> > for example, developers aren't permitted to touch the second cpu,
> > there is no such restriction on the open source side.
>
> I don't understand... why would Sony do something that would (seemingly) cripple
> their product? Is there some severe downside to using this second CPU that Sony
> wants to avoid, or is it something more sinister, like intentionally crippling
> 3rd party games so that Sony's own games sell better or something?

There is nothing quite so sinister about it, it's merely just the way it was spec'd. That isn't to say that Sony won't allow direct access to it in the future. As it stands the second CPU handles the media functions which is fair enough. The PSP is library locked to 222mhz and developers have been able to pull off amazing stuff with that limitation. We'll likely see that restriction lifted when Sony get around to putting out that new battery (30% more life)...