Which is still quite a bit, considering that 1GB CF and SD go for around $60 nowadays. Isn't proprietary media grand?
Don't worry, there's always 3rd party support.
Er, or not. The problem with the Sony Memory Sticks is that Sony (as far as I know) is the only company that makes them, meaning that they'll always be more expensive.
Okay, let's not make stuff up just to bash Sony.
PNY Compact Flash 1GB - $179.99
SanDisk CF 1GB - $109.99
SanDisk SD 1GB - $109.99
And while Sony is often the seen as the driving force behind the Memory Stick... it's actually SanDisk's baby.
SanDisk 1GB Memory Stick Pro Duo - $149.99.
So, CF and SD look to run anywhere from $110-$180 for a GB, not $60. And that puts $149.99 in the same ballpark for a 1GB Memory Stick Duo. And yes, I am pretty sure that you could, if you search, find SD or CF cheaper, but you'd probably find Memory Sticks cheaper at the same store/website. I just picked for my links big retailers where your average Joe-Schmoe might go to buy their stuff.
And while we're at it, I'd point out that DVDs weren't really taking off, especially in Japan, until Sony decided to use it for the PS2. If the PSP takes off, it'll give the Memory Stick a slight edge in the flash media format wars, increase the demand, and likely bring prices down further.
umm think they said the psp can only use duo mem sticks and not anything else.