for those of us who are lucky enough to have a psp read on..
January 17, 2005 - A little over a week back, a mysterious file began appearing on the web that promised to update the PSP firmware (the internal software that runs the system when a game isn't being played) to a new version. Among the features promised by the update were a word processor, a mail program, a calculator and a web browser, suggesting some awesome new ways to use Sony's new portable.
As those who got their hands on the file and tried to run it from their PSP have likely found out by now, this update isn't actually meant for the public. While the update file can be downloaded to a Memory Stick and run from the Game section of the XMB interface (making it the first piece of software to boot up from something other than a UMD), those who try this out could end up with a dead system.
Sony Computer Entertainment issued a statement today regarding the file. The company reveals that the file was originally downloaded from a Sony maintenance server. "It was indeed developed by SCEI," an SCEI spokesperson reveals, "but it's a dummy file at best, and isn't something that has been officially released. Using it could damage your PSP."
When running the software, users are first given a list of new features before the update actually begins installation (you're actually safe running the software up until this point -- just don't go beyond this!). The list of features promised by the update is, according to SCE, not necessarily indicative of features that will be made available for the PSP in the future. "The PSP is equipped with the ability to go through the network and update its firmware," the SCEI spokesperson explains, "but the features that will be added are at this point undecided."
So what about the few who got this message too late and already have a dead PSP? SCEI revealed that it plans to offer a fix at some point in the future. The fix will require that you send SCEI your PSP and will not be free, so if you're still feeling curious, you'd better first make sure you've got some cash on you for repairs.
The site from which the software was downloaded is actually the beginnings of a Sony Computer Entertainment site specifically targeting PSP users. It's unknown when SCE will make this site open to the public, but we presume future updates will be accessible directly from there.
http://psp.ign.com/articles/580/580382p1.html?fromint=1 
