Skype for PSP: Works like a charm

The latest free firmware update (version 3.90) for Sony’s PlayStation Portable lets PSP owners use Skype to talk for free with other Skype users, anywhere in the world.

With the purchase of a $29.99 headset, owners of the newer (slimmer, lighter) PSP (now for $169.99) can wirelessly update the portable media player/gaming system, and will see a Skype icon from the main crossbar interface.

Simply log in using your Skype ID and password and you can make a call to any other Skype user in the world, so long as you’re in a wireless network ("hotspot"). The only charge is if you use the optional Skype Out service to call a landline or cell phone. The service sounds great.

"But the PSP has a built-in speaker, so why do I need the headset?" you ask? And why the second-generation "PSP 2000" only? Yes, it’s true the PSP has a speaker if you don’t want to use earphones but unlike the Nintendo DS it doesn’t have a microphone — therefore you need the headset. As to why you need the PSP 2000, it has twice the internal memory (64MB) compared to the first model, which is required to run Skype (along with a memory card).