PSP | PlayStation Portable
| Designer | Sony Computer Entertainment |
| Dates | Sony Computer Entertainment first mentioned the console in 2003. Ken Kutaragi revealed a prototype on May 11,2004 at a Sony press conference. By December 12, 2005, it completed its launch in four key markets: Japan, North America, Europe, Australia. |
Description
Size 17 x 7.3 x 2.2 cm Weight:280 grams
The Psp system is a high quality execptional design in its own right. With its impressive slick design, a must have piece of technology.
It is a handheld console with a glossy piano black finish, encircled with a shiny silver border. First look at the
PSP, your dominated by its 4:3in TFT LCD screen which is pretty remarkable for a handheld device. The screen has a 16:9
widescreen ratio which is fantastic for playing games and a great for watching films.With the resolution of 480 X 272 and
a full 24-bit (16.7 million colours).
The gaming and movies opportunity comes from a read only UMD "Universal Media Disc" drive which is based at the back of the PSP.
On both sides on the LCD screen, a selection on control buttons and a digital gamepad encirlces it but most of all the
symbolistic design of a Sony playStation controller a triangle, a circle, an X and a square.
In addition the PSP system includes a USB 2.0 mini port,built in stereo speakers also a headphone port,expandable memory slot, and IEEE 802.11b Wi-Fi for access to the Internet.The psp is truly impressive but it comes at price of £180.
A Personal View
The main reason for this growing interest in the PSP is due to its inconceivable design and it qualities to please. This is the first handheld console I have bought and am impressed with the qualities it has. Although handheld consoles have been around for some time, but not many can be so flexible, from music to films to games.The user friendly interface with easy to use functions. With its light weight and slim design makes it easier for the console to be taken when on the move. This game console is far from a child’s toy. This new gadget oozes sophistication and has a modern take on the PSP console. The fault was not being able to play for hours on end as the battery life is only three hours.
Context
The first ideas of the PSP were shown at the Sony Corporate strategy Meeting in November 2003. According to the previous CEO, Ken Kutaragi, called the PSP "the Walkman of the 21st Century" in a reference to the console's multimedia capabilities.The Nintendo DS was another console that was released at the same time. The PSP has one screen whereas the Nintendo ads has two, one that is a touch screen, which is controlled by a stylus. Due to this feature the ads is more appealing However the PSP screen is brighter and exceptionally clear. The PSP is more desirable as the console has twice as much function than the DS. At a first glance the PSP would be the first choice that has a modern interface, whereas the DS is folds as a notebook. The psp has your hand moulded into the console. It fits snuggly with the controllers and the buttons under your thumb. A wrist strap comes with the console. This does not look very modern but is secure if the console is knocked from you hand. On the other hand the DS do not have this. Nintendo aims to appeal to a wider audience with the DS and not thinking about competing with Sony. Nintendo is mainly concerned on the amount Of people who will play their consoles. Psp is concentrating on how to better their consoles and user friendly.
Links
| Author: | Winston Allen | Date: | March 2008 |