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ZAGG invisibleSHIELD PSP Slim Lite
Manufacturer: invisibleSHIELD
Site: Buy from invisibleSHIELD
Price: $19.95 (full body coverage); $9.95 (screen coverage)


Overview : Your search for a(n) Sony PSP Slim case, skin, or cover is now over. The invisibleSHIELD™ is an exceptionally clear and virtually indestructible film that will protect your PSP Slim from unsightly scratches. Our exclusive nano-memory™ technology covers and shields your device, keeping it as pristine as the day you took it out of the box.

The precision pre-cut invisibleSHIELD applies directly to your PSP Slim, providing the toughest, most durable protection you will find. The invisibleSHIELD has its origins in the military, where it was used to protect high-speed helicopter blades from dust, dirt and debris. Now you can use that same powerful technology to protect your PSP Slim.

The invisibleSHIELD is only .2 millimeters thick making it the slimmest PSP Slim skin or PSP Slim cover of its kind. It is so tough that we back it with a lifetime guarantee. So, if it ever does wear or scratch, we will replace it for free, for the life of your device. And if you ever need to remove the invisibleSHIELD, no problem; it comes off clean and leaves no sticky residue.

If you're still not convinced, check out our demo video and see for yourself how strong the invisibleSHIELD™ really is.

Features:

• Scratch Proof
• Lifetime Guarantee
• No added bulk
• Improves grip
• Invisible protection

Quality/Usability : With the new release of a smaller and slimmer PSP, I had to jump on it. I loved the original PSP and with the new PSP being slimmer and lighter, it also came in different colors other than black. Granted, the original PSP had black and white (Japan only). In the US, you have black and silver.

Having owned the phat silver DS, I was afraid that the silver PSP my succumb to the same paint chipping. So to protect my investment, thats where invisibleSHIELD comes in. You've probably have either heard of invisibleSHIELD or seen some form of their advertisement such as key scratching ipod, pen trying to go through invisibleSHIELD. They protect everything from your precious iPods, to cellphones to cameras and even your Macbook.

invisibleSHIELD comes in a cardboard box. The box opens up like a tri-fold wallet/folder. On the left side pocket, it holds the invisibleSHIELD (3 sheets) and generic instructions on a piece of paper. The middle also contains generic instructions but printed on the box. The right side holds the squeegee at the top and SHEILDspray at the bottom. The SHIELDspray is just plain water.

I've installed numerous DecalGirl skins on consoles and they were easy. Even if you messed up, peeling and reapplying was easy. So applying the invisibleSHIELD should be an easy walk through the park. Considering the size of the pieces, installation is fairly simple. First, I started off with the front faceplate. They suggest washing your hands so that your fingerprints arent all over the sticky side of the invisibleSHIELD. Next, spray your fingerstips with the SHIELDspray (its basically regular water) and peel the invisibleSHIELD off the paper backing. Once peeled off, hold the invisibleSHIELD in your hands with the adhesive side up. Lightly spray the front (instructions states to spray back also, why? I dont know) of the invisibleSHIELD. DO NOT spray on the PSP itself. Once you have applied water to the invisibleSHIELD. Apply it to your PSP and slide it into place. I lightly sprayed water onto the invisibleSHIELD as there are crevices on the PSP that I do not want water going into. Use the squeegee to push the excess moisture and bubbles away from the center and any openings to the edges. You have to becareful around the buttons, speakers and any open areas. The screen was easy to apply since the faceplate invisibleSHIELD is already in place.

The back contains 4 pieces. One for each side, UMD door and inner circle (PSP logo). I did not use water for this as the pieces were smaller and easier to apply.

Since I'm a perfectionist and a bit anal when it comes to things like this, I didnt have to do much re-adjusting unlike the Macbook invisibleSHIELD. Do remember that when you're peeling the invisibleSHIELD off, the invisibleSHIELD can stretch making it bigger than its suppose to be.

Conclusion : Overall, the ZAGG invisibleSHIELD PSP Slim Lite protected the PSP very well. It covered all of the front and back. The full coverage will cost you $19.95 and the screen only costs $9.95. I personally prefer HORI screen protectors as clings on by static, easy to clean/apply and costs half as much. Although the instructions are generic and the same for all their products, the process is all the same just shaped differently. just But those afraid of getting their PSP scratched should check out invisibleSHIELD.

The Lifetime Guarantee unfortunately only covers the product. They claim its scratch resistant, so if it scratches, they'll replace it. If you mess up, thats ...

XCM PSP Slim Lite Faceplate
Manufacturer: XCM
Site:
Price: $24.99-$27.99


Overview : This ultra high quality faceplate is just what you need to spice up your Sony PSP Slim console! Using a special process to make the faceplate extra smooth, its labeled as the "Smooth as Silk" series from XCM. Using only the highest quality plastic this unique faceplate is sure to please.

Included :

• Comes with 2 sets of replacement fire buttons with different patterns on each.
• Includes 2 Screwdrivers to open your Sony PSP Slim.
• Easy to Install - 10-15 minute installation.

Quality/Usability : Below are two videos on how to remove the faceplate from your PSP Slim and how to install the XCM PSP Slim Lite Faceplate:
(by removing the faceplate, you void you warranty. DCEmu Reviews and DCEmu Networks is not responsible for any damages that user may have caused)


Since the videos above pretty much did all the writing for me on removing and installing the faceplate, I'll talk about the quality and how the pieces fit in place.

The quality of the faceplate is top-notch like all other XCM products. However, I'm not fond of the aftermarket buttons. I never was. They have always felt cheap to me. The XCM PSP Slim Lite Faceplate included two different button pads. Both have different designs. One is dotted to the design of the designated buttons (triangle, X, circle, square) and the other has designs on it. A PlayStation controller acts as the triangle, Xbox logo as the X, UMD disc as the O and a PSP as the square. Having tried both, it seems that one is better than the other. I preferred the one that was dotted but the square button didnt protrude out of the faceplate like it should. But with the other button pad with the system icons, it popped out fine.

Conclusion : Overall, the XCM PSP Slim Lite Faceplate is great for modders. The quality is sturdy but the buttons feel cheap. The square on one of the button pads didnt seem to pop out of the faceplate so playing with the PSP would be troublesome. The smoke and crystal would be my top two choices as its clear and the LED would come through the case.

Images via comments ...

Datel Max Media Dock PSP (Base Unit)
Manufacturer: Datel
Site: Buy from Divineo France
Price: $39.99 (Base Unit); $79.99 (with 1GB Compact Flash card); $119.99 (with 2GB Compact Flash card)

Overview : MAX Media Dock is an amazing new storage device for your SONY PSP handheld.

MAX Media Dock allows you to store and access content saved on any Compact Flash card from your PSP’s browser.

MAX Media Dock is compatible with readily available Compact Flash cards which offer some of the best value flash memory around. Cards up to 8GB can simply be snapped into the MAX Media Dock providing access to huge storage potential on your PSP.

To get all that content onto your MAX Media Dock, use the built in High Speed USB 2.0 port to connect the Media Dock to your PC. Windows will automatically recognize your card allowing you to quickly and easily Drag and Drop content onto it.

MAX Media Dock also includes the renowned MAX Media Manager software which allows you to automatically encode video, audio and images into PSP friendly formats, and even download game saves from the Internet!

MAX Media Dock is also available with 1GB and 2GB Compact Flash cards included, see alternative items.

MAX Media Dock is perfect for Movies, Music, Games, Home Brew and more!

Quality/Usability : The Max Media Dock idea is based off the 4GB hard drive (4GB card enclosed in a case). The difference between the 4GB hard drive and the Max Media Dock is that Datel cut a slot in the Max Media Dock, thus allowing you to insert your own large capacity card of your choice (Compact Flash or Microdrive). Datel states that you can use a card up to 8GB but I was only able to test this with my 4GB Hitachi Microdrive. Datel also offers different packages for the Max Media Dock. Not only do they sell just the unit alone, they also sell the unit with either a 1GB or 2GB Compact Flash card.

The Media Dock acts as a memory stick to compact flash converter. What this means is that it will make the PSP think that you have a high capacity memory stick inserted but what you really have is a compact flash/microdrive. With the use of the dock, you’ll be able to store more homebrew, music, pictures and videos for a cheaper price than purchasing a memory stick.

The dock is well made and sturdy. The setup is similar (not looks) to that of the Neo-PSP. The cable that connects into the memory stick is sturdy as well unlike the thin ribbon on the Neo-PSP. The dock is connected to the back of the PSP by using two little pegs that go into two holes. The dock does add bulk to the back of the PSP and if you don’t already own the X2 battery, the PSP will be lop-sided. Speaking of bulk, if you are using a case such as the PlayGear Pocket, leather case or any case similar, you will have to decide which to keep. With the Compact Flash/Microdrive inserted into the dock, the storage card sticks out of the dock a little. It’s not really noticeable and I personally prefer it to stick out a little. This allows you to easily remove the card if I needed to unlike the Neo-PSP.

So how does it fair for transferring files? I tested the dock with my 4GB Hitachi Microdrive by transferring Devhook 0.44 (by Booster) which emulates 2.71 firmware. The file size was around 38MB. With the dock and Microdrive, it took approximately less than a minute to transferring all the files. I also tested this with a SanDisk 1GB and a Sony 1GB memory stick. It took the SanDisk approximately 3~4 minutes, while it took the Sony a little longer (4~6 minutes).

It takes a while for the PSP to recognize the Microdrive. But once it does, its all dandy. Emulating the 2.71 firmware with Devhook took a while to load. This could be because of the Microdrive. It took about 30 seconds longer to load then it would if it was from the memory stick. But after the firmware was emulated, there was no slow down in loading homebrew, music, videos, browsing the web or any of the features in the 2.71 firmware. I noticed that it takes a little longer to save games though as compared to regular memory sticks. The PSP requires more power to read the Max Media Dock thus drains the battery quicker.

Conclusion : Overall, the Max Media Dock is a nice product. Unfortunately, it might be a little too late for the Max Media Dock thanks to dropping prices of memory sticks. The Max Media Dock bundled with 2GB Compact Flash costs $120. You can purchase a 2GB memory stick for around $80 (if you shop around). You can purchase a 4GB SanDisk memory card for $30-$50 more than then 2GB dock combo. But if you’re like me and have a 2GB+ Compact Flash/Microdrive laying around, this would be useful. A 4GB Microdrive can be purchased for as low as $60. Compact Flash costs a little more.

The added bulk to the PSP can be a hassle not only for holding but also for protection to the PSP. You will either have to take out the dock each time you are not using the PSP or have to purchase pouch such as the Waterfield (Gear / Mini Gear) ...

Neo-PSP Pad 8in1
Manufacturer: Neo Flash Team 2006
Site: Buy from NeoFlash
Price: $150.00 (8in1 only) / $175.00-$199.00 (includes 4GB Microdrive) - Neo's Online Shop List

Overview : Use multiple types of format storage to use with your PSP (CF, Microdrive, SD, MMC and MS). Max storage is 4GB! The Neo-PSP Pad gives your PSP some DualShock® like handles, a movie stand, additional PSP backup power in the form of a battery compartment (4x AA batteries) and a whole host of battery charging functions.

1) Memory functions :

• Uses any SONY MS to boot
• SD/MMC/CF/MicroDrive converter ALL-IN-ONE: Use any type of card/drive just like a standard SONY memory stick.
• SD/MMC/CF/MicroDrive/MS auto detect and auto run: Plug and play!
• Supports up to 4GB memory size on PSP, and up to 32GB on PC.
• Built-in PSP Ready/Busy/NULL, 3 states status indication.
• The 4in1 Pad an exchange data between PC and PSP through any standard PSP USB cable. It supports direct SD/MMC/CF/MicroDrive/MS formatting on PSP.

2) Battery functions :

• Use 4 pcs AA Ni-MH rechargable batteries or 4 pcs AA normal batteries as an additional PSP backup power! (batteries not included)
• Built-in A.I. Ni-MH battery recharge system, with full battery protection and fast full charge within 12 hours.
• Built-in battery charging with forced full charge indication on LED display
• Built-in battery mode switch: You can select Ni-MH batteries or regular battery.
• Supports infinite Ni-MH battery capability (nowadays up to 3800MA/h X4)
• Multi DC power input: You can use your PSP DC adaptor or car DC adaptor or PC USB cable to charge the batteries!
• Compatible with forced full charge mode: You can force full charge no matter how much battery power is available.

3) Ergonomics functions :

• Anti-Shock protection
• Ergonomic design: It gives you the feel of a Playstation 2™ Dual Shock controller for a more familiar and comfortable gaming experience.
• Built-in car mounting bracket: Us your PSP in a car with a stable display
• Comes with one extra fixup kit

Quality/Usability : Installing the pad to your PSP is fairly simple. It doesn't take a genius. The attached soft cable which has a dummy Memory Stick Pro Duo goes into the memory stick slot of the PSP. This acts as a pass-thru between your CF, SD, MMC or MicroDrive. The cable itself feels a little flimsy but in the case that it does break, don't worry, NeoFlash offers replacements. Next, plug the power adapter into the DC port on the PSP. The PSP is held in place by two clips both at the top and bottom.

Before turning on the PSP, insert your choice of media storage into the pad whether its MS, MMC, SD, CF or MicroDrive. But to be clear, you can not use two different sticks at the same time. If you have multiple media storage in the pad, you'll have to remove them or it will choose the default media storage for you.

When you have turned on the Neo-PSP Pad and you have a 4GB Microdrive, you'll notice that there is 3921MB of free storage. Thats right, you officially now have more storage for your movies, music and games (homebrew).

Transfer Times :
Transferring files to PSP and from the PSP to your PC, doesnt take long. It does take longer than the Memory Stick Pro Duo but it is tolerable. When you transfer files, you do the same as if you would if you didnt have the pad (insert cable to the USB port on the PSP).

Movie Playback :
A good reason to have a large storage is to store more files or even big files. Transferring large files can take awhile. Once the transferring is done, its time to play the movie. Everybody's favorite PSPVideo9 was used during this test. A Hitachi 4GB Microdrive was used during testing, not the 4GB Magicstor that is included with the purchase above. I tried two different qualities for the movie. Playing higher quality images looked great. There wasnt any big noticeable skipping. This could be due to the encoding of the movie.

So reencoded the same movie but in a lower quality. There wasnt any skipping at all.

So I guess the higher the quality of the movie, the harder the storage will have to read. This may not be the same for SD or MMC. Its suggested to purchase a Hitachi 4GB as it is faster.

Picture Viewing/MP3 Playback :
Loading movies and pictures were easy and simple. Didnt take long for them to transfer and didnt take long for them to load. There were no lags or any slowdowns when listening to MP3s.

Homebrew :
Playing homebrew was simple. Same procedure when installing files onto your choice of storage. There was no lags or skips. Some games took longer to load than usual. But nothing to be annoyed about.

Controller Feel :
As you can see, the Neo-PSP Pad has the Dualshock-like controller look. It also has the feel as well minus the rumble feature. This is great for those who look to have a better grip whether you have small or big hands.

The back of the grip houses stand. Although its nothing fancy, it does its job and thats all it matters. On the backside ...

Blaze Pro Audio Sound System and Protector Case
Manufacturer: Blaze
Site: Buy from Blaze
Price: £39.99

Overview : A dual purpose speaker system that delivers enhanced sound for games, movies and music, whilst also acting as a protective case for the PSP.

Features :

• Provides enhanced sound playback for games, movies and music from your PSP
• Compact design fits snugly around the PSP
• Robust case offers maximum protection for your PSP
• Twin Stereo speakers
• No Need to remove the PSP – just open the case and play.

Includes 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 and simply drag onto your PSP for music on the go! Drag and drop your AAC or MP3 songs from iTunes into PSP Music Player, copy to your PSP and listen on the move! Compatible with MP3, AAC and WAV music files.

Presented in the distinctive metal packaging that has become synonymous with the Xploder brand range, the PSP Pro Audio Sound System is the best way to pump up the volume on all your PSP media. The included software ensures you'll make the most of your music collection.

Quality/Usability : This is Blaze’s first attempt at releasing a portable sound system for the PSP is the Pro Audio Sound System (will be known as PASS in this review). At first glance, the outside style looks similar to the Logitech PlayGear Pocket. But what is under the hood is totally different. Lets talk about the outside first. The case is black with a smooth rubber feel to it. On top front of the case, there are two silver rings similar to the one on the back of the PSP. Above those rings is a Volume UP/DOWN buttons as well as a switch to turn ON/OFF the speakers. The front side of the case houses a latch that you push in to open. The front back where the hinges are, are two ports: Line In and DC In. If you have an electronic device such as iPod or CD player, you can hook them up to these speakers. Unfortunately, you’ll need your own audio cable as it doesn’t come with it. The DC In isn’t really to charge your PSP but to power the speakers and possibly charge rechargeable batteries. On the back of the case has a little pull out stand to prop the PSP into viewing position. The case gives you easy access to the left and right triggers on the PSP as well as the headphone port and DC In port on the PSP.

Now lets see what is under the hood. When you first open the case, you’ll see two speakers on the underside of the front cover. Under the two speakers near the middle is a little compartment. This holds four AAA batteries and can power the speakers. The PSP itself isn’t held into place with any latches or screws. The PSP is actually held in place by the rubber insert that is protection the PSP. How you might ask? Well when you put the PSP in to its spot, it doesn’t go in right away. You’ll have to force down into its place. This is how the PSP stays in the case. On the left side of the case, is the audio plug that connects to the PSP from the speakers. The cable itself is hidden under the rubber insert to prevent any tangling or loose wires hanging.

Due to the size of the speakers, the front flip cover doesn’t go all the way back. Speaking of size, the width (left to right) of the case is about the same as the PGP. Now, the height of the case is a different story. Due to the speakers and battery compartment, the front flip cover is huge. It’s about twice the size of the bottom piece of the case that holds the PSP itself. IT’S HUGE!!

In order to access the UMD tray, USB port or memory stick slot, you’ll need to force the PSP out of its spot.

The speakers itself is very clear and loud. With the PSP and speakers volume on full blast, there wasn’t much distortion, humming or crackling in the sound. The bass coming out of the speakers were pretty good as well.

There are flaws to this just like any other accessory. Where to begin? There is no LED to display whether the speakers are ON or OFF. As mentioned previously, the size of the case is HUGE. When there is huge, there is weight and boy is this case heavy. Holding the case while playing will tire your hands and arms. As mentioned before, you’ll need four AAA batteries to power the speakers. There is no way to recharge your PSP through the case.

*UPDATE*

This update is regarding the Xploder Music Studio. I wont go into much of the details since the main purpose of the review is for the PASS itself.

The Xploder Music Studio does what it suppose to do. Theres nothing complictated about it. Its just an all in one program at the tip of your mouse. Dragging the music file and dropping it to the correct folder is simple. It doesnt take a genius what to do. Then again, you can use any other music programs to convert your music and you can probably either drag and drop using the program you used to convert your music or you can just drag ...

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.

Images via comments ...

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 ...

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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