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Sony PlayStation PSP System

Sony PlayStation PSP System

Sony Electronics - PSP1001KRelease Date: Jun 2006

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.

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Summary of User Reviews

Number of Reviews: 40
Positive Reviews: 93%
Negative Reviews: 7%
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Positive Review

Reviewed by: FFMooglestar on 29-Mar-05

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.

Positive Review

Reviewed by: zoglog on 30-Mar-05

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.

Positive Review

Reviewed by: ixcafe on 31-Mar-05

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!!!

Positive Review

Reviewed by: Blue_Mookie on 04-Apr-05

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.

Positive Review

Reviewed by: mrtwo on 04-Apr-05

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!

Positive Review

Reviewed by: thunderx85 on 04-Apr-05

Strengths: Super Vivid Screen, Nice Graphics, Price affordable, Size is great, Wireless, Mp3 Player

Weaknesses: Battery Life only 5 hours, Very expensive duo me mory compared to sd, Needs better speakaers

Summary: This is one of the best portables around. It has WIFI and intergrated speakers. Not only is for games is for videos and can be used for MP3 player. This is like all in one device. The price is affordable and the quality is amazing.The only thing is that the memory stick duos are quite expensive. I would recommend this to others.

Positive Review

Reviewed by: gsavella on 05-Apr-05

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).

Positive Review

Reviewed by: joysmahal on 06-Apr-05

Strengths: Graphics, Versatility, Design, Comes w/everything except games.

Weaknesses: Average Battery life, easily attracts finger prints, tedious task converting DVD to MPEG4 format

Summary: I've had this system since it was released on 3/24/05 and the Sony PSP can do it ALL! The graphics are simply amazing, especially for a handheld. It is slim, but not quite pocketable to put in your front pocket. The design is very sexy and attractive.The PSP is so versatile. It can view PHOTOS, play VIDEOS, MP3's, has Wi-Fi. It is a very good deal for $250. One drawback about playing videos is that you need at LEAST a 512MB duo card. And converting the DVD is quite a cumbersome task.Battery life is fair. About 5-6 hours of portable enjoyment. I highly recommend the Sony PSP to anyone that loves video games. Also for someone looking for an all-in-one device that can play MP3's, VIDEOS, PHOTOS, and GAMES. p.s. Watch out for Dead Pixels on the screen.

Positive Review

Reviewed by: sfinley on 09-Apr-05

Strengths: The graphics are superb. The size of course. I am waiting for more games and moves to start appearing. This little unit does just about anything! It truly is a playstation portable.

Weaknesses: The joystick is a bit close to the bottom edge of the unit. The soft case is a joke, please buy a better case.

Summary: Over all this is great system if you have the money to spend. I was really impressed with graphics. The UMD disks are impressive, I liked the way they are in their own case to prevent scratching. I would recommend getting a bigger memory stick, the 32mb one that comes with it won't last too long when you start saving games, music and the like.

Positive Review

Reviewed by: purevim on 10-Apr-05

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!!!

Positive Review

Reviewed by: finkid on 13-Apr-05

Strengths: LCD display clarity; quick game play, good controls, fast boot up, battery life

Weaknesses: display surface, weight, price, availability of games

Summary: The LCD display is surprisingly clear, despite it's rather small size. As many will tell you, the glass surface is a magnet for fingerprints and is impossible to play in outdoor sunlight due to reflection. It is virtually a mirror in outdoors. Game play is normal and responsive. Battery life is excellent. Although the size appears rather diminutive, it is relatively heavy and won't go unnoticed in your jack pocket due to its weight. It is only about 0.5 lbs, but it feels like an extremely heavy wallet. For now, game availability is limited and rather expensive until there are more games on the market. Plus, it is hard to find retailers with good stock, but that problem should be alleviated over time. Overall, a great product with lots of potential.

Positive Review

Reviewed by: alkohoLiK on 14-Apr-05

Strengths: Amazing grafix for such a tiny device. A lot of accessories bundled together. HUGE screen and great sound!

Weaknesses: Screen/system gets smudged very easily. Memory card included is worthless. Extra memory is expensive. No cables to transfer music to player. UMD movies are very expensive.

Summary: When I first powered on the PSP I was completely blown away by the HUGE screen, amazing grafix, vibrant colors, sound and overall design of the device. I purchased NFS Rivals and NBA and both games look GREAT. The built in WiFi is great...I can play online anywhere in my home as well as at other hotspots. The 32mb memory stick included is basically worthless and there is no software or cables included to transfer music,movies,pictures to the PSP. The new UMD movies are very expensive considering most of them cost more then DVDs. The PSP is kind of pricey...maybe a price tag of $199 would be more appropriate but overall it is worth it. Games are also expensive ranging from $40-$50, but the built in WiFi which enables online play is INCREDIBLE. Battery life is also average.

Positive Review

Reviewed by: bluevalley on 18-Apr-05

Strengths: very good game system. portable but powerful as much bigger console

Weaknesses: not find

Summary: I won't feel boring now wherever I go, even go shopping. I can just play nermous game on a a samll game system, but as good as those bigger guys

Positive Review

Reviewed by: Spoon_Si on 18-Apr-05

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 ***

Positive Review

Reviewed by: robsf23 on 21-Apr-05

Strengths: sharp lcd screen; nice graphics; game play is smooth; built in analog stick

Weaknesses: must use proprietary memory stick duo for storage; a pain to convert movies to PSP movie format; cannot use music with photo slideshow; screen easy to scratch; expensive games; high cost of ownership

Summary: This is my second hand held video game player (I had the GBA) and I can say this is the BEST gaming portable out there! In fact, I sold my GBA. The graphics are awesome! The buttons and analog stick are placed well. The shoulder buttons are also easy to access. Sometimes when transporting it, the UMD slot opens up. It's advisable to buy a protective case to prevent this from happening and also to protect it. Also the screen looks like it can be scratched easily. Also get a screen protector to cover it.As much as I love this thing, the cost of ownership is high! The games and accessories can add up to another $100-$150 easily. So you can spend - like me - almost $400 for 2 games and some accessories. I could have gotten an XBOX, PS2, and some games for that much, but then they are not portable like the PSP. Downloading photos, music, and movies are easy and fast via USB2 cable. My pc detected the PSP as another storage device and assigned a drive letter automatically. Only thing, you must turn ON the PSP in order to be detected. This can use up some of you battery while downloading/uploading. Converting my movies to PSP compliant movie format was a pain. I'm sure you have seen the instructions on the web. Also the movies must be compressed to fit on the MSD. So the quality suffers a little. It's a compromise between quality and storage space. Overall, it's a fun portable to have. I'm hoping SOny updates its firmware so the PSP can have more flexibility with the music with the slideshow and maybe using an external USB HD as an alternative storage device (instead of UMD or MSD).

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