Getting the Most from Your PSP

The PSP is primarily designed as a portable gaming console. With its 4.3 inch LCD screen, built-in speakers, integrated gamepad, 333 MHz processor, unique firmware, and Universal Media Disc (UMD) drive, this gadget is a great device for playing PSP games. What makes the PSP so impressive, however, is its ability to handle many other forms of entertainment such as PSP movies. After all, it would be quite disappointing if such a powerful portable device could not be used for purposes other than gaming. This article will provide some helpful information on getting the most out of the PlayStation Portable.

Know what Sony offers in the PSP.

The first step to maximizing the PSP's potential is to know what Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) is offering with the system. Take a little time to get to know about the PSP. For those who don't own the system yet, it would be best to read some of the reviews and articles written about the PSP. Try to understand the system's specifications and features, to get a good idea of how the system works and how to use all of its features. It would be ideal to try the PSP out before forking over the money to buy one. Those who already have a PSP may want to read the instruction manual to learn about the system's different functions. Knowing and understanding the PSP will help users get the most out of their PSP.

Put those wonderful features to use.

With the wide variety of features that the PSP has to offer, it is easily one of the most capable handheld gaming consoles on the market. It would be a waste not to use everything that the PSP has to offer, especially since it is such a fully featured gadget that can be taken practically anywhere. Whether the PSP is connected to the Internet or not, there are many features that can be taken advantage of. For offline uses, features can play single player games, watch movies and videos, listen to music, and view photos. It is even possible to connect a composite-out or component-out cable to hear and view audio and video on larger devices, such as a home theater system.

Some of the best features of the PSP, however, are its Internet capabilities. It seems as though the world is becoming more Internet-dependent as the years pass and the PSP offers a great set of features to take advantage of the wide-spread availability of the Internet. Users can access WiFi Internet connections to browse the Internet, listen to Internet radio, use Skype services, play multiplayer games, receive RSS feeds, download new content, and more. Those who don't have a WiFi connection at their homes may be able to enjoy the many free WiFi spots that are cropping-up all around the country and the world, such as those in coffee shops, schools, and workplaces.

Understand the PSP's firmware.

The Sony PSP's firmware is actually the operating system or software that the system runs on. What is interesting about the PSP is that Sony occasionally releases updated firmware programs, which offer more features, better security, and better game compatibility. The PSP has an easy-to-use system firmware update utility that downloads and installs the newest firmware being offered by Sony. Keeping the PSP firmware up-to-date is one of the best ways of getting the most from the PSP. Before attempting to update the firmware, users should be sure to read, understand, and follow all of the update instructions.

Finally, as with any other gadget, the PSP deserves care and proper maintenance. Taking care of the PSP and ensuring that it is well-maintained is the best way of maximizing the PSP's potential because it is more likely to last longer and work better with proper care and maintenance.