Customer Reviews

PlayStation Portable 3000 Core Pack System - Piano Black

5 star:		(200)
4 star:		(53)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(25)

 

 

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.

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:

http://www.amazon.com/Sandisk-Memory-Stick-SDMSM2-4096-Package/dp/B00107AO58/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1281896190&sr=8-1

If you buy a 3000, it uses the Memory Stick Duo, which if you buy by itself, a 4GB will run you ~$19:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Memory-Stick-Flash-MSMT4G/dp/B0013AX2JM/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1281896267&sr=1-2

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!

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.

http://reviews.ebay.com/FAKE-Sony-Memory-Stick-Pro-Duo-MagicGate-Cards-Exposed_W0QQugidZ10000000001236041

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.

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.

PlayStation 3000. This is a nice machine, piano black and glossy. I just love that look. I also own a 1000. The new one has much faster load times and I have noticed much brighter colors and the screen is defiantly glare proof. Words cannot describe what you can get out of any of these products along with a PS3, but I will try. If you have a home network these systems can connect directly to your wireless router and your ps3. This might be techie or geeky but you can even play certain ps3 games on your Psp via remote play option, you can download and play ps1 games on the psp anywhere you want to. Get an 8 or 4 gig card for this thing and transfer anything from your PC to it, surf the internet, listen to music. The 2000 and the 3000 model can be hooked to a big screen, the list goes on.

Back to the 3000 itself. Faster load times, glare proof and much lighter, with big screen compatibility. I was worried about the scan line issue I read about in other reviews but not now it is very miner and with with future updates I suspect it will completely disappear.

I was ready for the worst after reading several PSP 3000 reviews here and elsewhere. However, in my opinion...

...this is an awesome little unit for listening to music, watching videos, looking at photos, playing games, and browsing the web. My wife owns an iPod Touch and the PSP 3000 puts that device to shame. The PSP 3000 is much more user-friendly, easier to load up with photos, mucic, and videos than the iPod Touch, and the user interface and file conversion is much better. I'm not sure what all the positive buzz is about on the iPod but for my money and time the PSP 3000 is hands-down easier to operate and maintain (especially the file sharing and uploading functionality).

Best of all, there's no quirky i-Tunes store to have to mess with, just convert and transfer the files like with any hard drive or flash drive...it's just that simple! Plus the PSP 3000 user interface just looks and works better than the iPod Touch.

I used to own a Sony Milo and the problem with that unit was the wireless connection utility was worthless unless you were practically standing on top of a wireless access point. Not so with the PSP 3K -- it picks up lots of wireless signals all over town and you usually have several to pick from...conects in under 30-seconds - and this makes Skype a real alternative to an expensive cell phone if you live in a metropolitan area. I Skype out most anytime I want to now, no matter where I am, using the PSP 3000.

The included internet browser is very nice and supports flash and a lot of other plug-ins you need to view sites fully. This isn't a watered-down internet you will get...you see the real deal on most sites with reasonable fast loading of pages.

As far as playing games, the PSP is off the charts. There are just so many games to choose from and they all work great. You can have a UMD disk in the unit and still do everyting else on the PSP without having to take it out...just hit the PSP button and choose exit game and you're ready to go.

Music plays without a hitch with several fun visualizations to choose from. The music menu allows for shuffle, replay, etc...there are tons more options here than with an iPod.

Photos & Videos load and play without error with tons of display options and never a problem.

All files convert easily using the included software no matter what format they started as. The software that comes with your PSP 3000 will convert any music, photo, and video file into a PSP-friendly format and there's nothing cooler than watching a brand new movie on the plane and having the guy next to you in first class stare in awe when he sees you're watching the movie he just paid $15 to see in a theater right on your PSP.

Did I mention the fabulous PSP store is just one click away on your PSP main menu? At the store, you'll find thousands of music, games, movies and TV shows available with fast digital download directly to your PSP through your wireless connection. You could be watching a first-run movie two minutes from now, wherever you are. Now that's cool.

If you want a cutting-edge, do it all device at a reasonable price that works without a fuss? Buy the PSP 3000!

Well if you are purchasing a PSP you know what it is. I'm not going to give a lengthy review here but I want future purchasers to be aware:

THIS PSP DOES NOT COME WITH A MEMORY STICK.

Without a memory stick you cannot run the PSP. Therefore I am writing to say that be sure that if you purchase the core pack, you also buy a Memory Stick with it. I bought a 8GB one and they both came in 1 package from Amazon.

Amazon should make it more obvious that you do not get a very vital part of this package (I mean they could have included a 1gb or 2gb stick honestly..) and thanks to someone else who pointed this out I bought a memory stick with my order. Otherwise great product, works just as expected, no issues or dead pixels.

The PSP is a great little device capable of not only playing games, but also managing photos, videos, music, as well as allowing the user to browse the internet. With its unique media format, known as the Universal Media Disc (UMD), the PSP brings innovation to the handheld world dominated by cartridges. The PSP allows for great user customization, such as custom wallpapers, icons, etc. The PSP has built in WiFi and can be utilized to gain full access to the built in web browser or to the PlayStation Store to download extras.

The added benefit of the PSP-3000 over the PSP Go is the ability to own physical copies of the games/media purchased. In case the console ever becomes damaged, it would be a much simpler, and quicker task to simply purchase another 3000 that can read your UMDs immediately upon purchase, as compared to the challenges one may face when switching over from one PSP Go to another. The smaller price-tag of the PSP-3000 makes it an even more optimal choice over the Go. The PSP has access to tons of great UMD games, many of which have not been added to the PlayStation store yet, making this yet another pro for the PSP over the Go. Many users also like the added benefit of owning physical copies of media because it allows them to feel like they actually own the media rather than simply feel like they are renting it from the developers. Licensing issues in the past have made Microsoft pull off a few games from Xbox Arcade after only a short amount of time after their initial release. Situations such as this can cause high levels of paranoia amongst the owners of the media since they do not know whether or not the developers can remove the media just as quickly as they offered it.

The PSP is very comfortable, fitting the forms of the hands quite nicely. By using the familiar layout associated with other Sony consoles (square, triangle, etc.) the controls are very easy to adjust to and make playing games such as God of War Chains of Olympus an easy transition from their console counterparts. The major complaint I have with the console is the small analog "stick" that protrudes from the bottom left corner of the console. The stick is rather small and does not have a great range of motion, this makes it difficult to maneuver properly in games that use the stick. The lack of a second stick also makes mapping of buttons quite awkward in certain games as well, especially when compared to console versions of the same game. This takes some time to get used to and is simply a minor nuisance when weighed against all of the benefits of the console. I highly recommend the PSP-3000 over the PSP Go to anyone who's ever been curious about the capabilities of the PSP consoles.

Well I decided to go with the PSP 3000 instead of the GO. The main deciding factor was that the GO has a smaller screen size which is just not cool with me. Also the 3000 WILL take 16gig memory cards so the GO has no advantage there and may be at a disadvantage without a UMD slot.

The 3000 is slim, well built, and has a nice feel in the hand. The screen is large and brilliant though glare and fingerprints remain to be a problem. The speakers sound great for how small they are and the system has lots of power with reasonable battery life.

I do not think it deserves five stars though because the web browser is clumsy and slow. I also wish that the PSN was more integrated for those of us who also have PS3s. Trophies and profile info should be the same for both systems and both systems should be able to contribute to your collection of trophies IMO.

Also, you can count the games worth owning on one hand. I bought this system just to play Crisis Core, (totally worth it btw). But on the horizon are many amazing titles like Peacewalker and GT, now is a good time to get a PSP.