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PSP Go Launch Day Review

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October 1st, 2009 – Written by Izmeiah Brown, Technical Staff for TurkReno, Inc.

The PSP has had a shaky history: It had a pretty good launch back in 05, and I remember going with my dad to pick mine up on launch day with a copy of Darkstalkers. It was a beautiful thing. However, it’s hard to beat Nintendo in the handheld department, and even harder to stay afloat in the drowning wave that is the DS, and the DSi, respectfully. However, Sony stuck to their guns and despite poor sales last year the PSP system has endured. Now the third iteration in the PSP saga has been unveiled, the PSP Go.

The PSP go at first didn’t seem like a good idea to me. Yes, you can cook a seven course meal before a UMD completely loads, but that’s just the way it was, and fans of the PSP (as I am) dealt with it. However the PSP Go foregoes any notion of a UMD drive and instead opts for digital downloads to deliver its content. This content can be gained one of three ways. The first method is via the included Media Go software which allows you to connect and download games. This method is relatively simple, has a clean interface, and was pretty much hassle free, kudos to Sony for that. The second method is to connect online to the PlayStation Store and download directly to your PSP Go via an internet connection. Lastly is the ability to download via the PlayStation Store to your PS3 system, and then transfer your game via the connection cable included with the PSP Go. All of these choices work well and actually worked really quickly. My downtime for downloading Rock Band Unplugged was about 10 or so minutes, and while speaking of games the PlayStation Store has updated to commemorate this launch to include a plethora of downloadable titles (seriously like 100 or so)  for the PSP Go, and PSP systems.

New to the PlayStation Portable system is the ability to use Bluetooth devices. This makes a lot of sense considering that Skype has been on the PSP for a while now, and now headsets can be used with this feature. Music, Photos, and Video all look and sound really good on the PSP Go, and with the inclusion of a 16 gig hard drive you’ll get lots of play time if you’re using it for an mp3 player. Sony has also stated that they will give vouchers for PSP Go digital copies of movies with the purchase of certain Blu-Ray films in the future. Also if 16 gig’s isn’t enough for your voracious consumption of digital goodness the PSP Go also has a slot for Memory Stick Micro (M2) media cards.

The PSP Go seems to run a bit smoother when compared to the PSP 2001 model that I have. I have a digital copy of Persona, and also a UMD version and the experience is a little zippier and faster on the PSP Go. Also the LCD is very crisp and sharp even though it’s a little smaller than the Original PSP’s with a measurement of 3.8 inches.

I thought at first the movement of the analog nub to the right of the D-pad was going to be an annoyance but actually it’s quite welcome, and I adjusted to it being there very quickly. The start and select buttons gave me a bit more trouble as I had to check to make sure which I was pressing. The overall feel of the system is very nice and for the 3 hours I played Persona, and a few other titles my hands did not cramp at all, something that happens commonly with my PSP.

All in all I have to say that this is a great system. If you’ve already got a PSP and a lot of UMD’s (like I do) then you may want to stick with what you have as the price-point is a little high at $250.00. However, If you’re new to the PSP or if you’re wanting a sleek little system with a lot of perks over the PSP then the PSP Go is definitely the way to go. We highly recommend it.

The details:

Screen Size: 3.78 inch WideScreen LCD
Screen Resolution: 480 x 272 pixels
Form Factor: 4.8 x 2.6 x 0.6 inches
Online Gaming: Infrastructure and Ad Hoc for both.
Music: Yes
Photos: Yes
Movies: Purchase and rental
Internet Browsing: Yes
Memory: 16GB Built-in, expandable Memory Stick Micro (M2)
Bluetooth: Yes
Connect to Console: Remote Play
Store: Playstation Store
Skype: Built-in

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Apple iPhone 3GS 32GB White Edition Review – MMS Launched Today on AT&T

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It is based from fact that Apple’s iPhone 3GS has made a remarkable trademark for phone users worldwide with its amazing new features. Now, another innovation for the Apple iPhone is launched today with the use of MMS on the AT&T network.

The iPhone 3GS White Edition with a 32 GB of memory is what we use at TurkReno and in the field. One word sums it all up: “Amazing”. This innovation has outdone the first Apple iPhone 3G and 2G because of its improved features from calling contacts, playing music, camera, video and video editing, surfing the internet down to mapping different places. All these features are possible with the newly introduced Apple iPhone 3GS. Now, we have MMS to add to the features making the iPhone superior to the Blackberry paperweights worldwide! The camera in the 3GS edition is far better than the first iteration because of its automatic still-life capture feature and auto-focus. This allows the photo to balance the contrast and color of the moment an individual wants to capture with the help of Apple iPhone 3GS technology. Another good feature of this smartphone is its voice control. You can command the Apple iPhone 3GS by voice on who to call or what music to play. For example, one can tell it whom to call whether it is straight from the contact list or a new phone number, what play list or album to play, whether to repeat or toggle similar songs or artists. Recently, this was expanded for Bluetooth headset support with OS 3.1.

The 3GS series of Apple iPhone also has a built-in compass and GPS system. Mapping locations has never been this easy. With an app such as WiFiFoFum, you can even map out your WiFi Connections for research. It will provide almost perfect and accurate data of where one is heading to or where you are located. Another feature is the cut, copy and paste feature where one can literally cut, copy and paste message from Safari, e-mail, and text messages and send it to friends with little to no effort. If you make a mistake or something needs to be corrected, you can just shake Apple iPhone 3GS to undo your last action. Stay connected with the app IM+. This is an advantage for a person who would like to share an event with friends or would just like to post something interesting.

Another great feature is the Search feature. If one has a long list of messages in his or her inbox, this feature is useful. All one has to do is to type the word that he or she wants to search, then a list of messages will appear containing the keyword that the person is currently searching. Screening out all the messages will make the search easier and faster. One can do the same thing with contacts, iPod or notes. Another way to search on Apple iPhone 3GS is to use the spotlight search, typing the letters alone, a list of similar post or saved items will appear making the search a lot easier, faster and more convenient.

Regarding MMS, the Apple iPhone 3GS has included this feature. Now, one can receive a text message with videos, pictures or contact information in it, all at the same time. If one wants to view the MMS message, all he or she needs to do is to tap on the video or picture sent to him or her to see in full screen, and he or she can even save it straight to his or her photo library. Apple iPhone 3GS also includes Voice Memos application which lets the user record a meeting, class or any important conversation which can be shared through email, MMS or synchronize it with a Mac or Personal Computer. To get MMS working on your phone, you must have an authentic iPhone (not jailbroken) and update to 3.1 in iTunes. Then follow these steps:

  • Sync your iPhone with your computer’s installation of iTunes
  • iTunes will prompt you for a carrier update. Say YES!
  • Allow the update to finish
  • Powercycle, or restart, your phone.
  • Once you restart your phone, when you begin to message someone, there will be a small camera icon to the left of the text input field. Touch that and you can take a picture immediately or send a photo from your camera roll

A special thank you goes to AT&T for releasing this on time as promised! If you don’t have an iPhone, go to AT&T or your local Walmart and pick one up today! They WILL change your life!

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