PSPgo - Piano Black
by Sony
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Our Price: $191.00
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Category: Video Games
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Product Summary
Brand: SonyAudio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: CD-ROM
Release Date: 2009-10-01
Platform: Sony PSP
Model: 98513
Color: Piano Black
Publisher: Sony
Product features:
- The ability to download games, movies, TV and other media directly from the PlayStation Network to your PSP Go.
- 16GB of built-in flash memory for file storage and removable memory expansion via memory stick.
- Bluetooth support for skype headsets and other devices.
- Slide out control design to maximize the ultra-crisp 3.8" LCD screen functionality.
- No UMD design makes for a quieter, more energy efficient device.
- 2GB Memory Stick Micro Media + M2 Duo Adaptor
- 4GB Memory Stick Micro Media + M2 Duo Adaptor
- PSPgo USB Cable
- PSPgo Cradle
- 8GB Memory Stick Micro Media + M2 Duo Adaptor
Video Game Reviews of PSPgo - Piano Black
Customer Review: Half the system it used to be...for better or worse
Summary: 3 Stars
The PSPgo happens to be the most portable friendly version of the PSP family yet. It's about 35% smaller than the PSP 2000, and PSP 3000, and about 45% smaller than the PSP 1000 models. Sacrifices were made in order to pull this off however, some for the better and some for the worst. So just what sets the PSPgo aside from the rest of the pack you might wonder? Read on to find out.
The first thing you'll notice is the new sliding screen design. The LCD screen can slide up revealing the main controls. For the most part, the PSPgo control layout remains unchanged but there are a few differences from the earlier models. The start and select buttons are now side by side with the analog nub. They are also larger actually making them easier to access this time around. The main buttons and the directional pad seem a little more recessed which makes since because they need to be capable of fitting under the sliding LCD screen. This took me a bit of getting used to because I had gotten used to my PSP 3000's protruding buttons. I still favor the PSP 3000 buttons a bit more. Also the home button is moved to the left side of the LCD screen and has also become much easier to access as well. Because the LCD screen is now on top and the controls on bottom, I feel as if the PSPgo actually improves the ergonomics of the system. The screen can be positioned closer to you now without having to bend as much to see what your doing. And it's weight really balances well in the palm of your hands.
Speaking of the new screen design, the PSPgo does have a smaller screen than the other PSP models measuring at 3.8 inches. The other models had a 4.3 inch sized screen. I dont think this will detract from the overall experience too much however. In fact due to the smaller screen size, games and movies tend to look more crisp. But this is because the PSPgo shares the same maximum resolution of 480 x 272 as the PSP's but condenses that to a smaller screen, The effect being that the pixels will look tighter and smoother as the result. There are no litteral improvements to the screen in any way, what you get here you will also get on a PSP 3000.
There are no UMD drives to be found on a PSPgo. Your only means of software distribution are from digital downloads from the Playstation Network which by the way, require a WIFI enabled internet connection. This is perhaps going to be the most decisive factor for most people in general who wish to own a PSP. There are obviously many more UMD printed games available than digital download content. And content you download generally require vast ammounts of space (usually anywhere from around 600MB-2GB). The PSPgo does offer 16GB internal flash memory. It can also accept Memory stick pro duo media giving access to more space if so desired, but not the normal variety. You'll need Memory stick micro if you wish to add more space to the PSPgo other than the internal 16GB you already get. Thankfully there are adapters that allow full compatibility with the computer or even the older PSP's. As for the digital downloads themselves, they can take a while to both download and install, and you'll need to make sure to have enough space before doing so. I found download rates on a healthy internet connection to be around 30-45 minutes per title depending on the size of space needed. This gets to being a bit of a drag for a system that requires this action each time you wish to install a new game. I find it best to have the memory stick micro at the ready for games I wish to clear out of the PSPgo's internal space for newer content, so that I can just snap the micro back into the system whenever I want to play the older games again. The UMD media for the other PSP's have the distinct advantage of saving the hassles of download time and internal space. The lack of a UMD drive does mean that the PSPgo will be quieter than previous models. Load times will be around the same as the PSP 3000 but I was really hoping that it would also mean better energy efficiency because there is no UMD disc having to constantly be spun to load data. Unfortunately it still gets the same play time of around 5 hours.
The battery itself can not be removed from the PSPgo unlike the PSP 3000 or before, likely the direct result of home brew material introduced via the Pandora battery. A shame really because I liked the idea of never having to be tied to a plug outlet in order to keep a healthy charge if I did not wish too. Sony went so far as to making the PSPgo completely proprietary in general. It can't share the same AC adapter, it doesn't except a normal USB/USB mini cable for linking to a computer. Additionally, it won't except any of the previous video cables for television sets that the PSP 3000 uses. Also as stated a little earlier, the memory stick format is changed from the typical memory stick pro duo to a memory stick micro.
I feel like all of these changes do more harm than good in the end for a system that already struggles to explain to me any unique values that make it superior or else interesting enough to stand out from previous models. The 250 dollar price tag isn't going to make the choice to pick up the PSPgo any easier. For 50 dollars more I can purchase a PS3 slim, and the PSP 3000 core is only $169.99 itself. The PSPgo is a system that wants to stand out but lacks depth in many aspects including the most important which is software support. There is technically no innovation, it's all about form factor here. It's roughly half the system it used to be both in size and (for now at least) software.
PROS:
The PSPgo feels genuine and looks like a premium electronic device. It looks and handles great.
Internal 16GB memory and added slot for up to 16GB more when combining the Memory stick micro....a total of 32GB at a time is quite nice. That's about 10 hours of full movie downloads.
Smaller than the traditional PSP slim and light and much more portable.
Added bluetooth technology for communication with bluetooth devices
LCD screen will look a bit crisper due to the same resolution on the larger PSP 3000 screens being condensed to the smaller 3.8 inch PSPgo screen.
CONS:
Proprietary nature of the PSPgo does not set well with a system that doesn't actually add anything innovative or new of it's own (form factor doesn't count). It could have at least shared cables and accessories...
Same download/install speeds as the PSP 3000. This wasn't so much an issue before because you had the option to go out and buy what you needed or wanted on UMD. But with the PSPgo your stuck with 30-45 minute or longer download/install times for virtually everything. Most patient gamers wont likely mind but this just isn't ideal for everyone.
Non replaceable battery. You can no longer swap batteries in and out for them long road trips.
Lack of UMD support. Ditching the UMD discs for complete portability sounds great on paper, but the ammount of software available for download isn't as vast as the UMD market right now. Additionally the prices over Playstation Network for games remain the same as their UMD version. I agree with the other reviews that say you should never have to pay more for digital software. If it doesn't have to be printed and shipped many miles to get to you, it shouldn't ever cost as much.
The $250.00 dollar price tag (as of this writing) hurts. that's almost 100 dollars more than the PSP 3000 for less overall media (games/movies) as of launch. Why pay more for less?
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The PSPgo might legitimize itself as time goes on but as for now there just isn't as much you can do with the device as you can with your PSP 3000. Because you can do more on PSP 3000, and because it costs almost 100 dollars less (if you buy the core PSP 3000) I have to recommend the 3000 model.
Description of PSPgo - Piano Black
PSPgo - Piano Black Introducing the smallest and mightiest PSP system yet. With the PSP Go users can download the best digital games and movies directly to the 16GB built-in memory and use built-in Bluetooth support to connect a wireless headset to more easily utilize Skype to talk with friends. But best of all, you can show off content via the new ultra-crisp 3.8-inch LCD screen, maximized by the PSP Go's new slide out control design. Go versatile, Go digital, Go anywhere.
The PSP Go, has all the functionality that older PSP hardware versions had, but includes many important and exciting changes. Unlike previous versions whose primary means of playing media was via a built-in Universal Media Disc (UMD) drive, the PSP Go does away with UMDs altogether and instead relies on a media solution combining download functionality via Sony's PlayStation Network, larger onboard storage capacity and removable Memory Stick Duo support. This major change allows for a slim design, quicker access files and a much more quiet, energy efficient gaming experience since there are no longer any spinning UMDs. Other major changes include: Bluetooth support, allowing Internet Skype calls to now be made using compatible headsets; and more importantly, a change to the control scheme. The PSP Go features convenient slide out controls. Although these are consistent with historical PSP controls--featuring four directional arrows, the four familiar Sony face buttons and a left-oriented analog thumbstick--their ability to be placed out of view when not in use allows the PSP Go to maximize the use of its screen and your viewing pleasure. A Full Entertainment System in Your Hands The PSP was designed to handle all varieties of applications and entertainment -- music, video, communication, wireless networking, and, of course, gaming. PSP Go users will enjoy topnotch 3D games with high-quality, full-motion video, and high-fidelity audio. Its ultra-crisp 3.8-inch wide screen LCD display is bright and beautiful, and works well under many different lighting conditions. A Wealth of Games to Choose From The PlayStation Portable gaming library is hundreds of titles strong and covers a wide variety of genres. The PSP Go is compatible with all PSP formatted games and Sony has pledged to have all these available for download via the PlayStation Network's PlayStation Store. Whether you are seeking the hard knocks of football or other sports games, the strategy of a puzzle games, or the action and adventure of shooters and racers, there's sure to be many games in your future with the PSP Go. Via the PlayStation Store users can also download an assortment of PS One games ported over to the PSP format. The PSP Go is capable of graphics quality that is comparable to the PlayStation 2 console, but in a pocket-sized package, so whatever your game is you can be assured of a quality experience. Watch Movies and Videos on the Go When you just want to sit back and enjoy a movie or video on a long plane trip, or anywhere else, the PSP Go has you covered. It offers two options to do this: you can either transfer media ahead of time to a Memory Stick Duo, or using the PSP Go's Wi-Fi functionality, your free membership to the PlayStation Network and access to a hotspot, you can download movies, TV shows, game trailers and more directly to your PSP Go. If users prefer they can also download content ahead of time to a PS3 or a Windows-based PC, via Media Go software, for faster transfer to their PSP Go, and can also watch recorded television content downloaded to a Memory Stick Duo with the TiVo-To-Go service. (additional fee and a TiVo Series2 connected to your home network also required). Music and Other Functionality With the ability to play MP3, WAV, WMA, ATRAC3+, and MP4 files, you can easily use your PSP Go as an audio player. Simply place your music on a Memory Stick Duo, and you can navigate your collection using the PSP Go's XMB (XrossMediaBar) to select your song to play. Built-in Wi-Fi Allows for Internet Browsing, Online Gaming and More With built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, you can access the Internet from any accessible hotspot. Once connected, you can surf the Web, check e-mail and visit the PlayStation Store to download games, exclusive demos and game content and even update your system and game software in seconds. The PSP Go is first and foremost a gaming device though. Ad hoc enabled multiplayer games allow PSP players in close proximity to play together, but your PSP Go's Wi-Fi connection also allows you to battle other gamers anywhere in the world over the Internet, in online infrastructure multiplayer games. Other functionality available remotely via a broadband connection includes: Internet radio; LocationFree TV, allowing you to view your home media setup from anywhere; RSS feeds; Remote Play, which gives you access to your PS3; and more. What's in the Box Black PSP Go system, AC power adapter and system documentation. |
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