Review: Double! Expand Memory Converter

Double! Expand Memory Converter
Manufacturer: DragonPlus
Site: Buy from Goldenshop
Price: $19.00

Overview : Finally an affordable solution to use cheap SD, Mini SD or MMC cards you already own on your PSP! The Dragon Double Expand Memory Converter for PSP is a plug & play solution that saves you money and expand your PSP media capacity! 2 cards can even be used at the same time!!

Features :

• High quality 3rd party product.
• Converts SD, Mini SD, MMC card to be used on PSP.
• 2 pcs of memory cards can be used simultaneously.

Quality/Usability : The ability to use different storage media on your PSP is a dream come true. With the Double Expand Memory Converter, you can use SD, Mini SD and MMC cards if you have them laying around the house. Not to mention, they are cheaper than Sony's proprietary format, Pro Duo.

Attaching the adapter to the PSP is simple. Whats great about this adapter is that you can use multiple cards at once. Want 4GB of storage? Just use two 2GB cards. And yes, you can use different types (i.e. SD and Mini SD, SD and MicroSD, etc.) Although the package says that 4GB cards are not supported, it actually does. I dont know if you can use two 4GB cards as I only own one.

In order to use multiple cards simultaneously, you need to format both of them using your PC. Once you format the cards, they have to be in the same spots they were originally in inorder for them to work. If the cards were swapped, it will no longer work and you would need to reformat them again.

Now that you know that you can use different media cards and multiple cards, you would want to know how it fairs in speed for reading/writing of data. I must say, the speed for reading/writing is fairly close to that of the Memory Stick Pro Duo itself. It takes slightly a little longer to load certain movies and games. I didnt notice any slow down in music.

I have also tested this with Devhook and emulated the firmware. It took a little longer to load the emulated firmware but wasnt too noticeable. I have also tested this on Dark_AleX's Custom Firmware 3.03OE-B and just like the others, there was slight delay in accessing the memory cards.

Conclusion : Overall, the Double Expand Memory Converter is a great alternative as a media storage. If you have any high capacity SD, Mini SD or MMC cards laying around the house, you wont need to purchase any Pro Duo cards. Unfortunately, the converter doesnt accept Pro Duo cards. It would of been nice if it would accept the original Memory Sticks as we all have those laying around the house. I know I do.

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