After I went to Sg Wang to check out PSP prices yesterday. I was quoted RM850 which includes the PSP unit and a 4GB Memory Stick. I would automatically assume that this Memory Stick given to me is imitation because I just checked with C-Zone price list - a 4GB Sandisk Memory Stick Duo Pro is RM399. If the 4GB Memory Stick is RM399, then the PSP console would be RM450.

I grew very skeptical, possibly cause age is catching up. Either the Memory Card or the PSP console is imitation. With China being able to duplicate almost everything including Benz, Ferrari, Nokia phones, even iPhones and such, I really doubt that I want to purchase from Sg. Wang.

So my best friend went down to Singapore today. He owns a PSP, which his brother bought home from Ireland. His youngest uncle owns another PSP in Singapore. While he is at Singapore, he will meet up with my friend who owns a Pink PSP, whose husband also owns a Blue PSP. I am sure if I were to tell them to buy me a PSP, they would know their stuff like where to get good deals and what firmware to go with and etc.

Now my question is listed here because they are not forumers like I am so they may not be THAT updated. I have a couple of question prior to my purchase so I hope you guys can advise me.

1. Color: Gold, Silver and Black - I think I'd go for black because that's classic. I have not seen the actual unit in other colors so I wouldnt know. Anyone want to comment on these part?

2. Firmware: My friend's PSP is running on these. I heard that 3.51 is out. What are the difference? Which should I go for? I am not too fancy with the idea of flashing something that cost me RM700 - RM800, especially if I buy it from Singapore, I have to travel down for warranty claim if I brick my unit so its better that I choose one firmware that has it all completely flashed for me so I wont have to do it on my own with a chance of screwing up.
V3.40 OE
Pro(s) of V3.40 OE: Homebrew-able by default (pro of V1.50) and up-to-date features (pro of V3.40) plus recovery function (original pro of custom firmwares).
Con(s) of V3.40 OE: Gets you addicted.

3. I was told that Firmware 1.50 dont need UMD to play games that are loaded in Memory Stick. Meanwhile, firmware version 3.0 and above need to put UMD in PSP, even when we are playing from Memory stick. Did I got it the other way around? I am not too sure but can someone clarify?

4. I noticed a number of games are from PS1 or PS2? Will PSP be able to play these games? I seen Xenogears, FFVII, and some others. I am confused and curious at the same time.

5. Besides firmware, what is a good version of motherboard to get?

6. Anyone here broke their PSP or spoil their PSP before? How often does it spoils? Since I'm buying from Singapore, I am worried about warranty issue. Please advice.

7. PSP Slim is coming in Sept, yet many of my friends already have the current PSP. I doubt any of them will change to PSP Slim anyway, so in order to be with the gang, I decided not to wait. This way, we can share the same accessories. I have read at Gamespot that the PSP Slim can fit the current PSP battery but cover cannot close and etc. Is it wiser to wait?

8. The colors and plastic of PSP, is it prone to scratches?

9. Dead pixels - how often does it happen? It would suck if my unit encounters dead pixel after a while. How is the dead pixel warranty coverage like? Any ideas?

10. What else do I need to look out for besides color, firmware, motherboard version, accessories, paint, warranty claims? Please advice whatever I have left out

P/S: I did read the beginners thread and all. I know what's homebrew and etc. I just want to hear some live-advice from pros like you guys.

Appreciated. Thank you.

This post has been edited by Pennywise: Jul 18 2007, 10:12 PM

Since i'm in nbtd mode, i will help answer some questions..

1) Glossy black is nice. but if you dont wear any case, your psp will full of fingerprint.

2) of coz latest fw is better.

3) wrong. any OE can run no-umd mode but not all game supported. even with latest fw: 3.51m33.

4) yes, you can play ps1 game on psp but not ps2.

5) any mobo is fine.

6) Depends on how careless you are..

7) If you want slim, lighter and have tv-output features, please wait.

8) no comment since my psp wearing silicone case since week 1.

9) I think dead pixel is not covered by warranty especially when you are buying from gameshop not from sony.

10) case and screen protector. browse here for psp case

please correct me if i'm wrong..

anyway, what's the different buying locally or from SG? SG also got china-made item. Its all depends on the shop. Some local shop is trustable.

This post has been edited by mfa333: Jul 18 2007, 10:41 PM

1. What do you mean not all game are support when you answered my question no "3) wrong. any OE can run no-umd mode but not all game supported. even with latest fw: 3.51m33."??

Thanks for your feedback, its really helpful. I do not want to wait for PSP Slim. I will just go ahead tomorrow or Fri. As for case, I found something nice for SGD$19.

2. Most important question - How often does dead pixel happen on a PSP?

3. Recommend me some good games, I am mostly in Final Fantasy series, RPG and Strategy, Tales series (Tales of Eternia, Phantasia, etc).

4. Since I am buying from Singapore, I am just worried about warranty issues. Any advice?

5. Whats the latest version compared to v3.40 OE?

This post has been edited by Pennywise: Jul 18 2007, 10:28 PM

once you get your psp, make sure to test the LCD screen. if there arent any dead/stuck pixels in your first few days, i think it is good to go.

dead pixels dont pop out suddenly as it is a manufacture defect, they wont pop out suddenly.

final fantasy 1,2, tactics. for crisis core you have to wait, which i have been waiting for like one year plus.

sad to tell you that there are only several rpg for psp if compare with ps2
try the action games, you will love it
esp killzone

HI, did u surveyed the price in singapore? I heard SGD250++ can get 1 already...can u find out for us? And wat include in the package? i plan 2 ask my sis 2 get 1 for me in SG.

fw 1.5 is a fw to install custom fw. this fw has no no-umd mode at all. what i mean is, on OE fw, there's a mode called no-umd. but not all game compatible. some still need UMD to play from memory stick. is it clear now? sorry for my broken english..

Like LCD monitor, dead pixel is only happened to some of unlucky user. the chances are low. dont worry, u can check for it 1st at the gameshop before buying. reject if u spot any dead pixel.

for game check IGN for reviews.

if u wanna check for dead pixel,check on those black screen color.
such as during loading the game.
dead pixel will easily detect when in black screen.

dead pixel is black in colour. others is known as stucked pixel. u cant detect dead pixel on fully black screen.

i thought dead pixel is suppose to be in white color?
last time i check my psp for dead pixel was in fully black screen color.

Maybe its "stucked pixel"....??

This post has been edited by Lakum: Jul 18 2007, 11:04 PM

anyway,there's a another way to check.
is by using the theme.

y u dont directly buy from forumer here??
u can try 2 ask benard or beatz boy, they selling new psp...
i think they will help u alot...

only one thing from me bro....
just check the firmware b4 u but, coz in sg, lots of shop is selling psp with sony original firmware...
so if i found a shop with the best price,check the fw 1st!!!! if its sony official 3.50,then can,bcoz still can d/grade,but if its sony 3.51,better dont coz ull be stuck untill theres a way to downgrade!!!!
(guys,correct me if im wrong ok!!!)

One more thing i wanted to tell u.

There's different between psp made in china and japan. The lcd screen grahic color display for china's 1 got more brigther red and blue. The back of the psp's casing also not as good quality as the japan's 1.
Japan's 1 sounds more solid and smooth.. China's 1 slightly more rough. Japan's 1 is quite limited now i guess. And the value pack is around rm950, more expensive than the china's 1.

The price might be raised again coz very limited now. U can check whether is made in China or Japan by taking out the battery cover from the back as well as the battery.
So far this is what i found out la. Other than that is about the same.
If any1 can find the different some more pls tell here =)

I just bought another1 japan's psp today. Just for the sake of quality.


This post has been edited by wallance13: Jul 19 2007, 12:01 AM

basically what i know for nowadays LCD technology.. it's quite hard to get dead/stuck pixel.. btw, industrial standard needs at least more than 5 dead/stuck pixel if u want replacement. u need to check at the shop first.. then no need to look at the industrial standard.. so that u can ask for another unit. hahaha..

I will ask and see but I doubt it.

Dead pixel and stucked pixel, I will need to look out for them carefully.

Ok will try.

Thanks for the info.

I dont have their exact nick and I dont know them.

Ok, so now I should not go for Firmware 3.51? I should just stick with 3.40 OE?

Thank you. I definitely wanna buy something that's made from Japan, not China!! But I was told that nowadays cannot find the Made in Japan model anymore. Where did you make your purchase?

Yea, lets just hope this is the case.

This post has been edited by Pennywise: Jul 19 2007, 12:37 AM

hehehe..... up 2 u,as long as its not sony 3.51!!!

u got my pm? 3 of them aso nice seller...

Yea I got your PM, thank you. I will try to contact each of them and see what kind of deals they can set me up with. Preferably, I would like my PSP to be made in Japan. Let see what goes. Thanks again.

Just go for 3.40 OE-A. Simple n easier.. 3.40 n 3.51 are no much diff anyway.
For the psp that made in japan. Try Summit USJ. Actually u can just try any places. And just check the label "made in japan" to confirm it. But price will be around RM 900.00 to RM 950 for value pack. Everything will be original.

everything will be original?
even accesories?
summore wat included?

This post has been edited by fooyeee: Jul 19 2007, 04:18 AM

wait for pspslim

Yup better wait for psp2.... I'll one when it comes out. Full HD tv out is a really cool feature.

yape, now i also ngian to sell of my current set....

Keep ur current set. The future PSP2 might be can't be downgraded.....later you'll be whining and b******g like one of our wise man here.

No la, dont want to wait that long. Not into all that anymore either.
Perhaps I will move on to PS3 then.

it's not long. new psp will be released 2 months later.

The new PSP2 will be on SALE starting on September. Just 2 months away. PSP and PS3 is a perfect match.

ya lor, just 2 moons nia
ah tot, my current psp latest fw lar... so doesnt really matter

Err... at first i dont have a PSP, but recently it happend that i was at sony malaysia website. So it come accross that the market price for PSP is RM1,199.00 probably this is from japan .. err.. i guest.

My current PSP also latest firmware 3.51 M33....I'm keeping mine and buying the new PSP2, I want the FUll HD TV Out support......doesn't care much whether it can be downgraded or not.

wats this full HD tv out? means wen it transfer to teebee, can go to 1080p?

my psp i think is 3.52, no M33

Yup bro, when transfer to LCD TV can go up to 1080p. Imagine playing psp games in FULL HD. So your current one is using the official firmware lar....so sian wan... If that is the case go and sell lor...

also dunno sell to who
err...playing psp games in full HD? would it be like playing ps2 games on ps3 upscale to 1080p?

Nope, it's natively full hd. Surprise right. Did you watched Sony Press Conference on E3. Remember Kaz Hirai played Spiderman-2 trailer on PSP2 and send it out to the Bravia X display in full HD.

OMFG
but the source itslelf must be 1080p material also mar

the funny thing is, even Singaporeans come over here to buy PSPs...

Yup, imagine play God Of War full hd......

imagine playing lumines in full hd.. wow.. ehehehe..

after all these, dunno will the thread satrter still go ahead with the old psp or not

i tot only 480p?

maybe the 480p is umd movie format... argg, dah bercampur aduk info2 ni...

This post has been edited by mfa333: Jul 19 2007, 01:09 PM

Ko gi tgk balik video E3 Sony nyer press conference, Kaz Hirai cakap BD trailer utk Spiderman-2...hahahaha 1080p tu.

so depends on source jugak kan?

tak silap aku, aku ada baca umd movie mmg dlm format 480p.. tahla... abaikan la..

Yelar, depends gak pada source, kalau game tu dier buat 720p pun dah kire best.

Aku pun terbaca mcm ni gak. So ada gak UMD movie yg 720p @ 1080p?

kayo kau lakum.

nak hangkat umd plak dah~!

Oit oit...tanya ja la.... hehehehehe...

alah Lakum sama cam Tn Hj Ekai kiter gak...duit melambak sorok kat bwh tilam...muahahahahahahah

UMD movie sume 480p lor.... trailer Spiderman 3 tu pon most likely 480p gak. Gile apa 720p, sedangkan Xbox1 pon semput nak playback 720p, apa lagi PSP.

This post has been edited by redbull_y2k: Jul 19 2007, 04:08 PM

Ini PSP2 .....mesti lagik power dari XBOX1.....muahahahahaha

Yea I know. I read the E3 coverage at Gamespot

PSP and PS3 is perfect match or PSP2 and PS3 is perfect match?

Cant be sure of that. I called up many shops and they told me none is made in Japan anymore these days. Even my friend in Singapore checked and got replied the same thing as I was told by game shops in Malaysia. Those PSP made in Japan ones are usually reconditioned machines and should be sold cheaper because they are consider '2nd hand.'

---

Added on July 19, 2007, 5:27 pmAbout playing PSP games on Full HD. Taking into account that UMD can only store limited capacity and 1080p takes up more storage, would a PSP game even come out to be in Full HD mode?

Anyway, I am not to keen on playing my PSP in front of my Bravia (if I were to get any). PSP is for mobility. I rather buy PSP when price drops because PSP2 is on its way.

---

Added on July 19, 2007, 5:28 pmSo how will a fake 4gb MSPD affect our PSP performance or will it cause our PSP to malfunction / faulty in the long run?

This post has been edited by Pennywise: Jul 19 2007, 05:28 PM

tot31, ko cakap pasal PSP2 ke PSP Slim? PSP2 aku dengar lambat lagi nak kuar (tahun 2010 kot ). Tapi mmg mustahil PSP slim nak output FullHD, 333MHz tak cukup power.

This post has been edited by neoardi: Jul 19 2007, 07:31 PM

yup.. PSP2000 sbb no siri start ngan 2000.. cam PSP dulu.. start 1000.. ehehe.. rasanya lah kan.. harap2 teori penin aku tu betoi la kut..

yup.. psp slim punya no model start ngan 2xxx...

PSP-1000
PSP-2000

Erm..btul la tu..duta PA dah bersuara. So PSP yg baru ni bukan PSP2...cuma slim....

bukan duta.. cuma tu je reference yg boleh dijadikan bukti utk mengukuhkan kenyataan tu... kekekek...

Ok la tu...jelas dan bermakna...tiada maksud tersirat. Hehehehe...

Rasanya Kaz Hirai kata time tunjuk output display trailer Spider-Man 2 tu...dia kata high quality display, tak perasan lak dia sebut high definition...tapi kita semua tau yg UMD movie bleh 480p. Pastu dia kata movie Spider-Man 2 tu available utk BD dan UMD. Kalo BD tu tak mustahil la 1080p...tapi UMD.....

Tatau la kalo aku salah dengar...tadak subtitle melayu.....


This post has been edited by Lakum: Jul 19 2007, 09:47 PM

erm...wan 2 ask...if play hd game...izit the tv aso nid 2 support hd aso??

lakum.. cuba ko sms si kaz hirai tu..
penin habih bdk2 LYN ni..

Yap...need to have HDTV to display HD content of the game. Not that u cannot play HD game with ur normal tv....only can see normal display la on normal tv.

Any master/otai/sifu/guru please correct me if i'm wrong.

Aku dah sms...dia suruh aku tgk balik video tu banyak kali sikit. Tu ja....