I have unsuccessfully bid on a psp system on ebay a few times now because I would like to own one to use with the PS3 but not at the $200 cdn most are going for (which is the same as retail)

What I am asking is if the psp owners here could convince me as to why I should get one. What are the benefits now and in the future to owning one from a technical AVS, (and owner of a psp) perspective?

I don't own a PSP but have been thinking of getting one to use as a portable media player and for emulating PSX and other games. It looks like Sony might be announcing a slimmer PSP at E3 in July though so you might want to wait til then before buying one if you're on the fence.

I have owned a PSP since release and I would say don't buy one unless you really need the portable gaming aspect (and there are some really good games) , the other uses are cool at first but wear thin and become seldom used after a short period (web browsing on that tiny screen is tedious) .

Just my opinion ;) .

--- Jason

I own both a psp and a ps3. Honestly, I have never used the remote play functionality. Also the PS1 games we are privy to in North America make for a pretty meager serving.

As for the benefits of owning both a PSP and a PS3:

1) Access files/media from your PS3 anywhere where there is a wifi connection. Also since the PS3 can now access files from your PC, I believe you can pretty much access your PC from your PSP with the PS3 acting as a go-between. This function is only available with the newest SONY firmware, which means you would not be able to have custom firmware at the moment.

2) Download PS1 games from the PSN via the PS3 and transfer to the PSP for on-the-go play. Eventually you'll be able to access the PSN directly form the PSP. However, if you take a quick look at the PS1 games offered on the PSN, I don't really know if this is much of a benefit... Sony has said that soon the PSN will be "overloaded" with content though soooo who knows...

With all that said, I would still recommend getting a PSP. While I myself don't find the PSP-PS3 functionality all that useful, you may find it appealing. Moreover, the PSP is a great system in and of itself. I find the games much more engaging than the games on my DS, the mp3/movie functionality is great, and RSS is invaluable to me. Finally, the ability to install custom firmware and basically turn your PSP into a small handheld computer is truly something to behold; you will love this if you are a techie.

Anyway, sorry to be so verbose, but if the PSP's only selling point for you is the PS3 connectivity, I would advise that you forgo purchasing it. However, if you were considering a PSP for all of its other functions in addition to the connectivity, I would say go for it!

Another question for the PSP Owners.

I have a ton of video/movies in 4:3 AR. Will the PSP play them back in the correct Aspect Ratio or will it stretch them? Also will it play videos in mpeg4 format ( I use my Ipod to play
them now).

I'll consider it after the redesign that will supposedly be announced at E3 this year.

I have unsuccessfully bid on a psp system on ebay a few times now because I would like to own one to use with the PS3 but not at the $200 cdn most are going for (which is the same as retail)

What I am asking is if the psp owners here could convince me as to why I should get one. What are the benefits now and in the future to owning one from a technical AVS, (and owner of a psp) perspective?

It's a matter of lifestyle.

If you are into portable devices because you commute a lot or have a lot of dead time in your daily routine, the PSP is great for you.
The PSP does a lot more than the iPod for half the price.
The game library has come a long way and keeps getting better.

Now, if you are not into portable gaming or music/video players, stay clear from the PSP, you probably won't use it.

I have owned a PSP since release and I would say don't buy one unless you really need the portable gaming aspect (and there are some really good games) , the other uses are cool at first but wear thin and become seldom used after a short period (web browsing on that tiny screen is tedious) .

Just my opinion ;) .

--- Jason


i agree completely. a fine system but if you have the choice between portable gaming and console gaming, the psp loses every time.

if you're out and about all the time or do things like take the train to/from work every day though, the psp is worth it's weight in gold. and i'll tell you from personal experience that there are not many things better in life than this: lounging in your hammock in the cool shade on your freshly cut lawn while sipping on lemonade on a lazy summer day and playing MLB on the psp while listening to your real life team playing in the background...

I've had a PSP for ages and the remote function is really limited. The video quality is excellent when playing back videos, but that's assuming you can get half of them to play, and you get audio, and your PS3 doesn't freeze up during the connection. If you're buying one JUST to use with a PS3, it's just not worth it.... yet. If ever. Hell, you still have to set your PS3 in remote connection mode - the PSP won't turn it on or anything. So I usually end up just watching stuff on the PS3.

great advice guys. I have a DS and as my portable gaming system but i don't find the games to be engaging for very long. I will be getting a PSP eventually now, but I am going to wait until Sony integrates it better with the ps3 and if a redesign is announced.

If you travel a decent amount, it's well worth it. With the altest firmware and some free software you can convert dvds to watch on the PSP. I have 1 4GB memory card and plan on buying an additional 8GB card so I have plenty of shows/movies/music (usually I just put standup comedy on the PSP) for trips. The games are good too but in my case it is about 60% games, 48% media, 2% internet.
-Evangelo2

Yah. I'm going to get one for sure, but I'd like to know about the possible redesign first.

...(web browsing on that tiny screen is tedious) .


Have you tried using the PS3 browser on the PSP? That actually works nicely as the PS3 browser can be zoomed better and has more features.

I bought one a few months ago, and the PS3 connectivity was one of my deciding factors. Also, at $169, the price is low enough for me to not mind using it only occasionally. I like the ability to watch movies and play games when I fly internationally on business trips. I also like being able to access all of the media files on my PS3 and my PC from any internet connection. I was able to go to my parents' house, and show my mom my recent vacation photos on my PSP. All of the files I showed her only resided on my PC hard drive at home. Now that the PS3 connects to a PC, remote play is a wonderful thing. I just can't wait for them to add Home to the remote play capability.

I love my PSP. I don't travel much, but I do find myself actually playing it at home quite a bit. Nice to sit and have a game of FIFA while Sportscenter or a game is on the TV. There's also a really nice list of good games for the thing, contrary to popular belief.

Just a few:
Daxter
MGS: PO
Syphon Filter: DM (sequel is coming soon)
Hot Shots Golf Open Tee
FIFA 07 (i think it's the smoothest running FIFA of '07)
GTA: LCS

ones I'm looking forward to:
Silent Hill Origins
Manhunt 2
Syphon Filter sequel

And that's a small list. I really think the system is underrated and gets overlooked just because of the sheer number of DS sales.

I wish to God they had added a second stick to the PSP. It looked like it was in the original design photos, but they removed it for some reason: probably to save money so they could include that attractive wrist strap. :D There's a lot of fun games on the system and if you're a commuter it's great (as long as where you're commuting doesn't involve massive amounts of sunlight). I can't say I buy UMDs for it... seems like a waste of money to pay MORE than a standard DVD to watch it on a tiny screen. I dunno. I like my PSP for what it does, but the PS3 connectivity is not impressive yet.