More Power, More Storage
PSP gets better battery from Datel, fatter memory sticks from Lexar
As the PSP launch gets closer, so more companies are piling on their support. One such is memory specialist Lexar which has announced a range of Memory Stick PRO Duos for PSP at 256 MB (£35), 512 MB (£50) and 1 GB (£ tbc). Available with a lifetime warranty, the Memory Stick PRO Duo Gaming Editions are more than just a marketing drive (although they are definitely that too) as for a limited time at least, they will come with a free version of Blaze’s Xploder Media Centre Lite software.
This Windows-based utility allows you to easily organise and back-up the files on and being swapped between your PSP and PC. It uses a standard drag-and-drop method, so you can back-up saves and downloads from your PSP to PC as well as filling up your new memory stick with music, movies and pictures from your PC. Customers will be able to upgrade to the full version of Xploder, which converts movies into a PSP mode via www.xploder.net.
But it’s not just Lexar and Blaze getting jiggy with PSP. Cheat-code and accessories company Datel is also on the warpath. With some people still critical of PSP’s short battery life - it depends on the game, but four hours seems to be the limit - Datel has revealed its X2 battery. Costing £35, this Lithium-polymer 3.6 volt 3600 mAh battery claims a double capacity compared to the Sony original - up to eight hours. You don’t get something for nothing though, so the X2 is also thicker, so it sticks out slightly. Datel cunningly claims this extra weight and shape actually makes the PSP more comfortable to play. We remain to be convinced on that score although thanks to its special cover, it does add a certain techy style to the bottom of your PSP.
