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Print 10 comment(s) - last by Wwhat.. on Mar 28 at 1:09 AM
Sony has send designs for PSP keyboard and cell phone attachment to USPTO.

The ever expanding PSP might just get a few more attachments on to it. PSP keyboard and cell phone attachments, which where shown at E3 2004, have made an appearance at USPTO. A slew of Sony designers have sent in patent applications for both designs.  Many can see the big reason for the attachable keyboard, especially since Izumi Kawanishi stated before that he would like to see e-mail available on the PSP. This feature will also let users communicate with each other using both video and voice modes.

There aren't many features known about the PSP keyboard, but we do know that it's a foldaway 47-key keyboard that can be used as a screen protector. Judging by the size of the keyboard though, the keys might be troublesome to use especially for people who have large fingers.

Sony's cell phone feature might make the PSP becoming more intriguing for more general mobile use. Considering that the portable console is now able to browse the Web, having cell phone features may open the PSP up to a wider audience. The cell phone add-on appears to attach to the PSP in the same manner as the keyboard, but it isn't known whether both can be in use at the same time. It would be an interesting feature to have both be usable simultaneously since the cell module would allow the PSP to wirelessly connect to the Web.

Here are the actual keyboard and cell phone patents supplied by Engadget.com. Release dates for both add-ons are currently unknown.

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Worthless add-ons
By PrinceGaz on 3/26/2006 8:01:09 AM , Rating: 4
Just what the PSP needs, a keyboard to make it larger and more cumbersome than it already is. A keyboard which is going to be very difficult to use unless you have a convenient desk to rest it all on. Almost all PDAs with a fold-out keyboard are designed to be operated with your thumbs while your fingers support the weight of the keyboard from below; I suspect that if you tried that with the PSP keyboard that the connector would break as the PSP itself is too heavy.

Besides, the PSP was designed as a handheld device to do two functions-- watching movies and playing games. Once you start bolting on peripherals to a handheld device, it can no longer carry out its main functions as well. It is no longer really a handheld device and loses some of its portability. What you end up with is a device which can do lots of things, but does all of them badly. If you want a multi-function device, buy a multi-function device in the first place. Don't buy a PSP then start adding lots of extras to it.




RE: Worthless add-ons
By tuteja1986 on 3/26/2006 9:10:12 AM , Rating: 2
cellphone idea ain't so bad me think : ) ...


RE: Worthless add-ons
By Exodus220 on 3/26/2006 1:00:15 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
Besides, the PSP was designed as a handheld device to do two functions-- watching movies and playing games.


Haha, it makes me laugh when others say what the PSP (or any other device) was made for when they had no part in the design. I am sure the PSP was made with many things in mind, not just to play games and watch movies. I am sure that the DS was not designed to just play with dogs, but Nintendo keeps finding new uses for the touch pad in games. The same applies to Sony, it is just starting to make use of the multi-functions it was designed for from the beginning. BUt please don't tell me that you know what it was designed for when you had no part in the design.


Some corrections
By redbone75 on 3/26/2006 10:49:38 AM , Rating: 2
"Sony has [sent] designs..."

"PSP keyboard and cell phone attachments, which [were shown] at E3..."

"It would be an interesting feature to have both be usable [simultaneously] since the cell module would allow the PSP to [wirelessly] connect to the Web."

These are some rather glaring errors. I visit this site every day and want nothing but the best for Anandtech and its affiliated sites, but such horrible grammar makes you guys seem less than professional. Let's pick it up a bit, mmmkay.




RE: Some corrections
By Exodus220 on 3/26/2006 12:57:43 PM , Rating: 1
Amen on grammatical corrections, it kills me to read these news articles and find so many annoying errors. If this was a third graders site that might be just fine, heck even for some high school kids, but I am pretty sure such is not the case. Please try to improve the errors the first time instead of having others point out the problems in the article.


RE: Some corrections
By Wwhat on 3/28/2006 1:09:08 AM , Rating: 2
You spelled hell as heck.


RE: Some corrections
By bobobeastie on 3/26/2006 7:41:03 PM , Rating: 2
"PSP Patents Keyboard..."

Can a product think of an idea that is patentable?


Wow spend that time on games!
By Mitul89 on 3/26/2006 10:30:57 AM , Rating: 2
Sony should spend that time on making actual games for PSP unlike the emulators. I mean they have some decent games but they are mostly ported from PS2 so they arent originals or exclusive. Look at nintendo DS, i mean that hand held has so many games and more are coming out that its unbelievable. Sony needs to realize that they are not same in Hand Held, and stupid Microsoft is trying to enter teh hand held as well, i can see them just getting destroyed by the mighty NIntendo. Nintendo may be behind in Consoles but in hand held business, they are the masters.




Emulators
By Exodus220 on 3/26/2006 1:03:26 PM , Rating: 2
It is interesting to me that Sony will get attacked for creating an emulator for its hand held PSP but Nintendo is getting praised for having its Next-Gen Revolution come with an emulator. Why is it that when Nintendo comes up with an idea that is less revolutionary that they are praised for it and then MS or Sony get attacked? Sure the DS may have lots of games coming out but the same applies for the PSP. Just because one system has more games coming doesn't mean it is better, although it does help with the overall selection for the end user. If you are going to bash Sony for their emulator then you need to the do the same to Nintendo for putting an emulator on what should be a "Revolution"ary new console.


OH YEA!
By FearaFox on 3/26/2006 9:14:53 AM , Rating: 2
yes, that's EXACTLY what i was waiting for! to call my friends on my PSP! holy bejebus, i might as well bring my home's cordless and attach an antenna to it, it would be the same size and weight!

a dumb idea IMO.




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