to crack open your brand new $150 beauty, install the hard drive and adaptor, and solder 20 wires from the chip to the PS2 mainboard without breaking or burning yourself or the electronics in the process. Add to that the obstacle of getting Linux and HDLoader to peacefully coexist on your hard drive, and youdve crossed into the territory of serious geekdom, even if you werent installing it all on a fucking video game system to begin with!
I was already in the throes of a serious nerdgasm at this point, but when I realized that I wouldnt even need to invest in more than one memory card as I could just FTP my extra save files to my PC for archival, I blacked out for a second. Alas, it will for the time being remain only a sweet and wonderful dream, but it warms my heart to know that such a thing is even possible.
Anyone who is not only still reading this but a little turned on by it needs to share fellow nerdgasm experiences, or (if the person in question is an SG or just a hot girl) send me a private message telling me where we can meet to make out immediately.
For anyone who doesn't know, the Playstation 2 is the undisputed king of the video gaming universe right now. Because I'm broke as hell, I only own a Playstation 1 (and an Atari 2600 and an NES and a Super Nintendo and a Gamecube and a GBA SP, but who's counting). Sony, the omnicorporation who will one day be our unrelenting masters, has given the PS2 a sexy new slim form factor, but the downside is it wont accept a hard drive. In trying to figure out if I could get one of the old models for cheap once the newer ones come out, I discovered HDLoader. Basically, its software that allows you to transfer images of PS2 games onto a PS2s hard drive games load significantly faster, you dont need to swap out games or wear out your laser, and (if youre unscrupulous) you dont even need to have the games in your possession for more than the 20 minutes it takes to rip them.
I havent even gotten to the geeky part yet. Because the launch of the newer form factor is days away, and this whole HDLoader situation was too good to pass up even if Id need to scrape together $300 to make it happen, I had to run around the net to find the best prices on all the parts and make sure this crazy scheme would actually work. In doing so, I encountered what is quite possibly the geekiest thing ever. Linux for the Playstation 2. Now, Im a big fan of the countercultural balls necessary to run Linux on an X-Box, but the hardware is already in the damned thing. Getting Linux to run on a PS2 requires a separate network adaptor, a hard drive designed for use in PVRs and game consoles, a mod chip (youll need to use a burned copy since the Linux kits arent sold anymore), and the technical wherewithal to crack open your brand new $150 beauty, install the hard drive and adaptor, and solder 20 wires from the chip to the PS2 mainboard without breaking or burning yourself or the electronics in the process. Add to that the obstacle of getting Linux and HDLoader to peacefully coexist on your hard drive, and youdve crossed into the territory of serious geekdom, even if you werent installing it all on a fucking video game system to begin with!
I was already in the throes of a serious nerdgasm at this point, but when I realized that I wouldnt even need to invest in more than one memory card as I could just FTP my extra save files to my PC for archival, I blacked out for a second. Alas, it will for the time being remain only a sweet and wonderful dream, but it warms my heart to know that such a thing is even possible.
Anyone who is not only still reading this but a little turned on by it needs to share fellow nerdgasm experiences, or (if the person in question is an SG or just a hot girl) send me a private message telling me where we can meet to make out immediately.
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my bro and his roomie work for THQ.....
you have pointed out one of the rules of the game Would You Rather...
you cant chose that third "loaded gun" choice. you just cant ok thats why dammit. i dont make the rules sir...
as i was sitting on the sidewalk this afternoon petting a cat that had found shade under the rear of my parked car i thought "there arent cat people or dog people. there are animal people and i am definitely an animal person"
maybe im right? damn skippy i am!!!