Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 23

Every other Sunday, PSP Fanboy will answer your burning questions. If you have a question for the team, send an e-mail to andrew @ pspfanboy.com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."

Q: How do you find out what motherboard model you have?
A: TA-082 motherboards can be detected by opening your UMD drive. If you see numbers like the ones pictured here, you have a TA-082 motherboard.

Q: Hello, i have had a PSP for about 5 months and can't even use it. I am so confused.
A: The basics on how to use your PSP can be found here, on Sony's website. Remember to put music in the MUSIC folder, and videos in the VIDEO folder. For game demos, make sure you are following all the instructions. Make sure you are extracting zip files and when doing so, make sure the EBOOT file is the first thing in the folder. There should be no sub-folders, or demos will not work.

Q: What ever happened to Metal Slug Anthology for the PSP. I can only find the version for the Wii.
A: The PSP version came out a few months ago. Did you try reading our review? Personally, I'm not a big fan of the PSP version. It features some technical bugs that keep it from being as good as it can be. The game should be available in stores. Have you tried online retailers?

Q: Assuming of course you are careful with both, in your opinion, what does the least wear and tear on the PSP: plugging and unplugging the USB cable in the PSP (non replaceable part) or inserting and removing the Memory Stick (replaceable)?
A: I do both, and my launch PSP has been fine. If you're really worried, I would say the Memory Stick cover has the most likely chance of breaking. Honestly, it shouldn't matter though.
Q: What has happened to Gran Turismo Mobile?
A: Last we heard of Gran Turismo, an analyst predicted that it would arrive this year. Considering how the PSP's full power is finally unlocked, we think it's possible. Hopefully, we'll see something at E3.

Q: What are the chances that Sony will merge its Walkman brand with the PSP? If not that, at least some better playlist management so that we can create and change our own music playlists on the go.
A: A Walkman-branded PSP seems unlikely. However, you CAN create your own playlists for PSP. It just takes a little know-how. By default, when you have songs listed in a folder on your PSP, it will play in alphabetical order, based on file name.

These files would simply play in order. However, if you want to create a playlist, you'll want to open Notepad. You can then create an order you'd like to play these files.
Put the name of these files in the order you want them to be played. Then, save the text file as a .m3u8 file. Name it the same name as the sub-folder you've created for the music, and when you check your PSP, you'll see your music lined up in order. Not the most elegant solution, certainly. However, it gives you one extra level of control over your music. We don't see Sony ever upgrading this methodology, so this might be the best we can do for now.