PSP go
With a look more like a slide-open cell phone than a game system, Sony’s redesigned PSP, called the PSP go, is certainly more pocket friendly than the previous versions. It is due in stores October 1, for $250. See the overview video, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2REAKAOCQM
To better understand the thinking behind the PSP go, it helps to understand Media Go, the iTunes-like content management application for Windows computers. Once installed, you can drag and drop your movies, songs and video the 16 GB of memory, storing the big files, like movies or games on your computer’s hard drive. Like an iPod or MP3 player, you sync the PSP go using a handy cradle.
So, you ask, what about all those UMD disks sitting on your shelf. Says Sony “We are working on a program to offer existing existing PSP owners with UMD disks the ability to convert some of the UMD titles to a digital version, as gesture of good will.”
For those who care, here are some more tech specifics. The 3.8 inch color screen looks good, but is significantly smaller than the PSP. Of course, smaller screen equals better battery life.
• 16GB of internal memory is built in, plus it has a Memory Stick Micro slot (or M2) for additional expansion. SD cards are not welcome.
* The bluetooth connectivity is compatible with other Sony bluetooth peripherals, including head sets, game controllers and the Sony keyboard.
Other goodies include Analog Video Out, a microphone port, and the same controls, including the innoviative sliding analog stick, that is really a flat button. Going forward from October 1st, all UMD titles will be offered in two versions — disk and digital. Sony has reemphasized that the PSP go is not a replacement for the PSP 3000, which will still be manufactured. Rather, it is a rather dramatic re-design that will better compete with iPhone. But it won’t make calls.