PS3 Memory Card Adapter (Official)
Manufacturer: Sony
Site: Buy from Goldenshop
Price: $20.00-$26.00


Overview : With the PLAYSTATION®3 memory card adaptor, game save information from PlayStation® and PlayStation®2 Memory Cards can now be transferred onto the PLAYSTATION®3 hard-disk drive. This allows players to access all of their old games without starting over, keep earned scores and items, and continue where they left off on their PlayStation® and PlayStation®2 games.

Features

• Official Memory Card Adapter
• Enables PlayStation™ and PlayStation2™ memory card data transfer to PlayStation3™ HDD
• USB Connection

Quality/Usability : When the PlayStation 3 launched, it had backwards compatibility thanks to the 20GB and 60GB. Of course, everyone wanted to try out the backwards compatibility whether it be PS1 or PS2 games. But how can we continue from where we left off without having to start all over? Sony has released an adapter that lets you insert your original PlayStation and PlayStation 2 memory cards into the PlayStation 3 using a little USB Memory Card Adapter.

With this adapter, you no longer have to start from scratch. The adapter consists of a small black box that measures approximately 2.25" x 2" x 0.75". On one end, is one slot where the memory card goes into and on the other end is where you connect the USB cord. Unfortunately, no USB cord is included so you'll have to use the USB cord that came with your PlayStation 3.

Once the adapter and memory card is connected to the PlayStation 3, the memory card shows up under Game section of the XMB and you'll find a Memory Card Utility. When you press "X", a message will pop up telling you that the selected memory card will copy to the hard drive and do you want to continue?. Choosing "YES" will prompt you to give the internal memory card a name. It will then copy over your game saves. Copying of game saves takes a couple of seconds to a couple of minutes depending how many saves you have on your PS1 and PS2 memory card.

As of version 1.80 firmware, you can copy saved data from PlayStation or PlayStation 2 format software stored on their PS3 system to a Memory Card (15 blocks) or Memory Card (8MB) (for PlayStation 2), using your PS3 system and a Memory Card Adapter.

The adapter will not work with cards that have more than 8MB (PS2) or 15 blocks (PS1) of storage space. So if you have a 3rd party manufacturer memory card such as HORI or MadCatz, that has more storage space than Sony's, you wont be able to copy them over.

Conclusion : Overall, the PS3 Memory Card Adapter is great for those who own a backwards compatible PlayStation 3 such as the 20GB, 60GB and 80GB and want to transfer their game saves from the PS1 or PS2 memory card to the PS3. No USB cable is included, so you'll have to use the USB cable that came with the PlayStation 3. You're unable to use any memory cards that are bigger than 8MB or 15 blocks. So you'll have to go and purchase a PS2 memory card or borrow someones card in order for you to transfer from your 3rd party card to the Official Sony card to the PS3 via the adapter. As of version 1.80 firmware on the PS3, you're able to copy saves from PS3 to memory card. But I see this adapter not being used often.

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PS3IR-X1 IR Receiver Remote Adapter
Manufacturer: Schmartz
Site: Buy from Schmartz
Price: $35.00


Overview : This is the original snazzy looking version that plugs into a PS3 USB port. The look is sleek. It follows the contours of the front of the PS3 and has the same shiny black surface. When installed, it looks just like it is part of the PS3!

This device accepts PS2 compatible IR commands and converts them to PS3 game controller key presses via USB.

Plug it in and... It just works!

For best results, program your universal remote control for Sony PS2 mode.

Do not mistake this device with other competing products. This one actually works. This device is specially tuned for trouble free operation. It will work flawlessly right away, even when navigating using the arrow keys.

Note: This model will not Power ON the PS3 since the PS3 firmware doesn't enable this function for USB devices. It supports the same functionality as a game controller with the exception of the PS key.

Features

• Supports basic set of 31 commands
• Compatible with all universal remotes
• Uses PS2 infra-red codes
• Attractive form-factor

Quality/Usability : Having purchased a Logitech Harmony Advanced Remote to eliminate the amount of remotes laying around, the PlayStation 3 failed to help the cause. The PS3 does not use infrared (IR) but instead, uses bluetooth. If you are using a IR universal remote, there are different methods of using it.

Sony released their own DVD remote for the PlayStation 2 (model SCHP-10150). When the PS2 first launched, the DVD remote included a IR receiver. As newer PS2's were released, the IR was built in and the dongle was no longer being packaged in. For those that is able to find one or still have the original PS2 DVD remote, you can use IR receiver and a PS2 to PS3 controller adapter, since the PS3 doesnt have PS2 controller port.

Another option is to buy a 3rd party DVD remote that uses IR such as Nyko's Blu-Wave Infrared Remote but you spent all that money for a IR receiver and a remote you wont be using?

Schmartz is here to solve your problems. The PS3IRX1 is a IR receiver that connects to the USB port of your PS3 and allows you to use your universal remote. As mentioned above, I tested this nifty device with my Logitech Harmony Advanced Remote. To set up the PS3IRX1, simply plug it into any of the USB ports on the front of the PlayStation 3.

Now, to setup the Logitech Harmony Remote, I simply connected the remote to my computer. Set up an "Activity" and "Device" and chose "Sony PlayStation 2". The reason I didnt choose Sony PlayStation 3 is since the universal remote does not use Bluetooth, choosing the PS3 wouldnt work and even Logitech says that the remote would not work. Choosing the PS2 also gives that message but ignore this message as their database is a bit outdated. If you are using a more complex and advanced controller, you are able to enter HEX codes to your controller.

Choosing the PS3 instead of the PS2 only caused problems since none of the buttons really worked for me. Choosing the PS2, all the buttons were mapped. FF, RR, Chapter Skips, Play, Pause, Menu, etc. all worked without problems. Unfortunately, there is no eject and most importantly, ON/OFF. The ON/OFF is however, available on the PS3IR+PWR IR (review).

Conclusion : Overall, the PS3IRX1 IR Remote Adapter works great. Installation is easy...then again, its plug and play. Setting up your universal remote is very easy and will work. Have problems or questions? the support that AVSForums as well as from Mike Muecke (owner/designer), provide excellent customer support. People are willing to help, give tips and Mike is there every step of the way until you get your problems fixed.

However, $35.00 is a bit pricey considering Mike is a one-man show designing, building, testing, packing and shipping the PS3IRX1 all by himself. Not to mention customer service all from the US of A! Now that Mike has a manufacturer mass producing it to keep up with the demand, hopefully this will lower the price.

What I love about Mike is that he's honest and is upfront...


You can get the Nyko Blu-Wave IR Remote for approximately $15.00, but you'll end up with a extra remote that you wont use and the IR dongle will stick out like a thumbdrive. The product is very sturdy, blends in with the PS3 very well, but is a dust and fingerprint magnet like the PS3. For an extra $20, I dont need the fancy packaging. So as long product works and if I need help, I know that a person with knowledge of the product can help me.

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Evolve Wild Jungle Edition PSP Faceplate
Manufacturer: Talismoon
Site: Buy from Divineo China (Cow Fur) / Buy from Divineo China (Leopard Fur)
Price: $14.95


Overview : With Talismoon range of Evolve 'Wild Jungle' edition for the PSP, gamers are treated to extreme levels of comfort thanks to a soft 'like fur' finish, as well as refreshing and unique new look. Xbox 360 controller come complete with everything needed for a pain-free install, and each fur faceplate pattern will be unique. Styles consist of a 'cow' or striking 'leopard' fur finish. Jungle Edition is also available for Xbox 360.

Quality/Usability : Packaging design is very thought out and cleaver. With the inclusion of an installation guide, torx wrench and screwdriver, installation would be very easy. The quality of build is top-notch. Talismoon has never disappointed anyone with their line of products. The face of the faceplate feels really nice. I guess its similar to like a fur coat but not as long. Not to mention, you dont have to worry about it shedding. The faceplate fits perfectly on the PSP without any problems. They also included a set of buttons to be used instead of the original PSP buttons. I personally prefer the original buttons but they dont as good with the faceplate. The feel of the buttons are great but thats just me.

Included:

• 1x PSP Faceplate
• 1x set of PSP diamond series buttons (original psp buttons can also be used)
• 1x optimal precision jeweler's screwdriver
• 1x illustrated installation diagrams
• 1x unique polishing cloth

Conclusion : The Evolve Wild Jungle Edition is a great product and unique as well. It has a nice feel to it so its not bothersome. Since its made of "fur", the only problem would be for those with sweaty palms. Would it smell? Getting stains on it and removing it would be hard as well. Besides that, this is a great product. I wonder if they would come out with a product with snake skin or something like that.

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PSP Dust Cover Set
Manufacturer: 3rd Party
Site: Buy from Brando
Price: $7.00

Overview : Prevent the dust from the USB port, DC IN and Headphone jack into the inner part of the PSP console.

Features :

• Cover the holes of the PSP console to prevent the dust
• 1pc cover for USB port
• 2pcs cover for DC IN
• 2pcs cover for Headphone

Quality/Usability : The title pretty much says it all. It covers the ports to prevent any dust from entering your PSP. Well honestly, there are other locations dust can enter your PSP such as buttons, directional pad, speakers, UMD tray, etc. Reason to use this? I have no clue!

You either need the ports open inorder to use them or if you use these port covers, you'll eventually either get tired of having to place them and taking them out or you'll lose them. Plus, isnt that what carry cases are for?

The covers themselves fit into the ports pretty well and protect dust from going into your PSP. But yea, thats about it!

Conclusion : Overall, the dust covers does its job but whats the point of making this? If you use your PSP often or have a carry case, there is no point in using this. If you do use this, you'll either lose it or get tired of having to place them and taking them out when you need to use the port.

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Blaze PSP Protector Pack
Manufacturer: Blaze
Site: Buy from Blaze
Price: $19.99

Overview : A collection of nine ‘must-have’ essentials to protect the PSP, games and UMD movies when on the move. INCLUDES Xploder Music Studio for PSP (normally £9.99).

Features :

• Xploder Music Studio for PSP: Import your own Music CDs to MP3. Includes CD Database internet query for album, track and artist details. Create MP3, AAC and WAV playlists, music folders and more, then simply drag onto your PSP - for music on the go! You can also 'drag and drop' your AAC or MP3 songs from iTunes into Xploder Music Studio, copy to your PSP and listen on the move! Compatible with MP3, AAC and WAV music files.
• UMD Radial Cleaner: With their own protective casing, UMDs are hard to clean. Leave them lying around and they'll soon accumulate dust and grime that in-turn causes potential playback problems. The UMD Radial Cleaner helps keep your UMD discs clean; Simply insert and UMD Movie or Game into the Radial Cleaner, and with just a few quick turns of the handle and the disc is free from dirt! The UMD Radial Cleaner uses a soft, non abrasive pad to remove dust quickly and efficiently, ensuring your UMDs and PSP run as smoothly as possible.
• Crystal Protector Case: The Crystal Protector is a clear shell that encases your PSP for protection from knocks and scratches. The clear finish ensures your PSP still looks good, whilst the cut-outs enable you to play and access most functionality without the need to remove the Protector. The Crystal Protector has a simple 2 piece click-on, click-off design for easy attachment or removal.
• Metal Armour Case: When you need the ultimate protection for your PSP, the Metal Armour Case fits the bill! Soft on the inside, hard on the outside, the Metal Armour Case takes all the knocks, whilst the padded interior ensures your PSP is safe and sound.
• Screen Protector and Cloth: Protect your game screen from ugly scratches with the Screen Protector. Simply clean the PSP screen with the lint-free, non-abrasive cloth and attach the Screen Protector film. Can be easily removed and re-applied.
• USB to PSP Cable with Charger: The easiest way to get connected. The cable features a standard PC USB connector at one end and a USB Mini connector at the other for connecting your PC to your PSP. Used with Windows or compatible software, you can 'drag and drop' your favourite movies, music, gamesaves and photos straight to your PSP Memory Stick. The cable also incorporates a USB Charger so you can charge your PSP from any USB enabled PC - eliminating the need to carry the bulky AC Adaptor around!
• 3x UMD Cases: Three robust UMD Cases for the safe transportation of your UMD Movies and Games - providing protection from dust, scratches and damage.

Quality/Usability : Since there are so many products to review in one review, I’ll make it short and simple:

• Xploder Music Studio for PSP: You can read review here
• UMD Radial Cleaner: Its pretty simple. Just open up Radial Cleaner, insert UMD, close Radial Cleaner and spin cover. It does a pretty good job at cleaning the UMD from dust or finger prints. It also comes with an extra swab incase the first one is dirty
• Crystal Protector Case: The Crystal Protector Case is just a clear plastic covering. One for the back of the PSP and one for the front. Placing them onto the PSP is simple. Just snap them on. The front case has cut outs two big holes cut out for the buttons and directional pad. There are also openings for the buttons at the bottom of the PSP. Only drawback about the back case is that you can not access the UMD tray. So if you need to swap games, you need to remove the casing. Also, if you need to access the memory stick or battery, you have to remove the back casing.
• Metal Armour Case: The case is similar to the Aero Case but with a metal look to it. Doesn’t hold any UMDs or memory sticks. Pretty good protection for the PSP.
• Screen Protector and Cloth: The screen protector is clear and easy to apply. Also comes with a small card to help you smooth out the screen protector when applying. The cloth itself is clear as well and feels like a micro-fiber (same as used for wiping glasses).
• USB to PSP Cable with Charger: Nothing special here. Transfers data to and from your PSP to PC. It also charges the PSP as well.
• 3x UMD Cases: The UMD cases are made of hard plastic. Similar to that of DVD, PS2, Xbox, DS cases. The UMDs fit snuggly in place and removing them from the case is pretty easy as well. Not much force is needed to separate them. It would have been nice if they were attachable to each other and maybe slightly smaller.

Conclusion : Overall, for the price of the Protector Pack, this is a great starter pack of accessories for you those new PSP owners. It has everything you need. The metal armour case, screen protector and USB data charger cable alone is worth it, as those are the most essential in protecting your PSP. But by now, if you own a PSP, you ...

Xploder Movie Player with Music Studio and Media Centre
Manufacturer: Blaze
Site: Buy from Blaze
Price: $19.99

Overview : Blow your PSP wide open with Xploder PSP Movie Player and Media Centre and USB cable! Convert your movie collection (DivX, MPEG 1&2, AVI, MOV), convert CDs to MP3, manage your MP3, AAC, MP4, and WAV music collection, access the latest PSP cheat saves, organise your JPEG, BMP, PNG and TIF images and more!

Xploder PSP Movie Player and Media Centre is a movie conversion, media management and game enhancement kit available for anyone with a PSP console, connecting your PC to the PSP and giving you full control.

Xploder PSP Movie Player and Media Centre lets you convert your PC movie files (MPEG 1 & 2, DIVX, AVI, MOV) easily for playback on PSP - Now you can watch your favourite movies on the move! Simply drag and drop from PC panel to Memory Stick in Xploder PSP Movie Player and Media Centre and your movie gets converted automatically; it couldn't be simpler!

The PSP console is a handy MP3 player, and PSP Xploder Movie Player and Media Centre is the perfect application to help you catalogue your MP3s by artist or genre on PC, and then simply copy to your PSP for music on the go.

Whats even cooler is we've added a CD import function that lets you convert any of your CDs into MP3s! The PSP Media Centre even calls them by the correct song names!

PSP Xploder Movie Player also works alongside iTunes, allowing AAC or MP3 tracks to be “dragged and dropped” from iTunes* into the Music Studio and your PSP. Xploder Music Studio will even automatically change the extension of your iTunes AAC tracks from M4A to MP4 for seamless transfer to PSP.

You can Copy, Delete, Download and Upload saves and media files between PC, Memory Stick and Xploder online database, and save valuable space on your Memory Stick by backing up files to your PC.

The downloadable Xploder cheat saves let you get ahead in your new games instantly - includes cheat saves for top games including Burnout, Ridge Racer, Tony Hawk's Underground Remix, Wipeout Pure and more!

Download latest cheat saves for new releases and unlock new characters, secret levels and more tracks.

Xploder Movie Player and Media Centre for PSP utilizes real-time RSS technology to keep you updated with the latest PSP saves available for download, and other PSP news.

PSP Xploder Movie Player and Media Centre comes with a high speed USB cable to connect your PSP to your PC for quick and secure data transfer.

Quality/Usability : The Xploder Movie Player with Media Centre comes in a tin case. Inside the tin case is an instruction manual, software CD and USB cable that doubles as a data cable and charges your PSP. The purpose of the Movie Player is to load photos, movies and MP3s onto your PSP as simple as dragging files from one window to another. Movie files are automatically converted so that they can be played on your PSP. The Media Centre is compatible with MPEG 1, 2, 4, AVI, MOV and DIVX - it converts to MPEG4 automatically and makes it quick and easy to transfer the final file to your PSP. Sometimes it doesn’t work too well.

Also included is a MP3 ripping tool, which allows you to rip your CD's to mp3's directly onto the PSP's memory stick. You can also drag and drop MP3's from iTunes to the Media Centre, from where they can be transferred to the memory stick. The Media Centre helps you create playlists, obtain track and artist details, and even allows you to play music from iTunes on your PSP.

The Media Centre does not allow you to browse any files on your hard drive from where you can load them to your memory stick such as Desktop or any place on the hard drive where you have stored your files. You first need to copy files into four preset folders (saved games, movies, photos and music) from there, you can copy them to the memory stick.

The software itself is a bit slow at loading things. There were at times where I would click something and I would have to wait. There are benefits to using this software besides conversion and file management. You can download saved games from the Xploder website. You can connect to the database directly through the software, download the files to your PC, and then simply drag and drop them across to your PSP.

Conclusion : Overall, the software is good for those who are new to the PSP scene. This is a great all-in-one product to start off with. If you’re computer savvy, you probably don’t need this with a little search on other PSP sites or GOOGLE as there are other programs that lets you convert movies already. One thing that I noticed is that if you use this to convert movies, you’ll need a high capacity memory stick. Probably nothing lower than 1GB. The data/charger cable alone is a great product. It would have been nice if they could have had MAC support as well as there isn’t much support for that platform.

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Logic3 UMD Game Case
Manufacturer: Logic3
Site: Buy from Logic3
Price: £5.99

Overview : Storage cases for PSP UMD. Pack of four, each holding one UMD.

Features :

• Pack of Four Cases
• High Quality PVC Material
• Design of case allows UMD Text to be read without removing the UMD from the case
• Helps to protect the UMD from dust and fingerprints

Quality/Usability : The UMD Game Cases are made of high quality plastic material. The cases come in four different clear colors; blue, orange, clear and red. Since the cases are clear, you would be able to see the front and back of the UMD. This will make it easier to view which UMD it is without having to remove them out of the case. The protective cases are very light. Each case held the UMD very snug and it was easy to insert and remove the UMD.

Conclusion : Overall, these are very attractive UMD cases. I personally prefer the clear case over all the other colored cases. It would have been nice if the cases were able latch on to each other so that they all stick together.

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PSP Sound Dock
Manufacturer: Logic3
Site: Buy from Logic3
Price: £14.99

Overview : Portable sound system for your PSP. Able to use MP3 and CD Player with speakers. Includes (4) AA batteries and nylon case.

Features :

• 3Watts RMS
• Stereo speaker drivers
• Foldable design for compact storage
• 4 x AA battery operated (supplied) or can use PSP AC adaptor
• Docking station for re-charging & music/movie playback
• 3.5mm Stereo Line In Port for other audio devices such as iPod and CD players
• Nylon Carry Case

Quality/Usability : This is Logic3’s second sound dock system. Their latest one is the 2.1 Sound System. The Travel Sound Dock isn’t really that portable to travel around with. Although the speakers do fold down for compactness, the thickness of the dock itself is huge. The Sound Dock is similar to the 2.1 Sound System just not as powerful and doesn’t have the subwoofer. You can use the dock either by using (4) AA batteries (included) or you can use your PSP AC adaptor. A nice feature is 3.5mm stereo line. This allows you to not only connect your PSP but also your MP3, CD player or electronic device and use it as a generic speaker.

The sound on the sound dock is pretty good. Don’t expect any heavy thumping since it does not have a subwoofer. The sound is clear and crisp though. There was a slight distortion when the volume on the PSP and dock is set to highest settings but how often will you be putting it on that setting?

The battery life on the sound dock is pretty good. With the 2.1 Sound System, it got approximately 20 hours just from running on (4) AA batteries. With the sound dock, it ran for approximately a little more than 25 hours. This is probably because there was no subwoofer so it didn’t take as much power.

Conclusion : Overall, the sound dock is pretty good. If it wasn’t for the size of the dock, it would have been better. Even though it does come with a nylon carry case, it still doesn’t seem that portable. If you’re in the market for a speaker system for your PSP as well as the ability to use it for your MP3 or CD player, I suggest checking this out if you’re unable to afford the 2.1 Sound System.

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