Make a note of those all important 3D release dates
So you''ve just haemorrhaged your finances on the finest new HDTV money can buy, problem is though, 3D TV is on its way and it's ready to battle for some of that precious living room space.
While 3D TV may well hog the headlines, there's also a host of other gadgets set to enter the third dimension and hopefully our lives in 2010.
Saving you the job of searching out those key 3D releases, we've looked into the year ahead to see when you'll be able to get your hands on all those brand new pieces of 3D tech.
Released on: 10/01/2009
Is that a good idea? Well, with the success of Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch as casual gaming devices, Sony has little choice to head down this path and it's probably smart that's doing it sooner rather than later (you can argue whether it should have done it four years ago, but that's another story). That said, while we applaud the jump to a digital-download-based system, it's certainly fraught with challenges, and how Sony overcomes them will go a long way to determining the PSP Go's success.
Design
While the features list differs little from earlier iterations of the PSP, the PSP Go is a complete redesign, with a focus on trimming the console down in almost every way. The initial version is available in black or white; don't be surprised to see more colors or specially branded versions in the future.
For starters, Sony has removed the UMD media slot and opted instead for 16GB of internal storage. It's also shrunk the screen from 4.3 inches (diagonally) to 3.8 inches while maintaining the same resolution at 480x272 pixels and its wide-screen aspect ratio. On top of that, the Sony-proprietary Memory Stick Pro Duo slot has been swapped out for the smaller M2 Micro memory card slot--another proprietary Sony format. And finally, a slider mechanism has been incorporated to hide the controls when not in use.
All these design choices pay dividends, as the 5.4-ounce PSP Go is noticeably smaller than the PSP 3000 , measuring only 5 inches wide, 2.75 inches tall (when closed), and just over half an inch thick. Particularly when it's closed, it has a nice, minimalist look, and we're happy to say that it's the first PSP that can fit comfortably in your pocket (when the screen is slid open, the device expands to about 4 inches tall).
The screen itself does not seem to have the interlacing issue that plagued the PSP 3000, and it does seem more vibrant and a bit brighter than the 3000, as well. The smaller surface area does give you less of a viewing space, but since the resolution is still intact, some graphics do seem a bit sharper.
The body of the PSP Go is reminiscent of the glossy black plastic seen in all previous models and still remains a fingerprint magnet. The plastic surrounding the buttons and the D-pad, however, has more of a matte look. The back of the Go keeps the glossy finish, but also has two rounded rubber stoppers that help you grip the device.
The PSP Go feels great in your hands but we definitely had some gripes with how the new button layout performed in-game. Since the analog stick has moved to the right of the D-pad, you may feel off-centered. We tested our PSP Go with Motorstorm: Arctic Edge and could not help but notice that the new positioning felt a bit awkward. While it may not be as much of an issue to newcomers, veteran PSP users will certainly notice the change.
The analog stick is also smaller than in previous PSP models, but it feels more durable and sturdy. There's also more friction when moving it around, which we prefer over the much looser analog stick we saw in the PSP 1000 through 3000.
For the most part, the buttons themselves feel and perform very well. The D-pad and face buttons all have a much more solid tactile operation to them, almost exactly like those seen on the Nintendo DSi. They are also a bit smaller compared with the 3000, and they aren't as loose as in previous PSP models.
The L and R buttons are much more prominent, too, and we definitely prefer their feel over the clear shoulder buttons that adorn earlier PSPs. As for the Select and Start buttons, we felt that they're placed too close to one another, and for some reason they don't have the tactile click the other buttons have.
The display, volume, and sound buttons have also been moved: they now lie in between the L and R shoulder buttons. They all seem to work fine, but unfortunately you will need to glance at their location when the screen has been slid up in order to use them.
As noted, the PSP Go does add Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity. That should make it easy to connect wireless headsets, though we could not get it to pair with one stereo Bluetooth headset that otherwise worked fine with an iPhone. However, the addition of Bluetooth does add the somewhat curious ability to control the PSP with a PS3 controller--though to set that up, you'll need to link both the portable and the controller to a PS3 simultaneously via USB cables.
Like the PSP 3000, this model has a built-in microphone for such applications as Skype calls via Wi-Fi. The microphone is located in between the analog stick and Select and Start buttons. (You can also opt to use a mic-enabled wired or Bluetooth headset instead.)
Two things you won't find on the PSP Go: a second analog stick and a touch screen. The former has long been on the wish list for the PSP, since it would effectively duplicate the familiar control scheme found on the PS2 and PS3. That would make (for instance) first-person shooters much easier to play. The dearth of a touch screen is notable because rival gaming platforms DS/DSi and iPhone/iPod Touch both utilize them. A touch screen on the PSP would also have allowed for an onscreen keyboard for Web surfing and data entry--both of which remain a chore.
Games and multimedia
With the removal of the UMD slot, all gaming and multimedia must be accessed via the 16GB of internal storage or a M2 Micro memory stick. Users can download software off of the PlayStation Store directly to their PSP Go (it's got built-in Wi-Fi) or transfer data from their PC or PlayStation 3 via USB.
Sony will also be selling bigger-budget downloadable games (that will also be available on UMD) and for those titles we recommend transferring the data directly off your PC or your PS3 rather than using the Wi-Fi connection on your PSP. For example, our download of Motorstorm: Arctic Edge (520MB) took more than 2 hours to complete from the Go. When we grabbed it off our PC, it took less than 20 minutes.
As of October 1, Sony is pledging to expand the available online offerings to include more than 225 games, 2,300 movies, and 13,300 TV episodes. Among the key games will be brand new (and highly anticipated) titles such as Gran Turismo and MotorStorm: Arctic Edge. Other notable PSP favorites include PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe, Monster Hunter: Freedom Unite, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10, Madden NFL 10, Soulcaliber: Broken Destiny, Beaterator, God of War: Chains of Olympus, Daxter, Star Wars: Battlefront II, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas, Tetris, and Fieldrunners. While you'll be able to download these games directly from the PlayStation Store, the newly announced Amazon.com PSN store does not have access to some titles in the Sony store.
As we said, in an effort to compete with the microtransaction-based download system that's been so successful with the iPhone and the iPod Touch, Sony's doing its best add a similar element of casual gaming to its PlayStation Store. At the forefront of the initiative are PSP Minis, a new type of bite-size casual game offered exclusively on the PlayStation Store, starting October 1. To be clear, these games aren't exclusive to the PSP Go (any PSP owner can download these games to a memory card), but their launch is tied in with the launch of the Go. Games can be bought online by loading up with PlayStation Store credits or buying prepaid cards at retailers (which provide a unique unlock code). As of now, PSP Minis range in price from $5 to $10--a bit more than what customers might be accustomed to paying in other places like Apple's App Store.
The PlayStation Store isn't the most intuitive experience we've had using an online app store. You can't see screenshots of games and, for the most part, they aren't necessarily organized in the most logical of ways. Plus, once you've started a download, your PSP Go is essentially locked down, meaning you can't use it for anything else until your download is complete.
If you have content across multiple Sony devices, you're going to want link the Go to your online PlayStation Network account to ensure that it will be able to play or view whatever you've purchased (games and video). This isn't the most practical process, but it does work, and the fact that you can share content with up to five Sony devices (PSPs and PS3s) is really convenient. The best deals are the so-called PSone classics--games originally designed for the original PlayStation that can be played on either the PSP or the PS3. Buy them once, and download them to any of the PSPs or PS3s on your account, at no extra charge.
For those PSP owners who may be upgrading to the Go, you'll have to manually move saved files over to your new system since your Pro Duo stick is no good on the new device. Of course, this process is only worthwhile if the game you're trying to play has been downloaded off the PlayStation Store. The lack of a UMD drive prevents you from playing all of your old UMD-based games, and--despite early rumors--there's also no trade-in program for existing UMD games at this time. That's another reason current PSP owners will want to think twice before upgrading.
Beyond gaming, the PSP Go is also a solid multimedia portable. In addition to playback of videos, digital music, and photos, it's also got a built-in rudimentary Web browser. Additionally, it's got a dedicated Internet radio player as well (though, again, setting it up and accessing music is somewhat more convoluted than it should be).
Separate cables must be purchased in order to hook the PSP Go up to a TV. You'll have the option of buying either a composite or component cable for displaying videos and games.
The PSP Go seems to be running a slightly modified operating system than the older PSPs. Our review sample is running a software version 5.70, while our PSP 3000 is updated to 6.00. There are slight differences between the two versions as far as we can tell, most likely due in part to the fact that the PSP Go's slider affects the device's behavior.
For example, when the screen is closed (slid down), the device enters a sort of screensaver mode, where an analog clock and date are displayed. You can hit both shoulder buttons together to bring up a calendar and scroll through the months by hitting either L or R. When slid back open, you're returned back to the cross media bar (XMB). You can also change the way the PSP Go behaves when the screen is closed. Instead of the clock display, you can set it to go to sleep. While playing a video, you can close the display and continue watching. (If you really want to turn the PSP Go off, you'll need to hold the power switch for about three seconds. Slide the switch or the screen to power it up again.)
The only other significant improvement on the PSP Go's firmware is the option to pause a game and return to the cross media bar. During gameplay, hitting the PlayStation logo button in the bottom left corner of the screen will bring up a menu similar to the older PSP's home button options. By selecting "Pause Game" you can essentially freeze your game and return to it later by clicking "Resume Game" under the game icon in the XMB. It does take about 10 seconds to pause a game, but we found this to be a very useful feature.
Performance and battery life
While there are some rumors that the PSP Go sports a faster chipset that may offer performance benefits in the future, we didn't notice any discernible differences between our review sample and the PSP 3000 we had on hand. Playing the digital version of Motorstorm: Arctic Edge, the load times were virtually identical on both devices and the games played the same.
Much like the iPhone, the PSP has never been known for offering great battery life. And while the PSP Go seems to perform roughly the same as the PSP 2000 and 3000, it's important to note that the battery isn't user-replaceable, which means you can't just carry around an extra battery to swap in during long road trips or flights. This seems to have been a deliberate move by Sony to combat piracy, as previous PSP models have been exploited via custom battery packs such as Pandora's Battery.
Sony claims a fully charged PSP Go should net you around 3 to 6 hours of gaming time. We were able to squeeze just over 5 hours playing MotorStorm: Arctic Edge with the brightness on the lowest level and the volume only up 25 per cent. Of course your results may vary depending on your display settings. We were hoping for better battery life--especially considering there are no longer any moving parts--but the PSP Go's battery performance appears to be on par with the 3000's.
On a related note, we noticed that in other PSP models, you can manually check the battery's current status, but we couldn't find the same option in the PSP Go's system settings. Perhaps that feature will arrive with the next firmware upgrade (as noted, our system had system 5.7 firmware even though system 6.0 is the current version for other PSP models).
Accessories
Included with the PSP Go you get an AC adapter, a USB cord, Media Go software, and an instruction manual. Unlike previous models, the PSP Go does not offer a standard mini-USB port. Instead, everything has to be connected via a proprietary port. That includes the AC adapter, the USB cord (the Go charges when connected to a USB port on your PC), and the aforementioned PSP Go AV cable accessories that allow you to view games and videos on a TV screen.
The included Media Go software lets you convert most videos for playback on the PSP Go and can rip audio CDs to the device as well. The software acts as a mediator (think iTunes for an iPod) between your PC and PSP Go. (Plenty of other software--such as Format Factory--is also available to handle the conversion of videos to a PSP-friendly format.)
Conclusion
As we said in the intro, the PSP Go represents a bold move for Sony. In terms of design, this model, which is the sleekest and most pocket-friendly PSP yet, is very appealing, though not without a few downsides. However, its success will largely depend on the software that runs on it and whether Sony is able to get a large number of developers on board to produce inexpensive, compelling games, along with a core staple of AAA titles that fully exploit the PSP's graphics and gameplay advantages (yes, this remains a powerful little system) .
Because we've yet to see what Sony will offer as far as PSP Minis or additional nongaming applications, it's hard to pass final judgment on the Go at this time. For now it's safe to say that this is a sexy gaming handheld that's got potential but is overpriced at $250. If Sony had launched its PSP franchise with this model we wouldn't be as nitpicky. But as it stands, with the existence of the perfectly good $170 PSP 3000, it's really hard to tell people to go run out and buy the Go, which is limited by the number of games it can currently play.
Of course, as Sony works out the transitional kinks, builds out its PSP Minis offerings, and perhaps offers up some interesting, nongaming apps, we'll update our review accordingly.
Make no mistake: the PSP Go is a work in progress. Buy it if it strikes your fancy but realize that it's got some maturing to do. And also be aware that by the time it hits its stride, it will probably cost less--or may even be replaced by a better model.
In the meantime, if Sony were to lower the price of the PSP Go, create a smoother, more intuitive PlayStation Store experience, and offer all the titles available on the PSP platform in the PlayStation Store, we'd have a much easier time recommending the system over the current PSP 3000.
On the surface, Sony's PSP Go doesn't really look like anything radically new for the PSP franchise. Yes, it's more compact than the three earlier generations of the portable gaming and multimedia handheld device. And yes, it features such additions as built-in Bluetooth, slide-out controls, and a smaller, more pocketable overall design. But the real change here--the radical departure, if you will--is the fact that the Go is the first dedicated handheld gaming system to go completely digital and move away from cartridges or optical discs.
Is that a good idea? Well, with the success of Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch as casual gaming devices, Sony has little choice to head down this path and it's probably smart that's doing it sooner rather than later (you can argue whether it should have done it four years ago, but that's another story). That said, while we applaud the jump to a digital-download-based system, it's certainly fraught with challenges, and how Sony overcomes them will go a long way to determining the PSP Go's success.
Design
While the features list differs little from earlier iterations of the PSP, the PSP Go is a complete redesign, with a focus on trimming the console down in almost every way. The initial version is available in black or white; don't be surprised to see more colors or specially branded versions in the future.
For starters, Sony has removed the UMD media slot and opted instead for 16GB of internal storage. It's also shrunk the screen from 4.3 inches (diagonally) to 3.8 inches while maintaining the same resolution at 480x272 pixels and its wide-screen aspect ratio. On top of that, the Sony-proprietary Memory Stick Pro Duo slot has been swapped out for the smaller M2 Micro memory card slot--another proprietary Sony format. And finally, a slider mechanism has been incorporated to hide the controls when not in use.
All these design choices pay dividends, as the 5.4-ounce PSP Go is noticeably smaller than the PSP 3000 , measuring only 5 inches wide, 2.75 inches tall (when closed), and just over half an inch thick. Particularly when it's closed, it has a nice, minimalist look, and we're happy to say that it's the first PSP that can fit comfortably in your pocket (when the screen is slid open, the device expands to about 4 inches tall).
The screen itself does not seem to have the interlacing issue that plagued the PSP 3000, and it does seem more vibrant and a bit brighter than the 3000, as well. The smaller surface area does give you less of a viewing space, but since the resolution is still intact, some graphics do seem a bit sharper.
The body of the PSP Go is reminiscent of the glossy black plastic seen in all previous models and still remains a fingerprint magnet. The plastic surrounding the buttons and the D-pad, however, has more of a matte look. The back of the Go keeps the glossy finish, but also has two rounded rubber stoppers that help you grip the device.
The PSP Go feels great in your hands but we definitely had some gripes with how the new button layout performed in-game. Since the analog stick has moved to the right of the D-pad, you may feel off-centered. We tested our PSP Go with Motorstorm: Arctic Edge and could not help but notice that the new positioning felt a bit awkward. While it may not be as much of an issue to newcomers, veteran PSP users will certainly notice the change.
The analog stick is also smaller than in previous PSP models, but it feels more durable and sturdy. There's also more friction when moving it around, which we prefer over the much looser analog stick we saw in the PSP 1000 through 3000.
For the most part, the buttons themselves feel and perform very well. The D-pad and face buttons all have a much more solid tactile operation to them, almost exactly like those seen on the Nintendo DSi. They are also a bit smaller compared with the 3000, and they aren't as loose as in previous PSP models.
The L and R buttons are much more prominent, too, and we definitely prefer their feel over the clear shoulder buttons that adorn earlier PSPs. As for the Select and Start buttons, we felt that they're placed too close to one another, and for some reason they don't have the tactile click the other buttons have.
The display, volume, and sound buttons have also been moved: they now lie in between the L and R shoulder buttons. They all seem to work fine, but unfortunately you will need to glance at their location when the screen has been slid up in order to use them.
Most of the other switches and sliders remain basically in the same areas as preceding PSP models: the power/hold toggle is still on the lower right side and the wireless switch is on the lower left side, immediately below the new M2 Micro memory card slot.
As noted, the PSP Go does add Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity. That should make it easy to connect wireless headsets, though we could not get it to pair with one stereo Bluetooth headset that otherwise worked fine with an iPhone. However, the addition of Bluetooth does add the somewhat curious ability to control the PSP with a PS3 controller--though to set that up, you'll need to link both the portable and the controller to a PS3 simultaneously via USB cables.
Like the PSP 3000, this model has a built-in microphone for such applications as Skype calls via Wi-Fi. The microphone is located in between the analog stick and Select and Start buttons. (You can also opt to use a mic-enabled wired or Bluetooth headset instead.)
Two things you won't find on the PSP Go: a second analog stick and a touch screen. The former has long been on the wish list for the PSP, since it would effectively duplicate the familiar control scheme found on the PS2 and PS3. That would make (for instance) first-person shooters much easier to play. The dearth of a touch screen is notable because rival gaming platforms DS/DSi and iPhone/iPod Touch both utilize them. A touch screen on the PSP would also have allowed for an onscreen keyboard for Web surfing and data entry--both of which remain a chore.
Games and multimedia
With the removal of the UMD slot, all gaming and multimedia must be accessed via the 16GB of internal storage or a M2 Micro memory stick. Users can download software off of the PlayStation Store directly to their PSP Go (it's got built-in Wi-Fi) or transfer data from their PC or PlayStation 3 via USB.
Sony will also be selling bigger-budget downloadable games (that will also be available on UMD) and for those titles we recommend transferring the data directly off your PC or your PS3 rather than using the Wi-Fi connection on your PSP. For example, our download of Motorstorm: Arctic Edge (520MB) took more than 2 hours to complete from the Go. When we grabbed it off our PC, it took less than 20 minutes.
As of October 1, Sony is pledging to expand the available online offerings to include more than 225 games, 2,300 movies, and 13,300 TV episodes. Among the key games will be brand new (and highly anticipated) titles such as Gran Turismo and MotorStorm: Arctic Edge. Other notable PSP favorites include PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe, Monster Hunter: Freedom Unite, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10, Madden NFL 10, Soulcaliber: Broken Destiny, Beaterator, God of War: Chains of Olympus, Daxter, Star Wars: Battlefront II, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas, Tetris, and Fieldrunners. While you'll be able to download these games directly from the PlayStation Store, the newly announced Amazon.com PSN store does not have access to some titles in the Sony store.
As we said, in an effort to compete with the microtransaction-based download system that's been so successful with the iPhone and the iPod Touch, Sony's doing its best add a similar element of casual gaming to its PlayStation Store. At the forefront of the initiative are PSP Minis, a new type of bite-size casual game offered exclusively on the PlayStation Store, starting October 1. To be clear, these games aren't exclusive to the PSP Go (any PSP owner can download these games to a memory card), but their launch is tied in with the launch of the Go. Games can be bought online by loading up with PlayStation Store credits or buying prepaid cards at retailers (which provide a unique unlock code). As of now, PSP Minis range in price from $5 to $10--a bit more than what customers might be accustomed to paying in other places like Apple's App Store.
The PlayStation Store isn't the most intuitive experience we've had using an online app store. You can't see screenshots of games and, for the most part, they aren't necessarily organized in the most logical of ways. Plus, once you've started a download, your PSP Go is essentially locked down, meaning you can't use it for anything else until your download is complete.
If you have content across multiple Sony devices, you're going to want link the Go to your online PlayStation Network account to ensure that it will be able to play or view whatever you've purchased (games and video). This isn't the most practical process, but it does work, and the fact that you can share content with up to five Sony devices (PSPs and PS3s) is really convenient. The best deals are the so-called PSone classics--games originally designed for the original PlayStation that can be played on either the PSP or the PS3. Buy them once, and download them to any of the PSPs or PS3s on your account, at no extra charge.
For those PSP owners who may be upgrading to the Go, you'll have to manually move saved files over to your new system since your Pro Duo stick is no good on the new device. Of course, this process is only worthwhile if the game you're trying to play has been downloaded off the PlayStation Store. The lack of a UMD drive prevents you from playing all of your old UMD-based games, and--despite early rumors--there's also no trade-in program for existing UMD games at this time. That's another reason current PSP owners will want to think twice before upgrading.
Beyond gaming, the PSP Go is also a solid multimedia portable. In addition to playback of videos, digital music, and photos, it's also got a built-in rudimentary Web browser. Additionally, it's got a dedicated Internet radio player as well (though, again, setting it up and accessing music is somewhat more convoluted than it should be).
Separate cables must be purchased in order to hook the PSP Go up to a TV. You'll have the option of buying either a composite or component cable for displaying videos and games.
Operating system
The PSP Go seems to be running a slightly modified operating system than the older PSPs. Our review sample is running a software version 5.70, while our PSP 3000 is updated to 6.00. There are slight differences between the two versions as far as we can tell, most likely due in part to the fact that the PSP Go's slider affects the device's behavior.
For example, when the screen is closed (slid down), the device enters a sort of screensaver mode, where an analog clock and date are displayed. You can hit both shoulder buttons together to bring up a calendar and scroll through the months by hitting either L or R. When slid back open, you're returned back to the cross media bar (XMB). You can also change the way the PSP Go behaves when the screen is closed. Instead of the clock display, you can set it to go to sleep. While playing a video, you can close the display and continue watching. (If you really want to turn the PSP Go off, you'll need to hold the power switch for about three seconds. Slide the switch or the screen to power it up again.)
The only other significant improvement on the PSP Go's firmware is the option to pause a game and return to the cross media bar. During gameplay, hitting the PlayStation logo button in the bottom left corner of the screen will bring up a menu similar to the older PSP's home button options. By selecting "Pause Game" you can essentially freeze your game and return to it later by clicking "Resume Game" under the game icon in the XMB. It does take about 10 seconds to pause a game, but we found this to be a very useful feature.
Performance and battery life
While there are some rumors that the PSP Go sports a faster chipset that may offer performance benefits in the future, we didn't notice any discernible differences between our review sample and the PSP 3000 we had on hand. Playing the digital version of Motorstorm: Arctic Edge, the load times were virtually identical on both devices and the games played the same.
Much like the iPhone, the PSP has never been known for offering great battery life. And while the PSP Go seems to perform roughly the same as the PSP 2000 and 3000, it's important to note that the battery isn't user-replaceable, which means you can't just carry around an extra battery to swap in during long road trips or flights. This seems to have been a deliberate move by Sony to combat piracy, as previous PSP models have been exploited via custom battery packs such as Pandora's Battery.
Sony claims a fully charged PSP Go should net you around 3 to 6 hours of gaming time. We were able to squeeze just over 5 hours playing MotorStorm: Arctic Edge with the brightness on the lowest level and the volume only up 25 per cent. Of course your results may vary depending on your display settings. We were hoping for better battery life--especially considering there are no longer any moving parts--but the PSP Go's battery performance appears to be on par with the 3000's.
On a related note, we noticed that in other PSP models, you can manually check the battery's current status, but we couldn't find the same option in the PSP Go's system settings. Perhaps that feature will arrive with the next firmware upgrade (as noted, our system had system 5.7 firmware even though system 6.0 is the current version for other PSP models).
Accessories
Included with the PSP Go you get an AC adapter, a USB cord, Media Go software, and an instruction manual. Unlike previous models, the PSP Go does not offer a standard mini-USB port. Instead, everything has to be connected via a proprietary port. That includes the AC adapter, the USB cord (the Go charges when connected to a USB port on your PC), and the aforementioned PSP Go AV cable accessories that allow you to view games and videos on a TV screen.
The included Media Go software lets you convert most videos for playback on the PSP Go and can rip audio CDs to the device as well. The software acts as a mediator (think iTunes for an iPod) between your PC and PSP Go. (Plenty of other software--such as Format Factory--is also available to handle the conversion of videos to a PSP-friendly format.)
Conclusion
As we said in the intro, the PSP Go represents a bold move for Sony. In terms of design, this model, which is the sleekest and most pocket-friendly PSP yet, is very appealing, though not without a few downsides. However, its success will largely depend on the software that runs on it and whether Sony is able to get a large number of developers on board to produce inexpensive, compelling games, along with a core staple of AAA titles that fully exploit the PSP's graphics and gameplay advantages (yes, this remains a powerful little system) .
Because we've yet to see what Sony will offer as far as PSP Minis or additional nongaming applications, it's hard to pass final judgment on the Go at this time. For now it's safe to say that this is a sexy gaming handheld that's got potential but is overpriced at $250. If Sony had launched its PSP franchise with this model we wouldn't be as nitpicky. But as it stands, with the existence of the perfectly good $170 PSP 3000, it's really hard to tell people to go run out and buy the Go, which is limited by the number of games it can currently play.
Of course, as Sony works out the transitional kinks, builds out its PSP Minis offerings, and perhaps offers up some interesting, nongaming apps, we'll update our review accordingly.
Make no mistake: the PSP Go is a work in progress. Buy it if it strikes your fancy but realize that it's got some maturing to do. And also be aware that by the time it hits its stride, it will probably cost less--or may even be replaced by a better model.
In the meantime, if Sony were to lower the price of the PSP Go, create a smoother, more intuitive PlayStation Store experience, and offer all the titles available on the PSP platform in the PlayStation Store, we'd have a much easier time recommending the system over the current PSP 3000.
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Comparison Between Top Consoles: Sony PlayStation 3 Slim (120GB), Sony PlayStation 3 (60GB), Microsoft Xbox 360 Elite, Sony PlayStation 3 (80GB), Nintendo Wii.
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Needless to say, Sony hopes that a trimmed down--and less expensive--PS3 Slim will similarly invigorate sales of the PlayStation 3, which has lagged behind the Nintendo Wii and the Microsoft Xbox 360 and has taken some of the luster off the PlayStation brand (even as earlier versions of the PS3 received high marks from this publication). To many industry observers, the Slim PS3 represents a moment of reckoning for the PS3--a chance at redemption if you will--and clearly some serious engineering has gone into the creation of Sony's latest black gaming box and media player.
If you're a fan of the PS3 or have been sitting on the fence, waiting for its price to drop to $299, the good news is that from a features standpoint, the 120GB Slim PS3 is nearly identical to the 80GB and the 160GB "fat" PS3 models that Sony's in the process of phasing out. Aside from losing the capability to install another OS (Linux) on your PS3, nothing much else has changed. You still get built-in Wi-Fi connectivity (the Xbox 360 Wi-Fi adapter is a $100 add-on accessory), two USB ports for plugging in external storage devices and charging the PS3's Bluetooth wireless controller (one DualShock 3 controller comes with the Slim), and the same built-in Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player with BD-Live capabilities.
Like its predecessor, the Slim also supports playback of MPEG-1, MPEG-2, and MPEG-4/h.264 video files from USB or disc-based media, as well as JPEG image viewing (the slideshow functionality is quite impressive). Like the Xbox 360, the PS3 can act as a digital media hub, with the ability to stream content from any DLNA-compatible network device, including PCs and network attached hard drives. And you also get a built-in Web browser (optional Bluetooth keyboards are available), which is serviceable, though not as good as any of the major browsers available for PCs.
Around back, you'll find an Ethernet jack, an HDMI output (no cable included), an optical digital audio output (SPDIF), and the proprietary PlayStation AV output for analog audio and video. A composite AV cable ships with the unit, and because it uses the same connector as the PlayStation 2, that system's S-Video and component cables should work with it, as well (to get HD video, you'll need component or HDMI).
The bad news is that Sony didn't add new features to the Slim. Alas, while we didn't think the company would be nice enough to throw in an IR receiver so you could control the PS3 with a standard IR universal remote, Sony has eschewed IR again. Also, if you're pining to play your collection of PS2 games on Slim, you'll be disappointed to note that backward capability remains a thing of the past (the option only existed only on some of the earlier PS3 systems Sony released).
The story here, then, is all about design, and it's generally a good one. For starters, the Slim is 33 percent smaller and 36 percent lighter than its predecessors, and it really does look significantly more compact when you put it up against the "fat" PS3. Beauty, of course, is in the eye of the beholder, and many people, including this reviewer, think the Slim's new frame is fairly fetching.
Yet, we've also heard people say that the new "textured," or matte, finish gives the system a cheaper look. Maybe so, but pick the Slim up and it feels quite substantial. And while we're sure Sony doesn't want people referring to the Slim using adjectives like cheap (except when it comes to the price tag), the company does want this PS3 to appear more "casual" and appeal to a wider audience (read: casual gamers).
In that regard, the PS3 Slim's new design and finish seem well thought out. And the new system is not without a little glam--there's a mirrored strip on the front of the unit next to the opening of the slot-loading disc player and some glossy plastic on the sides. Those shiny finishes, like the glossy finish on the "fat" PS3, do pick up fingerprints, and it's also worth noting that the matte finish does absorb the oil from your skin and attracts smudges. In other words, if you end up handling your PS3, expect to have to wipe it off from time to time just like the old "fat" model.
More important than some branding changes (the PS3 logo and lettering has undergone a redesign), the touch-sensitive power on/off and eject buttons on the front of the unit have been replaced by standard push buttons and the master power switch that was on the back of the old unit has been removed (alas, you still can't charge the controllers while the system is off).
Some people will like that the master power switch is gone, but parents with small children would probably prefer if Sony had left it on the back to keep their toddlers from accidentally turning on the system. The new button in front is nice and responsive and doesn't require too firm a touch to turn the system either on or off (this system appears to boot up just as quickly as the old system--in just less than 20 seconds), so your little ones will have no problem firing up your PS3 in your absence.
According to Sony, to achieve the new small size, the internal design architecture of the PS3 Slim has been completely redesigned, "from the main semiconductors and power supply unit to the cooling mechanism." As always, we're impressed that Sony engineers have been able to build the power supply into the system itself rather than forcing you to deal with a giant external power supply like the one found on the Xbox 360.
The PS3 Slim is powered by a new 45nm version of the Cell processor, which runs at the same speed as the 60nm processor in the "old" PS3 but is smaller and more energy efficient. Company representatives said that power consumption for the Slim has been cut from 280 watts to 250 watts. (We'll be verifying the Slim's power consumption with our own independent testing soon.)
Ramping down the power consumption and, more importantly, the heat the system generates has let Sony tone down the cooling fan. With the Slim, you'll still hear some fan noise if you're close to the unit, but the hum is fainter, and it shouldn't bother you during quieter scenes in movies so long as you're not sitting right next to the PS3. (Fan noise on the previous systems varied wildly; some were noticeably loud, others were all but silent.) We also noticed that after playing a game and Blu-ray Disc for more than an hour, the light breeze the fan emitted was warm but not hot (you can hold your hand up to it without fear of getting scorched).
A couple final notes about the design: With earlier PS3s you could prop your unit up vertically or lay it down horizontally. Out of the box, the Slim is designed to be used in a horizontal position, but Sony will sell a $24 stand that lets you stand it up vertically and not worry about having it tip over. And in case you were wondering, you can also upgrade/replace the hard drive without voiding the warranty, though Sony has moved the hard drive from the side of the unit to the front for easier access. (To remove the hard drive, you simply unscrew two screws on the bottom of the Slim that are covered by a small door that snaps open and closed.) The only caveat: the Slim uses the smaller 2.5-inch drive size generally found in laptops. They're more expensive than the larger 3.5-inch hard drives that go into desktop computers.
We ran some tests of disc load times and some basic Blu-ray performance tests and came to the conclusion that the Slim runs just as well as the older model and keeps the PS3 near the top of our Best Blu-ray Players list.
At this point, as we await the release of version 3.00 of the PS3 firmware (it comes out September 1, 2009), there's not a whole lot to say about our experience using the PS3 Slim because it was, well, pretty much like using the "fat" PS3. That leaves us with some pre-existing qualms with the PS3 experience versus that of the Xbox 360. While we like that the PlayStation Network is free (versus Xbox Live's $50 per year fee), it's also a bit less full-formed. Yes, downloadable movies, TV shows, and games are available (all for per-download prices), and now the system includes the Netflix streaming subscription found on the 360. However, PS3 owners must use a BD-Live Blu-ray Disc every time they want to stream a movie. Hulu video--once available through the browser--is now blocked (Hulu's fault, not Sony's). Thankfully, the Play On software offers a work-around, but it'll require you to leave your PC running to view those services.
At the end of the day, you can quibble about the Slim's new casual look, the lack of backward compatibility for PS2 games, no IR port, and such former extras as a built-in memory card reader and extra USB ports (we'd still like one on the back of the unit). But the fact is the PS3 Slim costs half of what the original PS3 cost when it first launched. It's also smaller, more energy efficient, quieter, and retains virtually all the impressive gaming, multimedia, and home-theater functionality of previous PS3s. In short, there's a lot of machine here for $299.
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As you may have noticed, we had a chance to get our hands on a fairly interesting little tablet made by ICD dubbed the Ultra. The 7-inch, touchscreen tablet (resistive in the version we saw, but with capacitive versions to come) sports quite an impressive set of specs, including a 1GHz Tegra T20 CPU, 512MB of RAM and 512MB of ROM, 4GB of hardwired storage, 2G / 3G radios, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1, a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, HDMI out, USB 2.0, and a microSD slot. The device also has an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, and 3.5mm headphone jack. The version we had a chance to play with -- a prototype running Android 2.0 -- was blazingly fast when it came to 1080p playback and web browsing (as you can see in the video), but was pretty incomplete as far as the rest of the software was concerned (though the company says they're working on optimizing the experience all around). In terms of pricing, ICD reps didn't have a solid number, though they said they expect the Ultra to sell for somewhere in the $249 price range, with potential for free, subsidized versions depending on what kind of deals they work out with partners. We expect to see a whole slew of devices like this at CES in just a few weeks, but this is nice a taste of things to come. Check out our exclusive hands-on pics in the gallery below!
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