First keyboard announced for Sony PSP
by Ben Zackheim 
{ Mar 3rd 2005 at 5:46PM }
Tipster Supervlieg has sent in a link that shows us the first Sony PSP keyboard; at least the first one we've seen
around here. It's a little weird looking, actually. I think I'll wait for the wireless version.
The available specs for the device are:
-
Foldaway keyboard that doubles as a screen protector
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47-key keyboard also allows you to use the PSP as either a handheld or desktop unit
The actual "features" column is blank on the site, so we'll have to wait for more details. I'm not boasting about my
hand-size or anything, but I don't think I could use both of them to type on that thing.
Okay, yes, my hands are quite large…
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Andrew @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
Good luck getting a wireless keyboard for it. WiFi keyboard? Aint going to happen.
Looks like it would mark the screen more then protect it...
Ben Z. @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
Actually, I'm hoping for a smallish receiver in the expansion port that can accomodate a whole slew of input devices. Sure, 7 minutes of battery life, but I can post like 1/2 of a post in 7 minutes!
Jerrybean @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
If you were to use two hands to type on that keyboard, how exactly would you be holding it? :D
It's interesting, but my biggest question would be is it stupid easy to attach and remove? Useful as it could be, if I can't quickly pull it off when I don't want it, then it's in the way. Would be good enough if it could fold back behind to get it out of the way.
For two hand typing, I would say one of those folding keyboards for PDAs would make more sense, since you would need somewhere to set it down anyway.
Wobble @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
That looks like it would get in the way of holding the PSP for normal gaming, so it is out for in-game chatting. I guess you could use it for IMing, but really getting a sidekick would be better.
Ben Z. @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
The carrying cases for the PSP will probably have to be the size of a lunch box. Keyboard, mouse, extra battery, games...
Markos @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
Waitasecond? That does not even plug into the bottom, it has some ghetto cable going to the top usb port!
Kamalot @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
This seems to be going in the direction of the late Sony Clies. The initial models were clearly great PDAs that introduced some excellent hardware and innovations. The later models ended up stuffing so much crap in there that the devices became huge, bloated feature-itis boxes that weren't good for anything any more except for showing off to friends.
Maybe it is just me, but I'm interested in playing games, not word processing and lugging around extra crap like keyboards and battery chargers.
Kamalot @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
Wobble: You are right. If you get a Sidekick, you will have a MUCH better communication device.
If you sign up for a new plan, you can actually get PAID to pick up a new Sidekick. Check out Amazon's deal where you get $50 back!
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00063DKVC/qid=1109899491/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-4683705-2179834?v=glance&s=wireless&n=507846
abbas @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
looks like what sony is applying the same idea they did for the sony ericsson p900/910 to the psp.
funtographer @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
I guess I haven't been following the PSP as news as closely as I should be since I have no idea what they keyboard is for. Do any games even have an on-screen keyboard? What's it for? Renaming folders?
Mookie @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
A web-browser and other PDA-type functions were leaked a month or so ago...
Ben Z. @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
There have been reports that Sony has "hidden" some pretty advanced PDA/PC functions in the PSP. Word processing, email, net stuff. It would certainly be used for that. Of course that does bring up the fact that Sony is telling SOME companies about their plans in some detail. Why else would they make the keyboard?
Wobble @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
Heh, getting paid to get a sidekick is a sweet deal.
I agree that adding all of these other services (email, word processing (WTF!) and other junk) to the PSP is pointless. It is a kick ass game machine, a sweet movie player and a passable MP3 player, if I want that other crap I'll buy a laptop. At least so far all of this junk is add on accessories, so it might not cause the PSP to become bloated like the Clies.
Sony would be very wise to stick to the built in features that the PSP already has. Trying to add too much to it now may just backfire on them. Leave it at an entertainment system, no one wants to be productive with a PSP.
????? @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
It has a word processor and email program?
Am I the only one who thinks this thing could have come out months ago, much cheaper too, if they had deciced to actually build a game machine instead of all this keyboard hooplah?
I don't want to pay a dime for some of these dumb things. I want a game machine. Now we all have to pay the price for this junk that people won't end up using.
jd @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
Just looking at the keyboard makes me think about a dual touch screen add on. Can't help to notice also that any periphials for a handheld doesn't make it a handheld anymore. It is more like a laptop or mobile device that requires two hands and a small surface, whatever.
Wi-fi periphials would be awesome, Andrew. Too bad.
I've never used a Sidekick. IMing and communicating w/ friends would be neat while I'm at the office working. I can see the possibilities of setting up the PSP next to my laptop at work while it uses wi-fi to access the Intranet/Internet. Then, all non-work related stuff could be routed to the PSP (plugged into an outlet of course, that darn battery).
I wouldn't mind using my gmail account on this machine since there will be a web browser. I have one question, will the browser have the latest Flash plugin? I would want PSP visitors to my site to be able to see my site without having to program it in some other languages. And without a mouse to point and click, all you are left with is a "tab" style navigation. That would suck without a mouse or stylus.
I would like to see a chat camera for games similar to what Sony has for the PS2. Although, if you are using both hands to play the game, I guess the games would have to react to goofy facial expressions and tongue movements.
I'm just one of those gamers that likes to get as much as I can out of what I buy.
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arthur cochran @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
well that will help with the wipeout browser (web browser) go on the internet on ur psp its a great thing for the psp web browsing capablites!
BabyFire @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
Well i wanna kno wen is this thing coming out... evn my dad is curious about the keyboards arrival.
Brandon n @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
HOw/where do i get this dam* keyboard
Rusha @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
I think all this new stuff comming out has its pros and cons, but most of all, i dont think ANYONE should be bitching about anything new. If you dont want it, fine, dont buy it, someone has different needs then you. I am like jd, and i like getting the most out of what i buy, and GPS, Camera, Keyboard, sounds pretty good to me, and for somethings i will buy them, and others just be amused by them. When going out, i dont want to be carrying around 20 different accessories, and its big enough as it is. Sony makes great things, but they make a great deal of money off you too. First the system, then the memory card if you dont wanna be stuck with 4 songs, and 2 pictures, then buy the keyboard, headset, games, movies, ....etc etc etc....There making a fortune, and what you buy isnt cheap either. 50 bucks + on everything, except maybe the wipeing cloth, and even that comes with the case, so they can jack up the price. Dont get me wrong i love my PSP and mainly for its Updates and accessories, but sometime the price kills you, and the accessories arent practicle.