Four years ago I got married to the most wonderful woman in the world. The evening before the wedding she knocked on my hotel room door and handed me a surprise wrapped package. It was the original PSP.
Believe it or not, the PSP was a meaningful gift that brings earnest tears to my eyes just recollecting the scenario. It wasn't just that I'd been obsessing about the PSP since its announcement—what seemed like (and sort of was) the ultimate do-everything media gadget of its day. The PSP was a token of her tacit acceptance of who I was. She knew that while I'd grow old with her, I'd probably never surpass mental adolescence. And that was OK.
So for better or worse, I'll always feel attached to the PSP brand in this strangely emotional way. And realize that, as the PSPgo solidifies the Sony's growing embarrassment in the industry, it breaks my heart a lot more than yours.
Price
$250 on October 1.
Hardware
At 333MHz with 64MB of RAM, the Go isn't any faster or more powerful than the last PSP. But now it's loaded with 16GB of flash storage, has an Micro M2 slot for expansion and, without a UMD drive, manages to be 50% smaller and 40% lighter than the original PSP. The 3.8-inch screen is technically .5 inches smaller than the PSP classic, but it runs at the same 480x272 resolution.
After playing with the PSPgo for a week, I've adjusted to the small form. It slides open with a smooth but fulfilling snap, and it's very light and balanced in your hands.
Despite the chrome detailing, know that the edging and body are constructed of what's not the most sturdy-feeling plastic, but only time will tell how well the Go holds up to daily abuse. As Adam Frucci said, "it doesn't quite feel cheap, but it doesn't feel expensive either." If you could say one thing about the original PSP, it was that it felt expensive.
But it's more than just quality making this impression. When you hold a Zune HD, the thing seems to be carved from the future itself. When you hold the PSPgo, it feels like a free-with-contract tween's phone.
