This device gives you some options but adds some work and hampers portability. I like to use my psp as an ipod when I walk around and this grip can be used for that but it doubles the weight and bulk of the psp. You shouldn't charge the grip when it's plugged into the psp. The 2 devices should be charged separately to maximize your psp battery life. If you're using the grip as a glare block/privacy barrier the cord isn't long enough to reach the psp.
However if you're watching videos the grip doubles as a stand and also doubles your psp's play time. The short grip cord hampers the possible angles here though to be honest but it's still a good option to have away from a wall socket. When playing video games away from a wall socket the grip when plugged into the psp will also double your playtime assuming you've charged the grip up beforehand. That's almost essntial for playing a full 9 inning game of MLB The Show 2009 to prevent those low battery bugs from showing up.
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The grip holds it's charge pretty well. Perhaps recharge it 2-3 times per week when not in use. I view the thing mostly as a portable(attached) battery. I'm using one of my wife's fanny packs to store and to walk around with it(the psp 300 plus grip) listening to tunes. It works fine now but when the weather turns warmer that could present an overheat problem. Hopefully not. Anyways I can always detache the grip and walk around with the psp attached to my 'Jethro Belt' !
I can't really say whether or not it's worth it. That's totally up to your needs. One huge advantage to the psp is portability and ease of use and this product hampers portability and adds some complication to use. This is a definite option to extending the battery life of your psp but perhaps not as convenient as just installing a better battery. The better battery will increase the weight of your psp and it's bulk but not as much as this. The better battery does not give you the stand or glareblock/privacy barrier option however. If you're good with gadgets and don't mind a little inconvenience this product might be right for you if you need the extra battery time. There is a trick to installing this and you'll need a flathead screwdriver. Search around for those instructions in the package because it isn't obvious and at least one reviewer has impatiently broken his. Personally I like this product !
Customer reviews
The Thrustmaster T-X3 is a must for long trips. It gives double battery life, a stand, some storage, and a comfortable grip (no more numb fingers!). All this fits, albeit a little tightly, in a PSP case with two UMDs. My biggest concern was finding a case that held the PSP with this product attached. Fortunately, they had an official Sony semi-soft case at a local store that works great. Unfortunately, they don't seem to have that case on Amazon. Overall this is a great product that won't disappoint. Edit: Actually it looks like this case might be the same as the Sony one:PSP Travel Case
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