Description: The Sony PSP portable game system can play games, movies, display photos and play music. It can truly do it all. And the large display and stylish design make it an exciting entry in the portable gaming field. It's sure to turn heads.
Strengths: Graphics,Games,and accesories in Bundle Pack
Weaknesses: Somewhat difficult to get video on to memory stick duo. Very fragile system. Price is high and battery life is low.
Summary: I got my psp as soon as I could at a local store for $300 with a game + tax and have been playing games and loading photos,music and video on to it. Transfering video onto the memory stick duo is tricky. Transfering video is the most difficult since you need to create a special folder in the root directory. You can only put video into this folder if you convert it into MPEG-4. I did some browsing on the internet and found out how to do this. It would have been nice of sony to provide software that converts your video to MPEG-4. My psp also came with about 8 dead pixels which is a dissapointment but is mostly unnoticeable since there are almost 17 million pixels crammed on the 4.3 inch screen. The screen on Sony's new system is also easily scratched and the PSP itself is very fragile. I would suggest a shock and screen protector. If you are looking to put music,photos and movies on your PSP you should buy another memory stick duo. There are also many great aspects of the PSP. It delivers stunning graphics for games and movies alike. This system plays UMD discs for Games,Movies and Music. Although I don't think there will be music on UMD discs besides the sample disc Sony gives you. The accesories that were provided in the bundle pack are great: psp,memory stick duo (32mb), headphones and remote (similar to the apple ipods remote and headphones),Ac adaptor with power cord, wrist strap, pouch,cleaning cloth,UMD sampler and, if you are one of the first million people to buy the PSP, you get a UMD version of Spider Man 2 the movie. Other UMD videos are expected to be released on April 19. The PSP also has wireless capabilities with multiple PSP's. You can also play games with other PSP gamers on the internet via usb cable. (I have not used the wireless or internet capabilities yet. Everything else has been tested by me) Overall the PSP tackles games,music and photos very well. I have heard sony may come out with a camera attachment and will most likely improve the PSP further. I would suggest this system to any gamer and portable media fanatic who is willing to drop $300 and maintain this fragile system.
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Strengths: Amazing Screen Size,
Graphics are beautiful,
Vibrant Colors.
Weaknesses: Battery Life,
Some Units Have Dead Pixels,
Sound is a little weak.
Summary: The PSP is truly an amazing machine. I bought it at a chain store at launch. The first unit I got had dead pixels but I got a better one upon return. The screen on this thing is really massive, I love how large and bright it is. With the ability to throw music and vidoes on to a memory stick and play it via the psp is really cool. MP3, DVD, and Game Machine on the go. The battery life is a little weak, but with a Pelican Power Brick that issue isn't too bad. The sound isn't great but what can you really expect from that small of a system, just throw on some headphones and you're golden. If you are don't have one pick one up ASAP or wait til they sell a system only package. The Value Pack was overpriced and really didn't come with anything cool.
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Strengths: -Has a ton of great games already out (Ridge Racer, Wipeout Pure, Lumines, Untold Legends)
-In addition to being a Video Game Console, it also plays UMD movies and you can also use it as an MP3 player.
Weaknesses: - Memory Cards are expensive
- Can only play proprietary UMD movies
- Screen gets smudges too easily
Summary: The PSP as a portable video game console is hands down the best ever produced since the original Nintendo Game Boy. The games are graphically equivalent to the PS2 and beats the Nintendo DS in its collection of awesome video games as well as graphics and "sleekness." The PSP is the Apple IPOD of Portable Video Game consoles.
With that being said do not think of this as a movie or mp3 player. The UMD (Universal Media Disc) movies have to be bought separately for ~13+ dollars each and can only be played on the PSP. Also, in order to store music you would need a Memory Stick Pro DUO card, at least 512mb, which cost more than $50. The 1 gb DUO cards are scarce and cost $100+. So this is not an IPOD replacement. THose are just additional features you can utilize once in a while. Its not meant to be used as an mp3 or Video player.
The PSP, strictly seen as a protable video game console, is the best ever made and is worth every penny. ($250) Games are slightly expensive, but not more than what other consoles charge ($40 -$50).
Bottom Line: Pick up a Sony PSP Today! You Won't Regret IT!!!
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Weaknesses: Will need to buy a memory stick along with a memory stick reader
Summary: 2005-11-20 10:26:53 This is the BEST hand-held machine you can buy on the market today (I should know I have every GAMEBOY ever made). With the right know-how to you can put pictures, music, videos, games, and even the internet on your PSP. Down sides: you need a pretty big memory card to hold all of the pictures, movies, ect. that you want to take with you where ever you go, and to put the pictures, movies, ect. on to the PSP without having to do alot of work, YOU ARE GOING TO NEED A MEMORY STICK READER! Overall this still is the BEST hand-held ever
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Strengths: Decently Made, Unprecedented style, great array of launch games, very clear 4"+ widescreen, Amazing graphics for a handheld,Analog Control,WiFi,Versatile gaming/entertainment system, Free Spiderman 2
Weaknesses: Shoddy first release (Too many pixel defects/unit/person), Overpriced "Value Pack" First Release, Not full analog, Proprietary memory format (Memory Stick Duo Pro), Exposed Screen
Summary: For the longest time Nintendo has held the title of champion over the handheld console gaming industry. But no longer, the Sony PSP presents itself as Nintendo's biggest threat and in my opinion has the ability to overthrow Nintendo's rule over the handheld market just like they did with the home console market. The PSP, like just about all Sony first console hardware releases, has found itself littered with various defect problems. My own PSP unit has 4+ dead pixels or dust trapped between the screen and the cover. However during gameplay these defects aren't too apparent so they don't affect me too much. On another level it is not acceptable in my opinion to have such defects with such a high priced item (with a high frequency too; I went through 3 PSPs, all had dead pixels) but like I said it doesn't really affect gameplay at all. During games I don't even notice them at all. Now the biggest initial appeal for me was the huge library of games available upon launch and they did not disappoint at all. out of all the launch title I ended up buying 5, and all of them are good to decent on my scale. I'd even be bold enough to say that this has had the best launch lineup of any console I've ever seen released. The inclusion of Wifi gaming with the ability to go online through hotspots just sweetened up the deal. Playing games wirelessly through Ad-Hoc wifi has been relatively flawless with all 5 games that I own. So bottom line in terms of gaming, the PSP is the best recent handheld out there. In terms of style the PSP is unmatched. the Gameboy SP and DS both look like children's toys next to it. As an adult who plays games I often found it almost embarrassing to play the DS or SP in public. However with the PSP this is no longer the case. When people see the PSP they usually respond by saying how neat it is. In terms of design the PSP is definitely number 1 in the handheld market. In addition to all the gaming and style you also get the ability to play movies, mp3s and pictures on the device. Though the whole process is rather rough at the moment and limited it's still leaps and bounds above anything out right now. It's definitely not going to replace my Ipod at the gym, but for some people who don't have an ipod, it will give them a chance to use it for these 2ndary functions. One of my biggest complaints (though it is to be expected) is the use of the proprietary Memory Stick Duo's instead of Secure Digital Cards for memory storage. Of course this is obvious and it is Sony's product but I would really like to see the price of the Pro Duos to drop a significant amount. At this point in time the avg price for a 1GB pro duo I see is around 110+ dollars whereas you can get an SD card of similar size and storage space for 40+. In terms of controls my only complaint would be that the analog nub is not as responsive or easy to use as the full analog stick in racing games. It seems to work fine for untold legends and other types of gaming however. The load times for some of the games are a bit long (ie untold legends) but so far for other games there seems to be no real problem. The avg battery life for me has been around 3-4 hours which is perfectly fine for me since It is just a handheld and I'm never really playing it for anytime longer than that before I get it charged again. All in all I owned a DS before I bought this PSP and needless to say I sold my DS out of dissapointment (no game library and touchscreen became a gimmick). Sure the DS has less loading times and longer battery life, but let me just say I would rather play any game on a PSP for 2 hours rather than any game on the DS for 10 hours.
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Summary: The first thing you notice about the PSP is the widescreen LCD. It is simply beautiful - one of the nicest screens I have seen on a portable device. The screen is bright, sharp, and the widescreen gives you a large field of view.
The graphics on this system are amazing - leagues ahead of the Game Boy Advance/DS. I would say they are a bit lower than PS2 quality at the moment, though I'm sure they will get better over time. Still, having PS2 level graphics on a portable is a huge step forward.
The PSP is designed as a all-in-one portable media device. In that regard, it fails somewhat. My main complaint is the high price of Memory Stick Duos - they are almost twice as expensive as compactflash or secure digital cards. As a result, using this system as an MP3 player or photo viewer will end up costing you. In addition, the battery life is pretty mediocre - with WiFi enabled, I get 3-5 hours. If you use this device for gaming, MP3's, photo viewing, video viewing, and WiFi browsing, you'll end up having to constantly recharge your battery. I almost never use the MP3, photo viewing, and video viewing features on this device for that reason.
All in all, this is a great system. It fails somewhat as an all-in-one media machine, but as a portable gaming system it has no equal.
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Strengths: Widescreen capable of displaying 17 million colors, great graphics, great games, and it looks really sleek.
Weaknesses: Loading times can get kind of annoying.
Summary: The Sony PSP is really a great portable gaming system. I think that if you are deciding whether you should get the PSP or the Nintendo DS, you should consider age. If you are buying the product for a person that is at high school age or above, you should get the PSP. If you are buying it for a younger person, choose the DS. I think that the PSP is truly the greatest gaming device out there on the market. If you can, GET IT!!!!
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Strengths: Nice design, a lot of cool features. Cool colors.
Weaknesses: Loads a little slow, battery life not long enouogh.
Summary: This product is great. I use it a lot. Comes in handy when you're bored or just sitting around. I like how I can view pictures and use it as an MP3 player or even watch movies.
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Weaknesses: dead pixels and battery life is not that long
Summary: The Sony psp is a hot item and a must get. it is very hot especially the graphics. however the games for the psp, well the good ones take forever to come out. and the 1 gig memory stick pro duo keeps getting delayed.
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Strengths: Slick; Stunning LCD; WiFi, MP3 & Video playback, and Picture viewer; Removable Battery
Weaknesses: Multimedia functionality is half-baked, especially for video; you need to supply your own software and expensive memory cards.
Summary: PlayStation Portable, one of the most anticipated gadget in recent history. PSP largely delivers on its remarkable promise of bringing a PlayStation 2-like gaming experience to a handheld gaming platform with built-in wireless capabilities, all at a relatively reasonable price.
It also doesn't hurt that the PSP can do other tricks, such as play video and music as well as display images.
So while the Sony PSP largely lives up to the hype as a portable gaming device, it still needs some work before it fulfills its potential as an all-in-one portable entertainment unit.
But way to go, Sony, a real ipod killer is near on the horizon!!!
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Strengths: Groundbreaking technology, very portable, light and attractive, huge screen, built in wireless. Huge potential to do cool things on it. Complete package, comes with just about everything you need
Weaknesses: Dead pixels, no backlit volume, brightness and start buttons. Finish on screen is easily prone to scratches and scuffs.
Summary: When I was a little boy, the year the Nintendo Gameboy came out in 1989, I absolutely had to have it and then I got it for my birthday from my mom. It was the best, interchangeable cartridges and no permanent background scenery like those cheap Tiger Toys video games. GROUNDBREAKING – not perfect but definitely ground breaking. Then came gameboy color, turbo express, Sega game gear, Atari Lynx, gameboy advance/SP and even the Nintendo DS. All nice but not groundbreaking – less color.
Then the PSP comes along and the same feeling I got when I first received a gameboy all rushed back to me…and a complete package at that, (however, instead of a game, you get a full version spiderman 2 movie) none of this “core” system, buy your own batteries and earphones stuff. I mean everything you really need is included in there, except the USB to PC interface (but if you have a sony camcorder or other Sony products, you could use the USB connection that came with them, I did). I mean, this is literally a playstation in your hands, excellent graphics, memory slot, analog controls, and disc media, it is truly groundbreaking – first handheld that doesn’t use cartridge. You can play head to head with other people via the built in wireless, gone are the days of lugging around a link (honestly, when you had a gameboy, did you ALWAYS have your link cable with you?).
It does a bunch of more things, not just gaming and watching movies. Go on the internet and you’ll see people have found creative ways to utilize the potential of this system. One thing I was a little concerned with is the screen, it’s huge…wow, but the finish is a bit sensitive that is real easy to get little nicks and scratches on your screen…definitely get a screen protector for it. Another kind of minor thing is the volume, brightness and start button are right underneath the screen and I have to play at night in bed (it’s the only time I get a chance to) and you can’t see these buttons, you have to feel around for them. Not a show stopper but I had to throw it out there.
By no means is this system perfect, (what new groundbreaking system is? Otherwise we would all still be playing our “perfect” monochrome 1989 Gameboys) with dead pixels (I made 2 returns before I got one with a “tolerable” dead pixel), weak batteries (it’s not that bad……really) and people are saying to wait. If someone told me to wait when the gameboy with the green and grey screen came out, I would have missed all those great gaming memories waiting for color…glad I didn’t. There will always be something better coming out if you just wait, but that’s the nature of technology no matter what. So go ahead and wait, and wait, and in the end, you would have waited and came out with nothing. Live in the “now” man….if you have the means and capability to get this system and you’re just waiting, you need a good “knock” of common sense to the noggin. Tomorrow’s not promised and your circumstances can change, so go out and get this system if you’re contemplating it and you think you want it. People really need to relax….everyone is so uptight about this system, sony, screens, games…whatever and are forgetting what gaming is really about. Have fun, that’s what this system is meant for and I think it’s doing a pretty damn good job of it (see my Wipeout Pure review).
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Strengths: The lcd screen on this is great, crystal clear! Sound quality is awesome as well.
Weaknesses: Have to buy sony duo
Summary: The Sony PSP system has been the best hand held gaming system that I have ever owned. Its best quality is the clear, vibrant lcd screen. I also love watching movies on this, which allows me to watch wherever I go, on the way to work, while waiting for the bus, etc. I love this thing!
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Strengths: Large Bright Wide Screen Display! Nice looking HandHeld! Super Slick Design! Impressive Feature & Games!
Weaknesses: Worthless pack-in items from Value Package! Weak battery play! Lots of defect w/ 1st Shippment!
Summary: PSP! PSP! PSP! I been quit hype up bout this item for the debut last year at E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) and so Far this NEW Handheld Console has lived up to my expectation. But it is not perfect but no means. So I'll break it up from the Pros & Cons.
Pros: The WOW Factor! yes it's Hot, when you 1st hold this thing in your hand you'll instantly fall in Love! it Nice & slick design, like as said " The walkman of 2000". The system has a super large wide screen display with adjustable brightness. The games are impressive & graphic are clean and sharp. but my no means better then PS2 games. It is able to play uploaded Mp3 & movie from your memory card & also view your pictures. It has Wi-FI for online play & tons of other feature to list.
Cons: Well for one thing it's a sony product, so expect there to be defect on the 1st gen models, and I had my fair share with this one. I went through 3 PSP system, that's right 3! Because the 1st 2 had whats called a dead pixel problem. It's a few red dots on that only lited up red when system is turned on. Another is the worthless value package. Memory card is too small, case sucks, ear phone is cheap, and who doesn't have spiderman 2 on DVD already? I have repalce most these item with 3rd party acessory.Screen also tends to scratch very easy. Battry time is pretty bad when compared to Nintendo DS times, I have clocked around 2-4 hours of use. and as low as 1 hr. & 48 Mins. It will depends on yours times will depend on your Screen brightness, vol. level, and your PSP game types. & $249 price tag + Taxes plus 1 game. expect to shell over $315. want a better case & memory card. $500 isn't too far away.
Overall: It's not a bad investment, I don't recommend this for kids, Pricey, there should be just a basic package. *** 4 Outta 5 STARS ***
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Weaknesses: Cost,battery life,very fragile, screen smuges to easily.
Summary: The PSP is the best handheld ever made. Right on launch a whole bunch of great games were out. I would definetly have it over the DS. You can listen to music, download pictures, watch movies and go online.
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Strengths: Bright screen, great graphics, great all around multimedia device!
Weaknesses: Hand cramps after extended play.
Summary: The PSP is everything I thought it would be and more! I am glad Sony decided to include WIFI built in as it will make head to head very nice and updating PSP easy. So far I have only one game, Need for Speed Underground Rivals, and the graphics and gameplay are amazing! I can't wait until there are more utilities to work with transferring pictures, movies, and mp3's to the PSP. Currently it is possible to do so, but you have to make certain directories and in some cases, name your files a specific name. I have successfully cropped some photos, I believe it was 480 x 272 and they fit perfectly on the screen. I would highly recommend at least buying a screen protector as an accessory since you could scratch your screen up pretty quickly. I wound up buying the Pelican PSP Starter Kit Plus which came with a great case, screen protector, battery extender, umd covers, car charger, etc... Pretty much anything you would need is in this pack.
This is the first portable device I have ever seen that has taken console quality games and put them in the palms of your hands!
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