Specifications

Elevated pad and buttons
provide better control
Quicker
load
times
40 PC MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 6, 2007
Sony PSP
(model 2000)
$169.99 direct
llllm
PROS Sleeker and lighter
than the original. AV
output. Additional RAM
makes load times faster.
Displays photos. Plays
video and music fi les.
Built-in Wi-Fi and Web-
browsing capabilities.
Stunning widescreen
display.
CONS Unfortunate
power button location
is unchanged from the
original. AV output lacks
gaming support for
interlaced-only TV sets.
USB charging alternative
is inconvenient. UMD
load times still an issue.
Screen smudges easily.
For more:
go.pcmag.com/psp2000
SONY PSP (MODEL 2000)
Slimmer, Faster Mobile Gaming
Slimmed down and souped up, Sony’s latest hand-
held gaming device offers some welcome improve-
ments over its predecessor. It boasts more RAM to
make game load times a little faster, and it’s now able
to output video straight to your TV.
At 2.8 by 6.6 by 0.6 inches (HWD) the new PSP
has been streamlined, and its sleekness is notice-
able when compared with the original (which mea-
sures 2.9 by 6.7 by 0.9 inches). The major difference
between the two devices, however, is that the new
PSP feels much lighter. Weighing 6.7 ounces, it’s
a third lighter than its predecessor. Those seasoned
by hours of game play on the original model will feel
the difference instantly.
A new A/V port serves two purposes. Since the
port uses the 3.5mm minijack format, it can be used
with any standard headset for listening. The port
also doubles as a video-out: A special cable (sold
separately for about $20) lets you output your PSP
games, videos, movies, and photos directly to your
television or any LCD monitor via component or
composite connections. Videos and photos are dis-
played at DVD-quality resolution (up to 720 by 480,
or 480p), but games are limited to the PSP’s native
resolution of 480 by 272 pixels in progressive format
only. Out of juice from all those movies? Fortunately,
you can fully charge the PSP via a computer’s USB
port in roughly 5 hours.
Screen looks amazing
The PSP’s multimedia prowess is impressive,
and the new model is no different. The device can
play back full-length movies on UMD (Universal
Media Disc—over 450 movies are available), play a
wide range of digital audio fi les, and even transfer
recorded shows from TiVo (series 2) DVRs. I found
that the 480p and 480i modes looked better; when
the PSP upscaled video to HD resolution, the result
was a slightly distorted picture. In general, AVI and
H.264/MPEG-4 fi les looked fi ne on a 65-inch HDTV,
and my S.W.A.T. UMD gave nearly as good a picture
as you can get with a standard DVD.
Though rich on multimedia functions, the PSP’s
primary focus is gaming. Most games for the PSP
now rely on richly detailed 3D graphics, and more
and more titles are starting to take advantage of
the device’s Wi-Fi capability and offer multiplayer
options. Add in the PSP’s TiVo compatibility, as well
as the ability to access streaming music and video via
Sony’s Location Free system or a PS3, and the PSP
becomes a powerful, portable media extender, albeit
pretty much tied to other Sony hardware.
All in all, the new “enhanced” PSP is a satisfying
addition to any gaming enthusiast’s collection, and
a must-buy for gamers who currently do not own a
PSP system. The new enhancements only broaden
the appeal of this already exceptional gaming
device.—Brian K. Neal
Less complicated slot
opens more easily
FIRST LOOKS CONSUMER ELECTRONICS