Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) Console

Great little device, but if you plan to use it for anything other then gaming (like movies and still images), then check for dead pixels!

I purchased one on the release date from Best Buy and have since exchanged five units so far because of dead pixels. I don't know how this slipped through the traditionally excellent quality control at Sony, but 5 out of 6 units all with dead pixels is not a good ratio. Pixels do go out over time, but I expect to purchase fully functioning "clean" of defects product the first time around for two hundred and fifty dollars, not having to wade through 5 defective new units before I find one that is mostly flawless! For a device labeled as a multimedia handheld you really need a flawless screen to view images, and many movies.

Having owned more then 50+ devices with color LCD screens in recent years, many made by Sony, (Laptops, LCD TV's, monitors, PDA's, cell phones, video camera's, etc.) and not having a single dead pixel with any leads me to believe Sony tried to save money in the LCD area and failed. Again if you're playing games only then you probably won't even notice the missing pixels. I'm 35+ years old and while I enjoy games and it was the primary purpose for the purchase I also like to be able to view pictures from my digital camera and watch movies while on trips that I might not take my laptop on. As such I think Sony scored 100 out of 100 for a handheld game platform, but only 50 out of 100 for a multimedia platform because the pixel issue and the inability to bring in any other video media other then on memory stick.

If you're concerned about dead pixels then search for a PSP pixel checker to check your PSP screen. Essentially most are nothing more then a series of solid black, white and color screens that display the entire screen in that color to show pixels which don't turn off or on. For the five units I've had all have multiple dead pixels that are stuck in the on position displaying a small group of white pixels on any dark screen. On a solid black screen they are easy to identify.

Beyond the above Pixel issue, I think Sony really made an excellent device. While it would have been nice to include a USB cable, it really isn't necessary for most users. Pictures and video can easily be transferred to the duo memory stick card via an inexpensive card reader or adapter if your PC system has a built in flash card slot.

When it comes to game play the PSP scores top marks in my book. To anyone with a PS1 or PS2 your hands will be right at home with a very familiar Sony button layout. What really makes this unit shine compared to others is the addition of the analog stick (really just a movable button). This stick is almost a necessity for racing games, and doesn't hunt for all other genres as well. Overall I think Sony has scored a home run, and if they can fix the dead pixel issue they would have an even better machine.