Review: Sony PSP-2000
This slimmer, lighter version retains the original's quality.
Aug. 14, 2007 — -- In September, the Sony PSP will get a makeover. The PSP-2000 will be available in three colors: ice silver, piano black and a limited edition "Star Wars Battlefront" ceramic white.
The new PSP will be 33 percent lighter and 19 percent slimmer than the original hand-held gaming device, and is much easier to carry and hold for a longer time.
In spite of its size, the smaller model doesn't compromise on quality. In fact, the new PSP comes with a horde of new features, such as increased RAM to 64 MB.
While it retains the same 4.3 inch widescreen display, it uses a more efficient power system that allows for identical playback with a smaller battery (Sony plans to offer a replaceable battery cover for a larger battery for those who want longer battery life).
The new PSP has also moved its speakers from the bottom of the device to the face of the device, allowing improved sound for the user. The new model retains all of the features of the older model except for the iR port, which has had little to no use on the original model.
Perhaps the most touted feature of the new PSP is the video-out feature, where the PSP will now be able to display games and movies on a television through either composite or component AV cables that will be available later this year. The output will allow games to be displayed on progressive scan TVs at 480 x 272 resolution, and videos, movies and pictures can be shown at full standard definition.
In addition to the new features in the updated PSP, Sony plans to release accessories for the PSP that will allow even more features beyond the already multifunctional PSP: a USB camera and a GPS receiver that will allow your PSP to act as a camera and a GPS device.
The ice silver PSP will be available in a Daxter PSP Entertainment Pack, which will also include the PSP game "Daxter" as well as the "Family Guy" — The Freakin' Sweet Collection UMD for $199.99 on Sept. 10.
The ceramic white edition will be offered with the "Star Wars Battlefront" PSP Entertainment Pack, which will come bundled with the new "Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron" PSP game for $199.99 on Oct. 9.
The PSP Core Pack will remain at $169.99, but the older PSP will be phased out with the new updated piano black PSP when existing supplies are exhausted.
