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PocketStation
8th October 1998 - Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced
the December 23 launch in Japan of PocketStation, a miniature PDA* which
will greatly enhance the gaming experience and enjoyment of the PlayStation.
By spring 1999, 31 titles compatible with PocketStation are scheduled to
be released by several publishers including SCEI.
*PDA = Personal Digital Assistant
Product Name SCPH-4000 "PocketStation™"
SRP 3,000 Yen (excluding tax)
Release Date December 23, 1998
Pack in Accessories Original Handy Strap x 1Lithium Battery CR2032 x 1
Casing Color White, Crystal
Initial Production 1 million units per month
The SCPH-4000 PocketStation is a PDA equipped with a programmable 32 bit
RISC processor together with an LCD screen, high quality speaker and
bi-directional infrared communication capability.
PocketStation can be used as a Memory Card to save PlayStation games.
In addition, various compatible software downloaded from the PlayStation
console can be played with the PDA, enabling users to carry their favorite
application software anywhere, and to enjoy them anytime in a variety of
situations such as in the car, on the train and on the go.
Also, the PocketStation can broaden the pleasure of PlayStation software
with its clock/calendar function. Users will be able to enjoy applications
utilizing flow of time or change of season with appropriate software, not
only with PocketStation itself, but also with the PlayStation console when
the PDA is attached to the Memory Card slot.
In addition, by using the bi-directional infrared communication capability,
exchange of data can be done anytime, anywhere between PocketStations
directly, without using the PlayStation console as a bridge. As well, it
is possible to exchange data with other products equipped with infrared
communication capability conforming to IrDA, with appropriate application
software.
The media for PocketStation software is CD-ROM and applications can be
downloaded into the PocketStation through the Memory Card slot of the
PlayStation console. Therefore, application software for the PocketStation
can be provided on the PlayStation software.
In addition, not only one but various application software can be stored
on and played with a single PocketStation.
PocketStation is positioned as a new concept, intelligent peripheral for
the PlayStation.
Features
1. Miniature size PDA
PocketStation is virtually as small as the PlayStation memory card
and can be carried around anywhere, anytime.
2. Rewritable 32 bit RISC CPU
Application software stored in the PocketStation can be rewritten
through the Memory Card slot of the PlayStation console. Various
application software can be stored and played with a single PocketStation.
3. Infrared communication capability
Exchange of data can be done between PocketStations with the bi-directional
infrared communication feature. In addition, with appropriate software,
it is also possible to communicate with other computer and audio-visual
products that support IrDA communication.
4. High quality sound
The high quality miniature built-in speaker enables playback of various
types of PCM sound including natural sounds.
5. Enhances the functional capability of PlayStation
The clock/calendar features of the PocketStation can allow supporting
software to provide a new range of time specific and seasonally based
gameplay on the PlayStation itself. And as the unique identification
number encoded in each PocketStation makes every unit virtually "one
of a kind", supporting software can create experiences unique to each PDA.
6. Available in two colors
White and Crystal.
7. Handy Strap
Provides convenience and portability.
Specifications
CPU :ARM7T (32 bit RISC Processor)
Memory :SRAM 2K bytes, Flash RAM 128K bytes
Graphics :32 x 32 dot monochrome LCD
Sound :Miniature speaker (12 bit PCM) x 1 unit
Switches :5 input buttons, 1 reset button
Infrared communication :Bi-directional(supports IrDA based and
conventional remote control systems)
LED indicator :1 unit
Battery :Lithium battery (CR 2032) x 1 unit
Other functions :Calendar function
Identification number
Dimensions :64 x 42 x 13.5 mm (length x width x height)
Weight :Approximately 30g (including battery)
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