All I can think to say is WHY?! What is Sony's goal in all of this? These PSP updates just seem to be completely random.
If Sony really wants to do something cool, why not make a clam shell with an internal QWERTY keyboard and really sell the connectivity features of the PSP. If Sony isn't careful the new DSi store is going to make the PSN on the PSP a forgotten relic, even though Sony pioneered this in the game space.
What would I want in my PSP? Dual Analogs, 8 GB internal flash, and get rid of the UMD and sell games on secure MemSticks.
@Eric Rhoads: Secure Memorystick media for the games actually sounds like a damn good idea. Fewer moving parts. I don't suppose Sony has any qualms with forgetting all those folks who bought UMD movies for PSP.
@Kaiser-Machead: Not that it is likely to happen, but they could theoretically come up with some way of letting you transfer or download any movies or games that you have on UMD to a memory stick. I think that portable devices are one place where downloads could easily overtake physical media. The convenience factor of having everything saved to one memory card when you are using a device that is going to be carried around is a pretty big deal.
@Matthew Harding: It's called Skype. Be impressed, out-of-the-loop Facebooker, be impressed. :P If you're looking for cellular service, you're among many that are still waiting for the PSP Phone. Try a Sony Ericsson for now (which are fairly shitty).
@alexmg2420: so what, pretty much any PMP could in theory use skype. Including my first generation Ipod touch with the new microphone coming out. hahm!
@aerospaceman: There is a big difference between "could in theory use" and the PSP's very real support that is from the companies involved. If your attempt at turning your iPod into a Skype phone bricks your iPod, good luck at getting it replaced.
I think it looks terrible. On top of that, it now complicates the hardware with moving parts, and zero protection for the display in the process like the DS. With no new hardware inside, I don't see the incentive. If they wanted to please people, all they had to do was stick that second toggle on there. I think the current PSP design is rather good for mobile gaming, even if it's Archos-sized.
@Kaiser-Machead: Note: I realize this is a concept. My ranting/complaining/whining/bitching is aimed squarely at the concept, though Sony is known to fuck things up.
@Kaiser-Machead: The sliders on Sony phones seem to hold up much better than any other phones. I think they could successfully pull off the redesign without creating problems with the structural integrity.
@ceilingFANBOY: I hope you're right. Sony's products of old were pretty rugged, but these sorts of designs leave me wary these days, even from the likes of Sony.
@Kaiser-Machead: I agree 100% as my above comment will attest. If Sony is smart (hold on while I laugh my ass off for a full minute, then catch my breath)...
If Sony is smart... *ahem* they'll leave form alone and concentrate on function. The PSP is a sexy lil beast, but the performance and versatility are extremely underwhelming by current standards.
Bleh... color me unimpressed. The PSP is a failure in both games and in versatility as a PMP. Sony needs to open it up more, make importing/exporting media formats simpler and get better storage support.
Although I know this a fake (and old) mockup, this sort of redesign would only make it a weaker platform. The existing formfactor is fine and durable. Add a second analog stick to the current model, add new guys (a la PS2 gen capability) and people would be on board.
As it stands, the PSP is outdated, under-supported and a failure on gaming and PMP fronts.
I'd be interested as long as they fix the screen's problems with smoothing introduced in the PSP 3000 [i.gizmodo.com] . Keep the screen size the same but hide all the controls in the slider, and keep the new brightness and anti-reflectiveness of the screen.
well what type of new hardware does it need maybe a faster processor to cut down on load times but besides that the regular psp works just fine ( i wouldn't mind if it would use SD and not memory stick but you know its sony )
@Yehuda Cohnen: I agree - the PSP is already a very decent piece of gaming hardware. The 3D engine and the graphics are great for a handheld. I'd like to see a new formfactor, especially if the slider meant it had a keyboard (MyLO meets PSP - a MyPLOPS, if you will) because that could make it a much more robust device and competitive with the iPod Touch or other multifunctional devices. That's the only reason I can think to have a slider instead of a clamshell - if it's just a gaming device, they shouldn't bother putting the screen at risk by having it exposed.
My current favorite is probably Wurdle. Basically, Boggle with a pass and play mode that is perfect for demoralizing family members on plane flights and long car rides. It's especially scary when the driver is playing.
None of the items on theFrooch's list interest me.
I know some young parents who carry around portable DVD players to keep their wretched offspring occupied. This just combines the diaper/baby bag and the DVD player. Plus you can probably hang it from the headrest on the back of the car seat, so it's an in-car entertainment system as well.
On a side note, I was at the Galleria in Houston last weekend, and there were kids promoting Mamma Mia wearing t-shirts with freaking LCDs built into the front playing the movie.
@RacecarBoobTat: I just saw driving through NJ a car towing behind it three massive LCD/plasma? screens in a triangle shape with advertising on it. How long before they get a hold of projector tech?
02/23/09
02/23/09
02/23/09
If Sony really wants to do something cool, why not make a clam shell with an internal QWERTY keyboard and really sell the connectivity features of the PSP. If Sony isn't careful the new DSi store is going to make the PSN on the PSP a forgotten relic, even though Sony pioneered this in the game space.
What would I want in my PSP? Dual Analogs, 8 GB internal flash, and get rid of the UMD and sell games on secure MemSticks.
02/23/09
02/23/09
02/23/09
02/23/09
02/23/09
02/23/09
so what, pretty much any PMP could in theory use skype.
Including my first generation Ipod touch with the new microphone coming out.
hahm!
02/23/09
02/23/09
02/23/09
02/23/09
02/23/09
02/23/09
If Sony is smart... *ahem* they'll leave form alone and concentrate on function. The PSP is a sexy lil beast, but the performance and versatility are extremely underwhelming by current standards.
02/23/09
Although I know this a fake (and old) mockup, this sort of redesign would only make it a weaker platform. The existing formfactor is fine and durable. Add a second analog stick to the current model, add new guys (a la PS2 gen capability) and people would be on board.
As it stands, the PSP is outdated, under-supported and a failure on gaming and PMP fronts.
02/23/09
02/23/09
02/23/09
02/23/09
02/23/09
02/23/09
02/23/09
12/31/08
[fantasticcontraption.com]
12/30/08
12/30/08
12/25/08
My current favorite is probably Wurdle. Basically, Boggle with a pass and play mode that is perfect for demoralizing family members on plane flights and long car rides. It's especially scary when the driver is playing.
None of the items on theFrooch's list interest me.
12/22/08
On a side note, I was at the Galleria in Houston last weekend, and there were kids promoting Mamma Mia wearing t-shirts with freaking LCDs built into the front playing the movie.
12/22/08
12/22/08