PSP Analog Stick Armor Kit
Manufacturer: 3rd Party
Site: Buy from Brando
Price: $6.00

Overview : Analog stick replacement kit for your PSP.

Features :

• Easy to install and use
• 5 different sizes and height to fit different player
• Soft rubber for comfortable playing
• Pack of 5

Quality/Usability : Here is an alternative to the stock analog nub. These analog sticks will add some height and make gameplay more comfortable. I bet those who first got their PSP was in disgust with the analog nub. It was small and hard to use because you were use to the PlayStation analog stick.

With the PSP analog, it was short, close to the system and uncomfortable to play with. With the analog stick replacements, this will add height and will enable you to use the analog without any discomfort.

Although it says it is made of soft rubber, it feels more like plastic or hard rubber. There are three sizes; 11mm, 15mm, 20mm. With the 15mm and 20mm there are two different types. The analog either curves in thus making a little "ditch" or it bulges (similar to the PlayStation analog). I personally prefer the analog stick that is curved in rather then the ones that bulges up. The 11mm is similar to the stock analog nub but sticks up away from the PSP rather than being close to it.

Installation is simple. Just pop out the old one and pop in the new one. Only downfall when using these analog sticks is that if you have a class that is snug and close to the PSP (i.e. Logitech PlayGear Pocket), you'll have to remove the analog sticks inorder to be able to close the case.

Conclusion : Overall, if you hate the stock analog nub and you're looking for something that will make your thumb feel more comfortable, this may be for you. Although it says its made of soft rubber, its more like hard rubber to me. With cases being produced these days, you'll have to remove the analog stick inorder to fit your PSP into the carry case and be able to close it. If you do detach the analog, becareful not to loose it.

Images via comments ...

Pacific Design Gaming Flip Case
Manufacturer: Pacific Design
Site: Buy from Pacific Design
Price: $24.95

Overview : Play your favorite games, and watch your favorite videos, in this feature-packed Sony PSP flip case. The unique open-frame construction gives you access to every control on the PSP. Power your PSP, use your earbuds, even change your UMD disk... all without taking your PSP out of the case. Choose from black with a burnt red racing stripe; black with a bright blue racing stripe; industrial gray with a bright orange stripe; or industrial gray with a yellow stipe.

Features :

• Unique, open frame design
• Full access to all PSP controls, power cord, headphone/earbud cords in case
• Magnetic-closure rear access compartment lets you change UMD disks in case
• Storage slot inside the front flip holds an additional UMD disk

Quality/Usability : Out of the box, the case smells like brand new leather sneakers. OK, enough of my sniffing addiction, back to the review. Nowadays, cases look more and more alike. The case features a back flap cover that also allows you to access the UMD tray by flipping down the magnetic flap closure. The magnetic closures are very strong and will stay attached until you detach them.

The flap cover itself holds one UMD disc. The UMD is held into place very well.

The PSP itself fits into the slot nicely. The PSP is held in place by little tab like features on each side of the case. Once the PSP is in it slots, its not really in there snuggly..at first. The PSP moves around a little bit but it doesnt fall out. With a little adjustment of the tabs, you can move them closer to the PSP. This should prevent any moving around. But if you keep moving them back and forth, eventually it will lose its strength and become weak. But I dont think that will be a problem. The only problem is that the tabs on the left and right side are so close to the circle button and left directional pad that it may hinder playing or be an annoyance to some PSP owners.

When the case is open, there is no protection as like with majority of other cases. But once the case is closed, the flap does a nice job in protecting the PSP.

Conclusion : Overall, its a nice case but there are some minor set backs. Also, maybe the placement of the tabs that hold the PSP can be relocated a little to prevent it from being so close to the buttons. A nice feature that I would like to see are maybe memory stick slots and the ability to prop the case into a stand.

Images via comments ...

iSkin Neo Case
Manufacturer: iSkin
Site: Buy from iSkin
Price: $49.99

Overview : The iSkin neo for the Sony PSP® brings together the rich feel of genuine lamb skin leather with functional and protective features that combine to create an essential companion to your PSP®. Crafted from genuine lamb skin, the iSkin neo personifies the quality and exceptional elegance of the PSP® keeping it true to its form and providing a protective barrier against the everyday world. A flexible design gives users quick access to controls, ports and the UMD® loading tray. It also has built-in storage for an additional game cartridge and two memory cards with a fold out design that's genius. Best of all it comes in a variety of fashionably cool colors that are a match for your best outfit.

Features :

• Covers and protects screen when not in use
• Smooth, soft, high grade genuine lamb skin
  leather.
• Hands free "kickstand" mode for comfortable viewing of movies and other content.
• Easy access to both UMD® storage and PSP® loading tray.
• Easy access to all controls during gameplay.
• Dual storage for Memory Stick Pro Media
• FREE PSP® Media software included.

Quality/Usability : The iSkin Neo is a very nice looking case. Available in 5 luxurious colors; limegreen (Hornet), red (Baron), blue (Typhoon), black (Panther) and white (Lightning). It kinda resembles the MisticAudio OTG Series Case that was reviewed here. The straps, snaps, pockets and lining are all very high quality, and integrate quite nicely into the overall design.

The case provides everything a PSP owner could want in a PSP case. When closed it provides fairly sturdy protection and padding. When open all of the buttons and ports are exposed, including the UMD slot which can be easily accessed by unsnapping the back flap. There are two storages for your memory sticks on the underside of the front flap, and one UMD storage inside the back flap. There is even a fold out “kickstand” that props the PSP unit up for easy movie viewing.

My only complaint is that although the Neo holds the PSP snuggly with a hard leather encased border that wraps around the front of the PSP along the sides and a little bit along the bottom, the border comes right up to the edge of the circle button and the directional pad. Due to the thickness of the leather around the borders, I found this annoying at times when I tried to press the circle button and directional pad

Conclusion : The Neo case has so much potential but with this major flaw which hinders gameplay, the score dropped dramatically. If iSkin can redesign the case to move the leather borders back away from the buttons and controls, this could be a nice case to purchase. If you're in the market for storage and looks, get this but if you're going to use this for gaming as well..I suggest moving on.

With each purchase of the iSkin Neo case, you get a free code to download a Multimedia Management software called jumpPSP (Joint Universal Media Portal). It lets you transfer music files, video files, even PDF files for viewing. It even saves your game play data. Program works for MAC and PC.

...

Smart Charging Dock
Manufacturer : Unknown
Site : Buy from Brando
Price : $15.00

Overview : This is a dock that lets you watch movies on your PSP without holding it. The dock also charges the PSP at the same time. The dock has LED indicators to let you know when its charging and when its not. You can also use either your PSP power supply or the supplied USB cable to charge the PSP/dock.

Quality/Usability : This is pretty much a dock with charging capabilities. Nothing special. It charges the PSP and is used to hold the PSP in a upright position to watch movies. You can use the power supply that came with the PSP or you can use the USB cable that came with the dock. This will send power to the dock to charge the PSP. Whats also great is that if you're near a computer, you can use the cable without the dock to charge the PSP.

There are Flashing LED indicators on the dock. On the side which looks like the shoulder buttons of the PSP, house two LEDs, blue and green. The blue LED stands for the PSP is charging, while the green LED stands for the PSP is in standby mode (Off). If there is no light when the PSP is turned on, that means the PSP is fully charged.

Charging :

• Green Light - Standby Mode
• Blue Light - Charging Mode
• Auto stop when fully charged

On the front, you'll notice PSP icons such as MUSIC, MOVIE, GAME, UMD, SETTINGS, PHOTOS. And next to each one, there is a red LED that flashes. Unfortunately, it really doesnt do anything. All it does is flash a red LED back and forth, left to right. At first, I thought this was an indicator to show you where you were on the PSP but if you look closely, there is six (6) icons, but only five (5) LEDs. So this is pretty much just for looks. Dont worry, if it annoys you with the flashing of the red LEDs, there is a button on the back that says 'LED SW'. This will turn On/Off the flashing red LED.

On the bottom of the dock, there are two (2) little 'kick stands' that come down to tilt the PSP back a little for better viewing.

Unfortunately, when the PSP is placed in the dock, you can not access any of the buttons at the bottom of the PSP such as volume, HOME button, etc. If you have a strap on the PSP also, it may need to be taken off before you can place the PSP into the dock, if not, the PSP will be tilted and might not charge. I dont use the strap so I wouldnt really know. Also, the dock prevents the UMD from opening completely because the back of the dock blocks the bottom of the UMD door hinge area.

Conclusion : This is probably the sweetest looking dock compared to the other docks in the market. Too bad there are some flaws to it such as unable to access the buttons at the bottom of the PSP and the blocking of the UMD door. None-the-less, this is a great item for those who wants style/look. The cable alone is great cuz it can charge the PSP, so as long you're near a computer.

If it wasnt for the blocking of the buttons and the UMD, this would have gotten a higher score.

Images via comments ...

Aero Case
Manufacturer : GameTop
Site : Buy from Brando
Price : $12.00

Overview : This case holds your PSP, two (2) UMDs and whatever small items you want to carry such as headphones/remote, cleaning cloths and memory sticks.

Features :

• Designed for the Sony PSP
• Inside soft, hard on the outside
• Double zipper design
• Extra game storage layer
• Carabiner (to attach game cases/holder)

Quality/Usability : The PSP goes into the case very easy without any problems. Only flaw with this item is that if you have a strap on the PSP, it wont fit in the case. The PSP is protect by a nice soft cover which protects the screen. On the other side of this cover, it can hold two (2) UMDs. On the underside of the cover of the case itself, is a small pouch. You can store your remote/headphones, memory stick, cleaning cloth or whatever small items that would fit or that you would need.

The case is made of a hard outer shell which protects the PSP from accidental knocks, bumps and impacts to the case. This is more sturdier and more durable than the stock pouch that came with the PSP system.

There is also a belt loop and clip on the back of the case. You can either clip it to your bag, the loops of your pants or run your belt through the case.

Conclusion : Although, the most sought after case is the Logitech PlayGear Pocket, this case comes in second. The Aero Case holds more than the PlayGear Pocket (doesnt hold anything except for the PSP). Only draw back about the Aero Case is the inability to use the strap and the size. But than again, it holds UMDs and other small items so I guess it OK in my book. Dont expect to carry this and listen to music at the same time as there is no opening for your remote nor the fact any room. This is solely for storage and protection.

The case comes in either Black or Blue.

Images via comments ...

PSP External Battery Pack
Manufacturer : PEGA
Site : Buy from Brando
Price : $13.00

Overview : This is a great substitute if you want to use your PSP even longer without having to spend more money on a spare internal battery.

Specifications :

• On/Off switch
• LED indicator
• Battery : Rechargeable Lithium Battery
• Capacity : 1800mAh
• Voltage : 3.7V
• Size : 79 x 63 x 31 mm
• Temperature : 10° C -40° C
• Weight : 70gm

Quality/Usability : You would use this item like you would any other electronic device. I charged the item like I would for any device and PSP. There is an indicator light on the external battery pack that lets you know when the pack is done charging. Clipping the pack onto the PSP is fairly simple. Clip the top of the battery pack to the top of the PSP first. Once that is securely in place, clip the bottom of the pack to the bottom of the PSP. Once the pack is in place, plug the adapter into the DC 5v port on the PSP (yellow plug on the bottom right side of the PSP). Once its plugged in, you're ready to use it with extra hours.

Installation :

• Clip the extension battery pack to the PSP console tightly and correctly and then plug the power cable into the socket of the console, now you can turn on the power switch to use
• You can use the PSP AC adaptor to charge the battery pack and no needing to take it out from the console.
• When the battery which capacity is 1800mAh was charged fully (at this time the original battery is not used) it could approximately last 3 hrs gaming.

It takes about 1-2 hours to recharge the battery pack completely. This is approximately the same length of time to charge the PSP itself. Once its fully charged, you get an additional 3 hours of play. Unfortunately, after 20 minutes of play, you will notice that the pack will get slightly hot. Like any other battery operated device, this is normal. So do not be alarmed. It will not blow up or catch on fire.

Only problem with this, it gets in the way of the UMD door. If you need to remove or swap a game, you'll have to remove the battery pack inorder for the UMD door to open.

As for the weight, you'll notice its there but you wont really notice it when you get use to it and when you're so into your game.

Conclusion : If you're in the market for extra hours of gameplay, feel free to give this a shot. This will add an additional 3 hours of play to your PSP. Whats great about this item is that it has an ON/OFF button. You can use the standard internal battery and if it starts to die out on you, just flip the switch on the external battery pack to ON and you're good to go for another 3 hours. Whats also great is that the external battery pack can transfer its energy to the internal battery pack to recharge it. So it kinda acts like a power storage.

For the price of this item ($13), this is a great alternative compared to those internal ones ($35-40). Only bad this is that it blocks the UMD door.

Images via comments ...

Nyko Pocket Case
Manufacturer: Nyko
Site: Buy from Nyko / Product Sheet
Price: $5.00-$6.00

Overview : Protect and transport your UMD games and movies with the Pocket Case. The Pocket Case is a compact, sleek and small UMD protective carrying case compact enough for everyday travel, and large enough to hold 3 UMD discs. It’s curved and compact design allows for maximum storage, and a low profile. The Pocket Case’s quick tab release allows for easy access to the UMD’s while also keeping your media dust, dirt and damage free.

Features :

• Compact design fits easily into your pocket
• Quick release tab for easy access
• Protects UMD from dirt and damage
• Each Pocket Case stores 3 UMD cartridges
• Spring loaded hinges

Quality/Usability : The Pocket Case is an effective yet affordable way for gamers to take up to 3 UMD discs with them wherever they go. The case measures roughly at 1-inch tall and 4-inches long, the Pocket Case will protect 3 discs in your pocket.

Conclusion : The Pocket Case is a simple solution if you have a small collection of movies you plan to watch, or games you want to play while traveling. This clearly isn’t suitable for supporting your entire disc collection, but the spring loaded hinge container fits conveniently into a pocket. So if you're in the market for a UMD case, take a look at this or give it a shot.

Images via comments ...

Nyko Screen Armor PSP
Manufacturer: Nyko
Site: Buy from Nyko / Product Sheet
Price: $9.99

Overview : Protect the most important part of the PSP with the stylish, easy-to-use Screen Armor from Nyko. The Screen Armor is a detachable brushed aluminum screen protector that attaches to the face of the PSP using two locking clips. The foldable clips allow for an easy, secure fit while providing convenient storage while not in use. The Screen Armor’s design also leaves the action buttons, the d-pad and headphone jack free so you can take advantage of the PSP’s MP3 playback abilities while still protecting the screen. The rubberizes underside of the screen armor helps protect your PSP from scratches, dust, dirt and fingerprints as well as providing slip free protection for the PSP’s 4.3 inch display. The design of the Screen Armor compliments the PSP and is sure to turn heads.

Features :

• Protects your PSP display without adding bulk
• Soft neoprene inner lining
• PSP buttons and headphone jack still accessible for playing MP3s
• Easy on/easy off - custom design locks into place, and folds flat for compact storage
• Designed to fit most carrying cases
• Foldable clips for easy storage

It also features :

• Aluminum Construction - The Aluminum construction provides long lasting protection
• Lightweight - Lightweight materials add no bulk or weight to the PSP
• Rubberized Interior - The rubberized underside keeps dust, dirt and fingerprints from collecting
• Functional Design - Protects the screen while still allowing use of the buttons for playing mp3s.

Quality/Usability : The design of the Screen Armor is pretty simple. It has an aluminum front with rubber interior and clips onto the front of the PSP with two little flaps on the top and bottom. The top flap has two little nubs that fit into the screw holes, the bottom has a nub that sits in the screw hole and both fit in behind the little silver ring around the PSP.

The product itself looks great with the polished aluminum front (although I prefer it to be black - matches the system). The construction of it is pretty solid and doesn’t take much damage from anything.

Once the Screen Armor is on, there’s really no way to get it off besides lifting on one of the flaps. It’s pretty safe to say that if you had it in your backpack or pocket, you dont have to worry about it moving around or popping off. The Screen Armor definitely protects the screen. With it on, the screen is protected like Fort Knox, while the rest of the PSP is left to the outside world and ready to be molested by dust, fingerprints and potential scratches. So dont expect this to protect your PSP from the devil. This only protects the screen...hence the name "SCREEN Armor".

Conclusion : Overall, this does a great job at what its suppose to do. If you're looking for a complete protection of your PSP, look else where as this only protects your PSP screen.

Images via comments ...