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280 of 289 found the following review helpful:
Simply The BestJan 08, 2009
By JDP The all new slimmer PSP 3000 comes in with a couple of new upgrades over the 2000 model. Primarily for the Skype functionality, a microphone is onboard along with a reduced glare 4.3" screen. Its a given that fingerprints will still be a continued issue for the PSP line. Thankfully, the age old problem of ghosting has yet to appear on my new PSP 3000.
One of the sweeter features now is an upgraded (AV) video output support. Owners can now operate their systems with regular (NON HD) TV. I suggest buyers pick up a good composite or component cable. With the usual collection of great games, improved graphics is a major plus.
As with all previous models, control buttons layout are very much like the classic Play Station. One area of concern is that load times for the UMD (Universal Media Disc) seemed to drag a bit. Its a given that purchasing the kit which includes the proprietary MS Duo Card is more cost effective in the end. Its obvious that Sony missed the boat when it went with its own proprietary format instead of the more widely used and less costly SD standard.
Even though Wi-fi capable, the unit is outfitted with possibly the slowest version (802.11b) on the planet. It powers up via a 5 volt ac adapter or USB. Video playback is great as long as you copy your favorites on the memory stick Duo Card. Going any other way is definitely a slow dragged out process. When it comes to television, Sony's own version of Slingbox allows for free tv viewing.
This PSP won't get confused with your IPOD anytime soon but music play is generally good. Another added feature is that it will even support music art. If one is going to display photos on the PSP I strongly suggest compressing your files. Photo display can be via slide show or singles.
Of note, the PSP is also a web browser. However, its hit and miss for flash. Streaming internet radio via Shoutcast is a freebie. PSP offers a regular schedule of firmware updates. As with the earlier editions, via a network or the internet the unit can pick up audio, video and photo files that are stored on a PS3. The PSP 3000 comes with the standard 1200 mAh rechargeable battery. Battery life runs almost a full 5 hours whether one is gaming or watching a movie.
Necessary accessories such as the Memory Stick Duo card, protective screen cover, headphones and a carrying case are not included. Not all PSP headphones are compatible with the PSP 3000. When purchasing headphones read the specs carefully.
Even without the included accessories, the PSP 3000 still brings it on. I would definitely recommend this model as a gift or as a personal purchase. After all, it is Play Station.
153 of 158 found the following review helpful:
How I Decided Between PSP GO and PSP 3000Aug 15, 2010
By E. Agarwal I've spent the last few weeks doing some research on which to buy, and finally caved and bought a PSP GO. I ended up returning it and buying the PSP 3000, and here's why:
1. Physical comfort.
I'll admit it, I'm a sucker for things that are new and look cool (sometimes at the cost of utility.) Plus, things that slide are undoubtedly awesome. Sony knew that when they made the GO. The problem is the "cool" and "new" factors are outweighed by the smaller screen and compressed controls. Also, I thought it would be better having the controls on the bottom wh en gaming, and have a less distracting view when watching movies since the buttons would be hidden, but I was wrong. The buttons on the side are far more comfortable, convenient, and surprisingly natural. The bigger screen actually does make a difference, and the L and R buttons just feel more natural this way.
One thing to note about the screens (both have the same resolution):
They're good, but not great. The problem is we're spoiled now. If you have a smartphone (which if you don't, I feel like I don't even know you,) you'll be disappointed when you see some things on the screen that are just so clearly pixelated. I'm going to post a video review in a bit and you'll see what I'm talking about.
2. Digital games vs. UMD (the names of the physical discs that the 3000 uses.)
For those who don't know, the PSP GO uses digital games exclusively. There are no physical discs. You download games from the Playstation Network store. It's convenient since you don't have to carry discs around, and you have immediate access to a huge selection.
The 3000 uses physical discs (UMD) as well as downloads. Now, carrying discs around is definitely a hassle (even though they're only about 2 inches by 2 inches), but the benefit is that you can buy used discs for very cheap, an option not available with the digital only GO.
***IMPORTANT TIP***
At GameStop, you can buy used PSP UMDs for cheap, and they have a great return policy. For any reason, you can return any used game within 7 days for a full refund, to any GameStop in the country. If you don't have your receipt, you have to return it to the location where you bought it.
***/IMPORTANT TIP***
3. Price
This is often overlooked but I think very important. The retail price for the GO is $250, which is pretty crazy given that you can often find a PS3 for $250, or at worst, $300. Given that you can get a full system for 20% more, it's hard to justify spending that much for considerably less functionality.
Now on Amazon you can get the GO go for $200, plus tax and such leads to about $215. On NewEgg, you can get the PSP 3000 with Madden 11, free shipping and no tax for $170. So you'll end up paying at least $45 more, but for what?
You are really spending $45 more for no reason. And with this extra $45, comes the responsibility to spend even more on games that you buy directly from the PlayStation network as opposed to used UMDs.
4. Memory Stick
***IMPORTANT TIP***
If you do decide to get a GO, it uses something called the M2. If you buy it from Amazon, you get a 4GB for $15 and it comes with an adapter for the Memory Stick Duo:
I know it's only a matter for $4, but I thought that was interesting (I need to get out more) and worth mentioning.
***/IMPORTANT TIP***
5. Fun level
They're both freaking fun. Sony knows what they're doing, the games are great, the devices are both portable and easy to take around, and keep you entertained for hours. Either way, you'll love what you bought.
6. WRAP UP
I ended up with a 3000 and I'm happy with it. I couldn't justify spending nearly as much money as I would on a full system without getting much in return. And the ability to buy used games for considerably less was also hugely attractive. Finally, the better placement of the controls really won me over.
Enjoy!
114 of 125 found the following review helpful:
Handheld entertainment bonanzaDec 22, 2008
By ice grizzly
"Grrrrrr"
With a wealth of games and movies, the new refined PSP is a big bonanza. It is slim, sleek and bright. Either if you are new to PSP or upgrading from PSP1000, this one has a lot to offer. Inbuilt microphone, bright LCD scree, better battery life, smoother inputs and more ergonomic placement of master controls. This is a very well designed machine, if you have checked the past PSP history they have very long life. Perfect for both adults and young ones. 08 had more than 10 block busters for PSP. 09 is promising to be another great one with more goods coming from Japan and EU. Most important of all Little Big planet and Resistance Retribution. All the PSP2000 accessories are compatible with PSP3000, every thing from case to car chargers. As with PSP2000 this one sport a larger RAM. With additional hardware resources it supports a wide variety of media including 720x480p H.264/MP4 DVD quality movies, wma, mp3 and more.
Now one important warning. Memory Stick Duo is one of the most pirated card in black market. Pay up and buy from trusted vendors. Cheap cards sold in ebay and other 3rd party vendors are slow and less reliable. When you put the card in any device like PSP check for magic-gate info. If it says magic-gate: unknown, return it back. You are better off buying Lexar or other cheaper card from reputable vendor than buying fake card. Dont promote fake sellers, if you find any fake seller report to Amazon and authorities.
It comes close to portable gaming perfectionApr 16, 2009
By A. Dent
"Aragorn"
We've been a PS3 household ever since the 60GB version came about so, with two pre-teens in the house, we were ripe for a PSP adoption. We actually bought the Ratchet & Clank Pack for a few dollars more because one of my kids was a fan of the game.
The Core Pack includes the following:
- The PSP 3000 itself in shiny black (a fingerprint magnet) - Manual, promos, registration card, etc.
Given the PSP's built-in Wi-Fi and its PS3 integration you can do quite a few things out of the box if you have Wi-Fi or a PS3 but, for a better gaming experience you are going to need a memory stick and, of course, some games. Our bundle came with a 1GB Memory Stick Pro Duo card but we are planning to store a few movies when taking it on the road so we ordered an 8GB. Movies take about 0.5GB. We can still use the 1GB that came with the bundle in a camera.
First impressions: I was surprised of how good and versatile and elegant this little console can be. It has most of the PS3 buttons, including one analog joystick, the display is large and bright, the resolution is good (480x272), and it responds quickly to controls. It appears to be solidly built. Unlike prior models, this one comes with a built-in microphone while the sound output can be either through the internal speakers headphones (not included). After charging the battery, my kid was up and running and happy in no time. But, let me proceed with a more structured discussion.
Stand alone operation (disconnected): The PSP 3000 will play games or movies delivered on UMD discs or off a Memory Stick card. In addition, it will display photos and play music stored on the Memory card.
Networking and Internet connectivity: The built-in Wi-Fi allows the PSP 3000 to access the Playstation Netowork and Playstation Store directly. Off the box, there is an Internet browser, a Search (the Internet) function, several Internet Radio applications and the ability to use the PSP as a Skype phone for as long as one has a Skype account and the PSP happens to be within the range of a Wi-Fi hotspot.
PS3 Integration: After the PSP is paired with the PS3, the PS3 can 'push' video, photos, music and even PSP games downloaded from the Playstation Store when connected through a USB wire. When wireless, the PSP can basically take over the PS3 - actually display the PS3's own screen and display photos stored on the PS3, play music stored on the PS3. Movie play is not supported. Interestingly, when playing music, it's possible to play it on the PSP's on speakers/headphones or have the PS3 play it itself, the PSP therefore acting as a remote control device. I suspect that additional capabilities exist that I am not aware of yet.
PC integration: Through a USB connection, the PC will see the PSP's memory card as an attached drive. This will allow for music, photo or movie files to be transferred directly to the PSP.
Room for improvement: The PSP 3000 comes very close to being the perfect portable game-playing (and more) machine, at least in the Sony universe. Perfection would be achieved if the 'keyboard' interface were improved - it's awful now - if it had touch screen capabilities and if file transfers from the PS3 were possible wirelessly. Also on the wish list, I hope that there were more legal 'digital copy' movies available for the PSP.
Rating: It's a 4.5 stars plus, rounded up to 5.
32 of 34 found the following review helpful:
best portable gaming systemJan 21, 2009
By N. Ramos
"Gadget Guy"
This PSP is my 2nd one after my first generation PSP broke down. And that was after countless business trips and travel for about 2.5 years and our 16 month old grabbing it and "playing" with it from time to time. The new PSP 3000 is much lighter and the screen is noticeably better than the previous model. The internet interface is also pretty good but for a gaming system IMO I don't think you get much better. Also - I bought a larger memory stick (8GB) to store movies and video and it is really nice when I'm on the plane. If you have video in itunes you can easily just copy and paste them into the PSP folder like you would move any file within your computer or to an external drive. I use this for gaming nearly 95% of the time and I wouldn't get anything else. Definitely worth the money and the best portable gaming device that I have used bar none. Highly recommended.
based on 299 reviews
( 299 customer reviews )
