Secrets of the PlayStation Portable

12. The Dark Side of the PSP

The PSP is, in its bare essence, a computer. It’s an itty-bitty computer whose power doesn’t come close to that of a typical modern desktop or laptop PC, but it’s still a computer in the strict definition of the word—which, according to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, is “ . . . one that computes; specifically: a programmable electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data.”

Let’s see:

• With a Memory Stick Duo installed, the PSP certainly can store data (Figure 12.1). It can also store data for the (very) short term in its volatile memory.

• The PSP can also retrieve said data from said locations.

• Finally, the PSP can process data, which is what it does to run your games and multimedia stuff.