TheMacJedi

In the past when you purchased a game console it worked exactly the same from the day you bought it to the day it died.

Starting with the PSP, Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii that all changed. I had a PSP from launch day and the cool thing about it was you were able to download updates that not only fixed problems but added new features. Some new features were minor in scope to others then there’s the major feature like a web browser. That’s a significant addition to a console that didn’t ship with a web browser.

I’ve had my Xbox 360 from launch day and it has certainly has changed in the 16 months I’ve had it. Twice a year they update the Dashboard. The Dashboard is the hub of the 360, it gives you access to different parts of the system and has since included web access for TV and Movie downloads. Things that were not available when the console shipped. I believe we will soon have a web browser on the Xbox as well.

The ability to update consoles in this way makes them more like a computer. I mean that in the way you can update a computer and do new things that you couldn’t do before. This is very exciting because it’s one of the ways that computers keep from getting boring in the way they evolve and take over the aspects of other devices.

Think about all of the devices computers can now emulate and replace. TV, DVD player, CD player, radio, board games, puzzles and card games, older game consoles, letters, video conference, etc. Now think about how many of these things an Xbox 360 can do. All but a few, we are still waiting for Podcasts (that ones for you Major Nelson) and IP TV.

The entertainment of a game console is no longer limited to the games themselves.

PSP, Accessories reviewed (Mac software, headphones, USB cable, cases).

How are going to know if someone doesn’t tell you.

PSP Memory Stick management software.
I’ve tried them all and the only one that works and works well is PSPWare, you can try the others but you’ll come back to PSPWare. I’m talking music from iTunes, photos from iPhoto, movie conversion, game data backups and restores, this software is awesome.
http://www.nullriver.com/

Earbuds don’t like me. iPod or PSP
I got these headphones at Wal-Mart for $9 and I’m impressed, they sound good and are comfortable. They never feel like their going to fall off.
Panasonic Headphones

USB 2.0 cable that fits in the case.
If you already have the proper USB cable you may not want to buy another one but if you’re like me you want something that fits in the case easily, well here it is.
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=26-708

Almost identical to each another but one of these nylon cases is better than the other.

Pelican branded case above.
http://www.pelicanacc.com/psp/psp_spec_sheet/116.htm
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr=1-10/qid=1112281019/ref=sr_1_10/602-4629871-0227831?%5Fencoding=UTF8&asin=B0007Z7XVM

Pelican PSP case rebranded for Gamestop above.
http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=801934

ALS Game Stuff brand above.

ALS Case Quick review, the ALS case is roughly the same size as the Pelican case but the compartments feel smaller and cramped.
The ALS does not have a hardened layer between the middle section and the back section where the PSP goes, so when you cram (because that’s the only way to get them in) your power cable and or USB cable into the middle section it somewhat protrudes into the rear area. This did not make me feel like my PSP was protected.
The front compartment was too small and held only a few items. I did really like the carry strap and clip on this case.

Pelican Case Quick Review, the two case at the top (Pelican and Gamestop) are the same case.
The Pelican feels plenty roomy without being bulky, there is a hardened layer between the middle section and the back section where the PSP goes. The middle compartment is large enough to hold several games, earbuds, compact USB cable and your cleaning cloth. The front section is for the power supply, it’s tight but check out what I did to make it fit better below.

I Recommend the Pelican Case, it protected the PSP better, is a better design and had more room.

Make that Power Supply take up less room in your case.
If you have a PowerBook adapter (the in-wall piece) that you’re not using, then it can be just what you need
to make the power supply take up less room in your new PSP case. The four pictures below are self explanatory.