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.
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.
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.
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.
