PlayStation Portable - PSP

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Couple of months back my better half bought me a PSP. It wasn't the easiest thing, giving out all that money for something which basically does the same as my PC. It's not a bad buy though, as far as gadgets go, this one's a winner. I was pretty impressed with the games, some of them and made regular use of the playback features. Got a great program, PSP Video 9, which converts video files to MP4 and easily transfers them onto your PSP.

The keys and controls inherit the same operability of PlayStation and PlayStation 2. I don't much like the analog pad though, it tends to get stuck, making your character jump around like a mad bunny in mid battle. It's just not practical in those high adrenaline moments when your thumb become one with the directional buttons and you're on the verge of defeating the super evil creature from beyond this world... and you hit the analog button, because it's just so damn close to the direction buttons!

PSP also comes equipped with diverse input/output connectors such as USB 2.0, and 802.11b (Wi-Fi) wireless LAN, providing connectivity to various devices in the home and to the wireless network outside. The world of gaming is further enhanced by enabling users to enjoy online gaming, or by connecting multiple PSP's to each other, directly via the wireless network. In addition, software and data can be downloaded through a USB or wireless network onto Memory Stick PRO Duo. I only had one problem with the connectivity, which is the Wi-Fi button on mine, doesn't work. I didn't notice it at first, as I only got wireless internet when I got my laptop, a couple of months after I bought my PSP. I googled it and it seems that many other fans have the same problem. I'm still trying to fix this problem... (watch this space for a solution should you have the same difficulty)

PSP has a small but high-capacity optical medium UMD (Universal Media Disc), enabling game software to be stored. The newly developed UMD, the next-generation compact storage media, is only 60mm in diameter but can store up to 1.8GB of digital data. To protect this entertainment content, a robust copyright protection system has been developed which utilizes a combination of a unique disc ID, a 128 bit AES encryption keys for the media, and individual ID for each PSP hardware unit. It's also shielded in a plastic cover, protecting it from scratches, unlike the other disks - a big plus when being played by players who tend to leave their games lying all over the place.

PSP Specs

- Approx. 170 mm (L) x 74 mm (W) x 23 mm (D)
- Approx. 260 g (including battery)
- PSP CPU (System clock frequency 1~333MHz)
- Main Memory: 32MB
- Embedded DRAM: 4MB
- 4.3 inch, 16:9 widescreen TFT LCD, 480 x 272 pixel (16.77 million colors), Max. 200 cd/m2 (with brightness control)
- Built-in stereo speakers
- Main Input/Output: IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi), USB 2.0 (Target), Memory Stick PRO Duo, IrDA, IR Remote (SIRCS)
- Disc Drive: UMD Drive
- Profile: PSP Game, UMD Audio, UMD Video
- Main Connectors: DC OUT 5V, Terminals for charging built-in battery, Headphone/Microphone/Control connector
- Keys/Switches: Directional buttons (Up/Down/Right/Left)Analog pad, Enter keys (Triangle, Circle, Cross, Square), Left, Right keys START, SELECT, HOME, POWER On/Hold/Off switch, Brightness control, Sound Mode, Volume +/-, Wireless LAN On/Off switch, UMD Eject
- Built-in lithium-ion battery, AC adaptor
- Access Control: Region Code, Parental Control
- Accessories: Stand, Headphone with remote commander, Headphone with remote commander and microphone, External battery pack, Case, Strap
- E3 Prototype Exhibition: USB Camera for PSP, USB GPS for PSP, USB Keyboard for PSP
UMD Specifications
- Approx. 65 mm (W) x 64 mm (D) x 4.2 mm (H)
- Approx. 10g
- Disc Diameter: 60 mm
- Maximum Capacity: 1.8GB (Single-sided, dual layer)
- Laser wavelength: 660nm (Red laser)
- Encryption: AES 128bit
- Profile: PSP Game (full function), UMD Audio (codec ATRAC3plus, PCM, (MPEG4 AVC)), UMD Video (codec MPEG4 AVC, ATRAC3plus, Caption PNG)

Best thing about it, is that Sony's PSP brings the power of the PlayStation 2 to the palm of your hand.

Happy shopping!

PlayStation Portable Totally Explained