A Look at the Sony PSPgo and PSP-3000

When it comes to handheld gaming, Sony offers 2 different options: the PSPgo and the PSP-3000. Both of them deliver a high-quality gaming experience as well as a portable media experience. The best way to describe them is to list what they share in common, then describing their differences. At the end I will talk about some of the accessories available for them, though new accessories are being released all the time so the best way to see what's available is to visit your local electronics store.

Obviously, the PSPgo and PSP-3000 are mainly gaming systems. You can play games made specifically for the PSP, as well as classic PSOne games. In addition, both systems utilize Media Go software to manage media. Through this software you can listen to music, view photo's, and watch movies. You can use the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) to access your PC remotely to upload media to your PSPgo or PSP-3000. A USB connection is also available. Both models are capable of making calls via Skype, and have a built-in microphone for use with Skype as well as certain games. A browser allows for users to surf the Internet, which makes the PSPgo and PSP-3000 an all-in-one tool. Besides allowing you to play games, watch TV shows and movies, view photo's, and listen to music, Sony provides free access to the PlayStation Network. The PlayStation Network provides access to the PlayStation Store, where users can download games, movies, and TV shows. One last feature that both models share is called Remote Play, which allows for a wireless connection between your PSP and a PlayStation 3.

Let's start with what makes the PSP-3000 unique. It has a widescreen 4.3" LCD with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a display which can show 16,779,000 colors. This means it has a detailed, vibrant display. Sony has even considered the different lighting situations in which a user might use the PSP-3000. It's screen uses anti-reflection technology so when you're playing outside, you can still view the screen clearly. It contains 64MB of internal system memory, and can be expandable using Memory Stick Duo memory cards. The last hardware spec is that it has a CPU which runs up to 333MHz. It weighs 6.7 ounces so is fairly light, and comes only in one color: Black. The back of the PSP-3000 opens up so that Universal Media Discs (UMD) can be slid inside. These 1.8 GB capacity discs are what the games are stored on, but can also be used to store media such as television shows, movies, and music. Games can also be downloaded via the PlayStation Store, but these UMD discs are the primary way in which media is accessed on the PSP-3000.

The PSPgo is the PSP-3000's smaller cousin. The emphasis of this model is on digital content without the need of discs. The PSPgo does not use Universal Media Discs, in fact it couldn't use them if it tried. Instead, all media is downloaded from the PlayStation Store or uploaded from your PC. Another feature of this model which has the distinct advantage over the PSP-3000 is internal memory. The PSPgo boasts 16GB in Flash Memory. This is necessary since all media must be downloaded and can't be accessed through discs. If you need even more memory, it can be expanded by adding a Memory Stick Micro (M2) media card. Weighing in at 5.6 ounces it is smaller than the PSP-3000. It has a 3.8" LCD screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 480x272 resolution. The screen slides up to reveal the controls. It comes in black and white, providing double the color options. Lastly, the PSPgo provides Bluetooth support, and can connect a wireless handset to be used with Skype.

There are 3 accessories which are worth mentioning. The first is a Cradle for the PSPgo. It is a dock and charging station which provides a video out for TV hookup. This is the perfect way to send media to your television while charging your PSPgo and propping it up at a convenient viewing angle for navigation. Second is the PSPgo Traveler Case. This black, durable case is convenient in that users can play the PSPgo while the unit is still inside the case. It also converts to a stand which is perfect for setting on the table while watching movies or television shows. Last is the PSP-3000 UMD Case. This case fits up to 8 UMD discs, is durable, and has magnets which keep the discs in place. It is compatible with the PSP-3000 as well as all of its predecessors, the PSP-1000 and PSP-2000.

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Where I got my information:

http://us.playstation.com/psp/
http://reviews.cnet.com/consoles/sony-psp/4505-10109_7-30895581.html