Inside the Cell

It did not take very long for the feds to get very interested in the new Cell processor. The chip is already a topic of discussion at an upcoming Commerce Department meeting on technology export controls.

As tantalizing as the hype is around the Cell concept, I have to wait and see if anything truly comes of it besides running Sony's next video game box. Sony has a history of locking up technologies inside proprietary systems and the Cell seems like the exact opposite of that kind of technology.

But, hey, a supercomputer-on-a-chip mated to wifi-on-a-chip all running an open architecture stuffed inside digital consumer electronics? Yeah, that starts to get pretty damn exciting. Revolutionary even.

Comments

[Neb Okla]

When are people going to stop referring to run of the mill modern-day devices as "Supercomputers"?

To someone from the 40's my old PS2 was a supercomputer, but that doesn't mean it was one when I bought it.

I read somewhere that Apple had to stop advertising it's PC's as "Supercomputers" in the UK. Seems fair since Macs are no more super than any other modern PC.

[sage]

Ever time I hear "The Cell," I think of that movie with Jennifer Lopez where the horse gets sliced into about 20 pieces. BTW, if you haven't seen it, don't bother. The horse is the best part, even more so than Jennifer's ass.

[Rhywun]

This is great news - for once, I would like to see processing power outstrip the ability of software designers to write bloated software that weighs down my PC now.

[Ironchef]

Rhywun never underestimate Microsoft 🙂

I for one, would like to see the latest game pushing the technological limits. Couldn't care less if it ran email, TV, and Half-Life 2 at the same time. Would rather have those resources dedicated to running the game itself: "movie-like" (yeah yeah I know we've heard it) graphics, larger scopes, "realistic" physics.

[Stevo Darkly]

I believe that "supercomputers" are no longer the state of the art. Informed information technology experts now say we are already living in the era of "superdupercomputers." And just around the corner is the "superdupercomputer from hell." And then, some day, the "superdupercomputer from hell on a stick."

[dead_elvis]

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/02/03/cell_analysis_part_two/

[Mo]

Where does the superdupercomputer on crack fit in that evolution Stevo?

[Stevo Darkly]

Alas, the "on crack" mode was never compatible with any form of information technology. This was established by Charles Babbage back in the 19th century. His "mechanical calculating abacus on crack" -- a.k.a. the Babbacalculabacuchanicalcrack, Mark I -- was an abject failure.

[Super Prole]

I know we like to get all excited about putting more computing power into more gadgets and networking the lightbulbs to the alarm clock but as Mrs. Prole puts it, "It's not like I'm going to have the dryer call my cell phone and tell me the jeans are dry. I've got better things to do with my time than answer phone calls and e-mail from machines."

But, by all means, buy these goods, especially those made by the companies whose stock Mrs. Prole owns (I am not allowed to meddle in the finances except to draw my beer allowance each month).

SP

[CharlesWT]

"It's not like I'm going to have the dryer call my cell phone and tell me the jeans are dry. I've got better things to do with my time than answer phone calls and e-mail from machines."

A new washing machine developed by the Dai Nippon Printing Company...can even send an email or SMS when your load of laundry is complete. Washing Machine Reads Smart Tags on Clothing, Sends Emails