Product Description

The awe and excitement that has made Sony Playstation so popular as a TV game now lets you take it on the road and do more than you magined. The PSP is more than a portable version of Playstation. It's a portable entertainment center with MP3 and MP4 download and play capabilities. This nearly pocketable portable has a built-in, bright, high-resolution 4.3 inch (diagonal) color TFT LCD widescreen (for 16:9 perspective), built-in stereo speakers, and amazing connectivity. With an integrated 802.11b WiFi processor, you can share your online games over wireless networks - where available. In addition to playing exciting games exclusively designed for the PSP on its UMD drive, there are also a number of movies available. UMD is a small, high-capacity optical disc that allows up to 1.8 GB - providing an extremely versatile format for games, music, and video. A built-in USB 2.0 slot enables computer connectivity for downloading music as ATRAC and MP3 files, video as MP4 files, photos as JPEG and online connectivity. Files may also be stored on MemoryStick Duo digital-media cards. Built-in stereo speakers Input / Output Connectivity - 1 audio out, 1 microphone in, 1 control connector, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 Memory Stick Pro Duo slot, IrDA wireless, IR remote (allows simultaneous multiple PSPs to be connected) / Integrated Communications - 802.11b Wi-Fi Sony Proprietary UMD Drive Power - PSP's battery is a removable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It's possible to charge the PSP while using the system Control Buttons - Square, Triangle, X, and Circle face buttons, a digital pad, start, select, an analog thumb stick and two shoulder buttons on the top / Brightness control and Sound mode selectors Built-in copyright protection system utilizes a combination of a unique disc ID, a 128-bit AES encryption key for media, and individual ID for each PSP unit

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4431 in Video Games
• Brand: Sony
• Model: 711719850007
• Released on: 2006-09-08
• Platform: Sony PSP
• Dimensions: .50 pounds

Features

• Includes Game Unit - AC Adapter - Battery Pack - 32MB Memory Stick Duo - Headphone with Remote Control - Soft Case - UMD Game Sampler Disc
• Compact Size (WxDxH) - 6.7 x 2.91 x 0.91 / Weights 8.36 oouces
• D-Pad controller
• Main Memory - 32MB / Video Memory - 2MB EDRAM
• Display - 4.3 16 - 9 widescreen TFT LCD with 480x272 resolution with up to 16.77 million colors and 200 nits brightness (depending on power source)

From Amazon.com
The era of no-compromises handheld gaming has arrived. Get ready for immersive, 3D gaming on a console that is poised

to change the way we think about portable devices. With wireless internet, video and digital music playback, and incredible data storage and connectivity options, the Sony PSP--or PlayStation Portable--is a complete solution for the mobile digital lifestyle. Sony has hit the mark by combining both horsepower and groundbreaking features into a package that weighs just a hair more than half a pound.

Design
The PSP's exceptional performance comes from a 333 MHz processor that dwarfs the speed of competing handheld consoles. Add this polygon-pushing muscle to 4 MB of fast DRAM and 32 MB of embedded RAM, and you've got a device with graphics rendering capabilities close to that of the PlayStation2. And because no game is complete without audio, the PSP is generously appointed with built-in stereo speakers, as well Dolby Digital 7.1 surround sound capability. Sony has also pulled out all the stops with the PSP display. The bright, 4.3-inch LCD sports a 16:9 aspect ratio and 480 x 272 pixel resolution--plenty of real estate for heavy gaming action and widescreen-format movies. All of this is powered by a removable, and rechargeable, lithium-ion battery.

Screen machine: The 4.3-inch display sports a 16:9 aspect ratio and 480 x 272 pixel resolution. Movies and games on the go have never been more gorgeous.

From a controls perspective, the PSP is made for gaming. If you're familiar with a PlayStation controller, you'll be a pro at the PSP's controls in no time. Directional buttons, as well as an analog stick are provided. Meanwhile, the familiar left and right shoulder buttons, as well as triangle, circle, cross and square buttons are integrated into the device's slim case. Finally, home, select, and start buttons give you quick access and control over the PSP's important functions.

To have and to hold: The PSP's easy-to-master controls are cleverly integrated into the device's slim profile.

Supported Media
At the heart of the PSP is a new, proprietary media format known as the Universal Media Disc, or UMD. Each UMD can hold 1.8 GB of data, enough room for rich and complex games. UMDs, which are housed in a protective cover, slide into the rear of the PSP. Sony has declared the UMD an open format for developers and media content owners, so movies, music and other media are on the horizon from third parties. Sony has also signed on many popular game developers for the platform, so a deep library of titles is on tap.

While the UMD is great for read-only media such as games and movies, Sony solves the problem of data storage with the addition of a Memory Stick Duo slot. With Memory Stick Duo media, you can store your saved games, downloaded online content, personal video and audio files, and more. When you want access to these files from your PC, simply use the PSP's USB 2.0 port to turn the device into a fast portable media drive. Then, drag and drop files such as your photos, MP3s, and videos onto the PSP, just as you would any other removable storage device. The PSP ships with a 32 MB Memory Stick Duo, and additional media with higher storage capacities are available.

Major media: Sony's PSP-compatible Universal Media Disc (UMD) can hold 1.8 GB of data.

Connectivity
The PSP blows away the competition in the connectivity department. Indeed, the PSP's ability to connect to the internet, and to other PSPs and USB-based peripherals, is a real advantage. At the top of the list is Wifi connectivity, or IEEE 801.11b. Use this wireless internet standard to connect to other gamers around the world for hot multiplayer action--all from your couch, or your local Wifi hotspot. As mentioned, the PSP's USB 2.0 port is great for PC connectivity, but it also opens the PSP up for a whole range of future peripherals. Sony has plans for the PSP in other ways, too; the unit's infrared port speaks of remote control capabilities in the near future.

A Digital Companion
If you haven't already guessed, Sony has positioned the PSP to be much more than a gaming device. Out of the box, the device is ready to serve as a portable video player and photo viewer. By using the new H.264 MPEG-4 video standard, Sony obviously has its eyes on making the PSP a robust video device with support for feature length movies and more. In addition, the PSP offers a great way to transport and share your photos in JPEG format. And let's not forget the music. Load up your favorite MP3-encoded songs onto a Memory Stick Duo and you've got a portable audio powerhouse. The device also supports Sony's ATRAC audio codec, so you can play songs acquired from Sony's Connect Online Music Store. Sony even ships a nifty pair of earbuds--complete with an inline remote control-- with the PSP.

What's in the Box
PSP device, AC adapter, battery pack, 32 MB Memory Stick Duo, earbud headphones with remote control, soft case and hand strap.

Customer Reviews

The PSP is the greatest invention since sliced bread.
I can run down the list of the the PSP 1000's launch debacles. Not that many but here are the major ones to get the dirt out of the way:

Dead pixels; A nearly microscopic yellow some times green dot on your PSP screen. You can't wipe it off because its uder the liquid screen-guard pressing. They are built into the system. Think of them as a mistake during manufacturing. Also these small bright (and annoying dots) are only visible in polarized conditions meaning when the screen is completely black or white.

Bricking; This was your fault most of the time if it happened. Its caused by some sort of failure in your Firmware or with any attempt to alter your Firmware. Sony is prone to alter it for you as per Terms of Agreement. The firmware updates form Sony are usually meant to upgrade your PSP. The custom "homebrew" Firmware upgrades (some downgrade) are designed to MOD your handheld and are not condoned by Sony. I have never done it as with risk of bricking my PSP.

Screen fragility; this is not a debacle per se but a personal complaint none the less. I can't stand the vulnerability of the PSP's brilliant screen. Its easily scratched and must be maintained constantly. Its akin to baby-sitting. Nit-pickers be warned.(just grab some screen guards)

Enough with the bad on with the good! I always wanted an Ipod but the PSP squashed all possibilities of ever defecting to Apple. I have an "ipod" in my PSP. I fill up my 4gb Memory stick pro duo with metal all the time. One thing working against my model of PSP (the 1000s) is its clunkiness. Not boding well for a jogger or someone using an "mp3 player" in that manner. The list of comaptible audio files for the PSP grows constantly with Sony's excellent firmware updates and intention of keeping the PSP in the "mp3 player" game.

The games are what I want to touch on next like its bigger sister the PS3 the PSP had a lull in any real video game titles upon launch. Now its fresh in '09 and I can list over 3 killer titles for the PSP:

Crisis Core
Jeanne D'arc
Dracula X Chornicles

All those games came out during the '07-'08 release cycles and more to come this year in 09'. I have to also reccomend Killzone Liberation being that its a Greatest hits already. The game-genres vary but I can say the PSP is a very good RPG system. Alot of classics from the ninties are re-released with AAA treatment. Companies like Square-Enix release titles all the time that were once on the PSX or that were never released in the US. I'd like to get into the graphics deparment but I'm a fan of functionality more. If you comapre DS screen shots with the PSP screen shots its a no-brainer which system has the best graphics. With functionality features I can tell you about Remote Play.

Remote Play is when you have a PS3 and PSP system "talk" to each other. You can view any video files on your PS3 hard drive on your PSP through Remote Play connectivity. I aslo found that Bionic Commando Rearmed a downloadable game; supports Remote Play. I can be on the toilet and play a PS3 title on my PSP(only if supported). One last functionality feature is the ability of transferring files via the Memory Stick Pro Duo(in my PSP) to my PS3. I have a crappy 40gb PS3 so I'm constantly cycling files in and out to conserve space. The PSP is there for you as any entertainment medium will permit. Internet browsing, Games, Music, Videos, Photos, and the Playstaion Store all in your hands.

The Best for Portable Gaming
I've been a hand held fan since the original Game Boy. I travel a lot and there is nothing like some mind numbing shooter to pass the time on a flight or an airport delay.

I have both the DS, DS Lite and the PSP. In fact, my wife even has a DS. However, for gaming, especially in a shooter, it's hard to beat the PSP. The screen is larger and the action is more fluid. With the DS I just can't get into switching from the buttons to the touch screen when in the heat of battle. A long time and dedicated Metroid fan, I had to give up on Metroid Hunters. But God of War on PSP...awesome.

The DS is great for educational games for grownups. Brain Drain, Crosswords, language tutorials, etc are well done and great for adults. Nintendo is good at exploiting this niche. But again, for pure action gaming...the PSP is king.

My only suggestion is spend the money for the lithium battery and perhaps even get a spare and a seperate PSP battery charger. Unlike Nintendo, SONY does produce its product with dual voltage power supplies that come in handy when you travel to any place where the voltage is different.

the best portable.
the games look amazing, specially a game called ATV "off road fury", it has a lot of nice looking landscapes.
it came with the "lords of dogtown" movies, and I have to tell you. the film looks so crisp and so similar to dvd, its unbelievable. the only thing I hold against Sony is that the UMD movies are so expensive. They should be cheaper than or at least on par with dvds. $29.99 for a movie is ridiculous.
it connects to the internet, and its decent looking. except for flash images, which won't even appear. you can't watch youtube videos there...lol.
you can use software to rip dvds on your computer and transfer them to the psp for watching on the go. i can fit 4 movies on 1 gb card. amazing right? And the quality of the picture is great, and it doesn't even skip or lag, its smooth like on tv. you need a program called dvd43 to rip dvds (don't say i told you :)...haha.

-you can store pictures, play mp3s (althoug its a little bulky to carry as an mp3 player, i used to connect it to my car stereo).
-there's an application that lets you play radio through your wireless hotspot.
-like any lcd screen, in direct sunlight you can't see a thing.
-the battery lasts a lot playing games or videos.
-it charges pretty quickly.
-one complaint is that the UMDs are VERY flimsy. If you grab the the wrong way, they break. I have repaired them with magic tape though and they keep playing, but they could have done a better job on such expensive discs.


I haven't really used the online play. I have tried it, and it seems to work alright with the WSOP game, but it drops in ATV off-rod fury game, and my lynsis is the best wireless router, so you can't blame it on my equipment. that's a server issue.

overall, its a great game console. the rest are just bonuses that sony put there for your enjoyment.
so, as a console is a GREAT console.
But they need to improve the build of UMDs, and make the $39.99 per game be worth the price.