Mmmmm OK, I'll answer on that.
On specific tasks, the CELL is far better than an i7 processor, things like crunching data.
The CELL is used in many different platforms, including high performance servers and calculators. I doubt the i7 is much.
NOW, when it comes to the PS3 and gaming, the CELL is not so brilliant. Not only because of itself, but because of the old GPU, the low memory (which is something that can be dealt with), and the "new" architecture that developpers had to learn to work with.
So, all in all, the CELL is a great CPU, very very powerful. But the PS3 is not vastly superior to a 360 when it comes to graphics in games, and totally inferior to an i7 computer with a recent GPU.
To go back on topic, you're right, Sony has been good with their PR, but until recently they had nothing to prove it. Killzone 2, Uncharted 2, and GT5 are/will be good proofs.
They will know Helgan belongs to Helghasts
