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

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

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

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.

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

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.'

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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.

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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