Sony PSP update is a Sony PSP update
by Ben Zackheim 
{ Jan 18th 2005 at 10:45AM }
It looks like that leaked update for the Sony Playstation Portable was genuine after all. The small file includes "switches" for word processing, web browsing, text-to-speech and other goodies. They may sound like superfluous features, but they seem to be part of the Sony strategy one way or another. Sony warns against actually using the update, since it can fry your system. If you did it already, and your device isn't working, the company will repair it for a fee.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
G Freeman @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM
Eh, why would you want to do word processing on a system with no way of writing? Are you going to choose letters from an on-screen keyboard? At least on your PDA you can do handwriting or character recognition.
This is lame. Maybe they should build real MP3 and video features into the unit instead of wasting time on this superfluous drivel.
Mark Weiser @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM
If they could update their battery through firmware, I may actually be interested in the system.
A web browser on a device with a lousy battery and no way to enter a URL? That means you have to use Wi-Fi, which drains the battery even more and use some kind of terrible character selector. Think I'll pass, thanks.
edge @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM
you are all dum. i saw aguy on a tablet pc surfing the internets and it was sooo cool i wanted one soo bad. this is just like that tablet pc only smaller and shiny too so that makes it awesome for using on the internet and bet it can play joystiq online too. better than tablet or pda or anything else cause it makes you look grown up and cool.
boris @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM
Possible keyboard attachment via USB? Or better yet, Bluetooth support via USB and firmware upgrade to hook in a wireless keyboard? There's all sorts of possibilities.
About the battery... yeah it sucks... But on a daily basis, I don't see myself needing to play or surf the net for more than 3 hours at a time. I mean, come on... Are you going to be at a Starbucks for more than 3 hours gaming, surfing and checking email?
Erika Hotpants @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM
edge...Tablet PCs have a stylus to enter things on the screen. As far as I can tell, the PSP does not.
If they have a "switch" to unlock, say, a touch screen feature, I'd then be interested in the PSP. Think of all the great applications you could write for it; like a super PDA!
Darkhound @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM
Hey... you never know. It may be possible that Sony or some third-party vendor will release a micro-USB keyboard.
That may be the reason they have all the features in the wings.
Bubble Bobble @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM
Who would want to carry around an external keyboard for a device you already have to carry around extra stuff for like:
charger
batteries
game boxes (big!)
The PSP sounds about as portable as a new thin PS2. I think I'll get one of them instead since I can use my PS2 games and DVDs that I already got.
The more Sony announces about the PSP, the more dumb it sounds.
Oh, and egde. Get a life!
Darkhound @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM
PSP is perfect for me in my situation. I don't own a PS2. I have a portable PS2, the PSP, that I can play on the plane and in the hotel room when I travel for work.
If you already have a PS2, it doesn't sound like a win-win situation.
Kevin @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM
So, this is for people who don't have a PS2?
I thought everyone had a PS2. Who is left to buy the PSP? People who don't play games?
How droll...
Sarah @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM
you can get the free sony psp @ http://tinyurl.com/6bqwz
Think it's a scam? watch this video! http://tinyurl.com/4o5au
Sarah @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM
you can get the free sony psp @ http://tinyurl.com/6bqwz
Think it's a scam? watch this video! http://tinyurl.com/4o5au
Leon @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM
Appearantly you guys do not know the entire specs for the PSP. If you've been in a demo for the PSP and have a PDA, you'll notice that the PDA last only an hour after the PSP gives in after 7 hours with the Wi-fi on. And there is a USB device for the PSP that is a a mini-keyboard if memory servers it was a QWERTY board. And why are you comparing specs like a touch-screen from a DS or a PDA? The graphics and screen alone makes up for all of the "downs" you have for the PSP.
Jason @ Dec 18th 2005 8:45PM
The PSP is gr8, I would never buy a PS2 Xbox or any other normal console as PC's out power all of them by miles, but the PSP is solid Gold. I live in the Uk and it hasnt officially been released here yet, but every guy at my work has one and lunch time = multiplayer mayhem. I think a mini-keyboard and some office apps would be great, most of you nay-sayers havent even tried the PSP yet. With a decent mem-stick it replaces the Ipod, Gameboy, portable DVD player and soon your palmtop. It just keeps getting better. And as for the battery issue, remember the first Ipods? New higher yield batteries will be available soon. Stop complaining and start playing :)