My PSP: 1.5 Years Later
1.5 years later, I am not using my PSP for video watching at all. Encoding my own movies is doable, but the entire process is daunting. It takes time to convert movies into the PSP compatible format; time I would be using my computer for other things and time I do not want to spend encoding multiple movies before heading out. UMD was a neat idea, except that the cost-benefit to DVD was out of hand. At first, I was okay with double-dipping stripped down versions of movies I already own. But, the fact of the matter is that I spend very little time watching movies. TV on DVD is where my money goes. I have found UMD is not right for me. And UMD Video losing production support leaves little reason to keep investing in it.
The other media options are a bust as well. I have tried using the PSP as my primary MP3 player, but it is a clunky device and the battery life does not compare to a freshly charged device dedicated to MP3 playing (e.g., Apple iPod). I gave up trying to use it as one. The photo browsing is neat to quickly show a picture for a friend or someone else, but I can also put pictures on my cell phone.
Another nifty aspect of the PSP that was introduced with a major firmware upgrade was the Internet-capability. While connected to a wireless access point, PSP users can surf the Internet and access their favorite sites. The browser has its limitations (as anything without a keyboard and mouse that requires one does). For me it has its potential uses, checking an update on a website when on the go. But what I really want is email capability. When I'm on the go, it is what I need access to the most. This has been a severe disappointment in the system--having web browsing support and no email capability.
Nowadays, my PSP is not being used for its media or Internet capabilities; it has become my primary gaming machine (replacing my PS2, Xbox, and Gamecube). The initial batch of games caught my fancy, but none where sophisticated enough to replacement my console. I have since developed a need of portable gaming and the PSP has fit that need well. With games like Tiger Woods PGA Tour and SOCOM U.S. Navy Seals: Fire Team Bravo, I have been in heaven. At the same time, there have been some duds that would have been great if not for the PSP's limited controls, e.g., Gun: The Showdown or awful load times, e.g., Ys: The Ark of Napishtim.
Don't get the wrong impression; I am not saying my PSP outweighs my PS2, Xbox, or Gamecube. It does not. If I had the choice, I would much rather have a hefty sized controller in hand and playing the cross-platform games on a big screen TV than the PSP's small screen. I have been forced into this position due periodic travel. In this respect, the PSP does a fine job. The games have progressively gotten better and there are awesome looking games on the horizon, e.g., Gran Turismo: Mobile. I am also looking forward to seeing how the PS1 downloadable games for the PSP develop.
When it comes down to it, I am satisfied with my PSP. I paid just under two-hundred and seventy bucks on it a few weeks after its launch in 2005. Since, I have built quite a library of UMD Videos and games. The games have served me well when I need on-the-go gaming with quality and game play that rivals the console machines. The other media and Internet capabilities have begun to fail me. While a nifty idea, their usage is too cumbersome or too costly to use/invest in further.
Please take a look at Video Game Talk's PSP reviews.