First keyboard for Sony PSP
By Barb Dybwad 
posted Mar 3rd 2005 10:36PM
posted Mar 3rd 2005 10:36PM
Our sister site Joystiq gets the goods on the first PSP keyboard… what goods there are to be had, anyway. It's a 47-key foldaway keyboard that doubles as a screen protector, and additionally enables usage of the PSP as a handheld or desktop unit. The actual "features" column on the Gameseek site is maddeningly empty, though, so there's not too much else we can tell you other than that it looks suspiciously cramped for anyone who is manually well-endowed. Get your minds out of the gutter, people — we're talking about hands, dig?
Looks a little weird, but maybe just me. Is there even any software yet to take advantage of this thing?
Most importantly, can I expect to see the PSP's OS cracked to run retro game emulators?
This would be perfect for the PDA-style functionality Sony is working on. Maybe 1 day Sony will introduce it's own keyboard.
Well if all the fuss about the leeked software update becomes a reality for PSP-users in japan then Voila, this might just be the imput device for that handy spreedsheet program(lucky for all you business types who like to mix pleasure with your everyday drone-like lifestyle). On the other hand KICKASS!!! a screen protector I was wondering if Sony would be kind enough to design one so that I don't go junking my screen from stuffing it in my back shants(short-pants)pocket with my chained wallet. In the end my opinion is that I finally have something to program on the PSP with, now all we need is a Java Runtime Enviroment w00t!!!!!
Well if all the fuss about the leeked software update becomes a reality for PSP-users in japan then Voila, this might just be the imput device for that handy spreedsheet program(lucky for all you business types who like to mix pleasure with your everyday drone-like lifestyle). On the other hand KICKASS!!! a screen protector I was wondering if Sony would be kind enough to design one so that I don't go junking my screen from stuffing it in my back shants(short-pants)pocket with my chained wallet. In the end my opinion is that I finally have something to program on the PSP with, now all we need is a Java Runtime Enviroment w00t!!!!!
Great design and everything, but there's one problem, usually people are holding the PSP when they play and even if they put it up - the keyboard has nothing to rest upon. If your holding it, your thumbs will be feeling VERY awkward pushing the buttons and if you try to use your fingers you will drop the PSP. Even if you put it down, the keyboard doesn't rest against the tabletop or whateveryou putting it on, and continuly pushing it will eventually break the hinge or whatever it's connected to
I am no design genius, but why not make the keyboard so when its folded it covers the entire front of the PSP. that way you have more space for keys, and it protects it shiny face?
I live in Japan and I haven't seen any keyboards yet. In fact there aren't very many accessories at all. I sure hope an e-mail and web browser is released someday.
I would rather have a keyboard that is divided into half and on both sides. So no need to learn new ways of holding this PSP. Sort of like the Pepper Linux tablet.
This seems to be going in the direction of the late Sony Clies. The initial models were clearly great PDAs that introduced some excellent hardware and innovations. The later models ended up stuffing so much crap in there that the devices became huge, bloated feature-itis boxes that weren't good for anything any more except for showing off to friends.
Maybe it is just me, but I'm interested in playing games, not word processing and lugging around extra crap like keyboards and battery chargers.
This is about as stupid looking as their P910 cell phone (Sony-Ericsson).
This is about as stupid looking as their P910 cell phone (Sony-Ericsson).
this is so ghetto i dont even know where to begin. i love the cheap-ass cable that runs around the back and plugs into the top of the screen.
the best part is that the 'A' key does not work like the other keys. You have to press it just right and sometimes it sticks. This isn't a defect or a flaw in the design because this keyboard is perfect. The keyboard is the most beautiful device ever built
As somebody already said (in another thread), are they trying to make the PSP into a tiny Vaio?
I think if they wanted a "pocketable" platform on which to hang any and all possible portable computing functions a basic portable game console layout was the WRONG foundation to build on.
If this thing works, and the PSP's OS turns out to be sufficiently hackable or replaceable, I can see this KB having some niche apeal. And depending on how it attaches to the PSP, it just might be able to provide not only screen protection but, dare I say it, A STAND so that when watching a movie should a horizontal surface be available you can put the freakin' thing down (I am of course a little ignorant here, does the PSP come with anintegrated/accessory/foldable stand ?).
There is a desktop stand/charger available for the PSP, you can get them on Ebay for short money.
i have already designed and am building a psp stand that would allow for good typing. (i type 90 wrds/min) this 'stand' would also werk for when you are playing videos also. plus i have also made a home made projector console so that MY psp acts like a big screen TV!!!(for movies and videos)W00T W00T!!! you know the deal, doob on eb*y says"20 bucks to convert your regular tv into a projection TV." well i have already done it with out having to buy plans. I will be selling my plans shortly for about ten bucks U.S.D.!!!W00T!!!!!
oh btw I'll post pics on my site of the stand when i am finished!WOOT
It's ugly, but it's better than using the joystick to type.
well it looks kinda well.......dare i say it, sony is the most trusted company so i cant really critisize, but other than that it looks complicated or maybe in the back of it it like well holds it up who knows. I wish there was more info but for now i would bye it instead of doing that long @ss built in keyboard
I've just seen a huge picture of the thing and it seems that it isn't a cable the runs to the top of the PSP but a metal tube that comes down the back (over the umd slot?). It thens comes to the front at the bottom of the PSP and the keyboard hinges on that. That works a bit like a laptop screen in reverse (if you see what I mean). Being metal, it would also double as a stand....
Now that PSP 2.0 has been released for the US this would be really usefull with the webrowser. Maybe i can get in some AIMing in school now that we went completely wireless. Would be more convenient with a keyboard though.
I have invisioned a key board that would attack to the sides for thumb use.. How would you support the psp with the above? some thing like this is what i see ((PSP)) where the outside brackets are the keyboards.