The era of no-compromises handheld gaming has arrived.Getreadyforimmersive, 3D gaming on a console that is poised to change the way we think about portable devices.Withwirelessinternet, video and digital music playback, and incredible data storage and connectivity options,theSonyPSP--or PlayStation Portable--is a complete solution for the mobile digital lifestyle. Sony has hit the mark by combining both horsepower and groundbreaking features into a package that weighs just a hair more than half a pound.

Design

The PSP's exceptional performance comes from a 333 MHz processor that dwarfs the speed of competing handheld consoles. Add this polygon-pushing muscle to 4 MB of fast DRAM and 32 MB of embedded RAM, and you've got a device with graphics rendering capabilities close to that of the PlayStation2. And because no game is complete without audio, the PSP is generously appointed with built-in stereo speakers, as well Dolby Digital 7.1 surround sound capability. Sony has also pulled out all the stops with the PSP display. The bright, 4.3-inch LCD sports a 16:9 aspect ratio and 480 x 272 pixel resolution--plenty of real estate for heavy gaming action and widescreen-format movies. All of this is powered by a removable, and rechargeable, lithium-ion battery.



From a controls perspective,thePSP is made for gaming. If you're familiar with a PlayStation controller, you'll be aproatthePSP's controls in no time. Directional buttons, aswellasananalog stick are provided. Meanwhile, the familiar left and right shoulder buttons, as well as triangle, circle, cross and square buttons are integrated into the device's slim case. Finally, home, select, and start buttons give you quick access andcontroloverthePSP's important functions.

Supported Media

At the heart of the PSP is a new, proprietary media format known as the Universal Media Disc, or UMD. Each UMD can hold 1.8 GB of data, enough room for rich and complex games. UMDs, which are housed in a protective cover, slide into the rear of the PSP. Sony has declared the UMD an open format for developers and media content owners, so movies, music and other media are on the horizon from third parties. Sony has also signed on many popular game developers for the platform, so a deep library of titles is on tap.



WhiletheUMD is great for read-only media such as games and movies, Sony solves the problem of data storage with the addition of a Memory Stick Duo slot. With Memory Stick Duo media, you can store your saved games, downloaded online content, personal video and audio files, and more. When you want access to these files from your PC,simplyusethePSP'sUSB 2.0 port to turn the device into a fast portable media drive. Then, drag and drop files such as your photos, MP3s, andvideosontothePSP, just as you would any other removable storage device.

Connectivity

ThePSP blows away the competition in the connectivity department. Indeed,thePSP's ability toconnecttotheinternet,andtootherPSPsandUSB-based peripherals, is a real advantage. At the top ofthelistisWifi connectivity,orIEEE 801.11b.Usethiswirelessinternet standard to connect to other gamers around theworldforhotmultiplayer action--all from your couch,oryourlocalWifihotspot. As mentioned,thePSP'sUSB 2.0 port is great for PC connectivity, but italsoopensthePSP up for a whole range of future peripherals. Sony hasplansforthePSP in other ways, too; the unit's infrared port speaks of remote control capabilities in the near future.

A Digital Companion

If you haven't already guessed, Sony has positioned the PSP to be much more than a gaming device. Out of the box, the device is ready to serve as a portable video player and photo viewer. By using the new H.264 MPEG-4 video standard, Sony obviously has its eyes on making the PSP a robust video device with support for feature length movies and more. In addition, the PSP offers a great way to transport and share your photos in JPEG format. And let's not forget the music. Load up your favorite MP3-encoded songs onto a Memory Stick Duo and you've got a portable audio powerhouse. The device also supports Sony's ATRAC audio codec, so you can play songs acquired from Sony's Connect Online Music Store.