common sony put a hard drive in the psp

So do you have to own a PS3 to use the PSP store? If so then that really sucks as there are a lot more PSP owners than PS3 owners. For example, my gf has a PSP (that I bought her), but she has no consoles at all, so she wouldn't be able to use it. :( Her only other system is a DS Lite (which I also got for her, hehe).

No, there is also the PC version : http://store.playstation.com

Up until some time last year, you did have to use the PS3 to download PSP stuff. But last year Sony introduced a PC store so anyone with a Windows computer could download PSP content. Now this announcement I just mentioned says Sony will allow PSP owners to access the PSP store on the actual PSP itself all through wireless internet.

@Playnext3: Hard drive=high cost+high complexity+size+weight-battery life=not good portable. On board built in flash memory is the way to go. Think Ipod Touch or Iphone.

The update is too allow use of the PSP with WI-Fi connection to the PSP store. If you don't have a wi-fi router then you can use the PS£ as an access point.

There is no point putting a harddisk in a PSP - limited capacity always changing due to advance in capacity and mechanical so will be prone to fail. Memory cards that can be swapped around as required is the best solution.

Now if they can make a 2nd battery that fitted in the UMD slot - that would be useful.

For handheld market, Sony should move to downloads for games and movies. It's a sensible move. It then might fill a nice gap between gaming and downloading. But not yet, wait until PSP2 in 2010 or something.

but then they'd be competing with the Nintendo handheld and iPod. Maybe the in the middle option is the best one.

I agree that a hard drive is a bad idea, but built in flash memory is smart. Part of the Ipods appeal is that it is incredibly simple to use and the built in memory is one reason why. It would be a mistake to get rid of the UMD drive and not have any on board memory. The best solution is to include built in memory and still have a memory stick slot so you can always expand the memory.

Aren't they already? The biggest draws to the PSP are the multimedia capabilities (like an Ipod) and the gaming capabilities (like a DS). What Sony needs to do is get better at both of those things. Right now they're doing that by building up the online infrastructure to support a downloadable gaming, video, and music device. With the PS3, PC, and now direct-to-PSP store, I think they have the infrastructure in place. They just have to expand the offerings on the stores. The next step would be to just go ahead and release a new device to take full advantage of this infrastructure.

It kinda reminds me of the development of Xbox Live. It came along early in the Xbox's life and slowly it was built up through the previous generation. Then the 360 came along and completely capitalized on those years of Live development.

At the moment though, PSP is still seen as a games console as primary use, it's not a handheld movable media hub yet. If they are trying to move into the all medias thing, and not just games then they need to promote it as such. There is a reason iPod cannot be bought in game shops and why PSP isn't seen as a music device, whether they both can do those things or not. Promotion is the key, but while they have little discs that are the first and main way to distribute games, that might not happen.

But then, digital only media will, like the iPod alienate a certain populace who don't have a good net connection or maybe have download limits. Or even just don't want everything in a digital form.

I agree, they also need a better battery though, that seems to be a big problem with PSPs.