Just got my PSP
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 37,312
Likes: 337
From: SoCal
Sony Computer Entertainment's PlayStation Portable handheld console has finally launched in North America today to the delight of portable gaming fans, but news from Canadian retailers regarding SCE's replacement service policy for the new console threatens to rain on their parade. Ever since it launched in Japan late last year, the PSP hasn't exactly built a confident reputation regarding it's build quality. A potential issue concerns "dead pixels", which means few pixels on your screen that never change color because they are essentially "broken". Depending on where exactly these pixels are, this could actually prove quite distracting.
In the PSP's defense, dead pixels have been an issue for many other devices with high-quality LCD screens, and mainly stems from manufacturing defects. Most manufacturers of such devices (like LCD monitors for PCs) are willing to replace products with dead pixels, provided that your number of busted pixels meets their "tolerance level". Some are little more lenient however and will replace your unit no matter what. The surprise here is that SCEA reportedly will not warrant ANY number pixels, period. Be it five or one on your brand new PSP screen, it appears they will not recognize dead pixels as a manufacturing defect. An email from retailer Videogames Plus provides the details:
"DEAD PIXEL WARRANTY AND TESTING...
We have just been infomned by Sony that they will not be warranting any dead
pixel units. They are only warranting hardware defects ie broken buttons,
malfuction with drive and so on. Dead Pixels are not considered a defect by Sony
of America and will not be warrantied."
Provided that the information is indeed true (the retailer does appear legitimate, but the email is somewhat hastily written), this is quite a heavy-handed measure on Sony's part. This could be a sign that they aren't ready to handle returns for their new console just yet, at least not until they ship enough PSP consoles to as many different consumers as possible first. A bit strange, but hopefully the company will ease up on their policy a little in the future when PSP supplies become more plentiful later in the year.
Until then, your only real option for replacing a PSP unit with dead pixels (that are actually bothering you) is to return it to your retailer for a new unit. Considering the tights supplies of the PSP right now however, you may not be so lucky. Hopefully you'll get a good unit the first time through!
http://www.neoseeker.com/news/story/...8370ae76badb8d
In the PSP's defense, dead pixels have been an issue for many other devices with high-quality LCD screens, and mainly stems from manufacturing defects. Most manufacturers of such devices (like LCD monitors for PCs) are willing to replace products with dead pixels, provided that your number of busted pixels meets their "tolerance level". Some are little more lenient however and will replace your unit no matter what. The surprise here is that SCEA reportedly will not warrant ANY number pixels, period. Be it five or one on your brand new PSP screen, it appears they will not recognize dead pixels as a manufacturing defect. An email from retailer Videogames Plus provides the details:
"DEAD PIXEL WARRANTY AND TESTING...
We have just been infomned by Sony that they will not be warranting any dead
pixel units. They are only warranting hardware defects ie broken buttons,
malfuction with drive and so on. Dead Pixels are not considered a defect by Sony
of America and will not be warrantied."
Provided that the information is indeed true (the retailer does appear legitimate, but the email is somewhat hastily written), this is quite a heavy-handed measure on Sony's part. This could be a sign that they aren't ready to handle returns for their new console just yet, at least not until they ship enough PSP consoles to as many different consumers as possible first. A bit strange, but hopefully the company will ease up on their policy a little in the future when PSP supplies become more plentiful later in the year.
Until then, your only real option for replacing a PSP unit with dead pixels (that are actually bothering you) is to return it to your retailer for a new unit. Considering the tights supplies of the PSP right now however, you may not be so lucky. Hopefully you'll get a good unit the first time through!
http://www.neoseeker.com/news/story/...8370ae76badb8d
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,066
Likes: 3,662
From: Vancouver BC
I just got mine at Costco... $319.99 with two games and a some other stuff... I don't really care all that much for the games that it came with... "Twisted Metal" and some "NBA" game... but I bought from Costco, knowing that if I ever have any problems with it... I just take it back... no extended warranties needed...
BUT... I have a question for you guys... what exactly does it mean.. "WiFi"? Does that mean I can only play someone else wirelessly? Does that person need to be near me (physcially)? Or it just means... I can be playing any random person anywhere else? Does it mean I can go online and surf the net???? I don't really want to open it yet until I find out....
Oh, and BTW... there didn't seem to be any "shortages" at Costco... there were PLENTY.
BUT... I have a question for you guys... what exactly does it mean.. "WiFi"? Does that mean I can only play someone else wirelessly? Does that person need to be near me (physcially)? Or it just means... I can be playing any random person anywhere else? Does it mean I can go online and surf the net???? I don't really want to open it yet until I find out....
Oh, and BTW... there didn't seem to be any "shortages" at Costco... there were PLENTY.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 10,121
Likes: 0
From: Overland Park, Kansas
Originally Posted by is300eater
I just got mine at Costco... $319.99 with two games and a some other stuff... I don't really care all that much for the games that it came with... "Twisted Metal" and some "NBA" game... but I bought from Costco, knowing that if I ever have any problems with it... I just take it back... no extended warranties needed...
BUT... I have a question for you guys... what exactly does it mean.. "WiFi"? Does that mean I can only play someone else wirelessly? Does that person need to be near me (physcially)? Or it just means... I can be playing any random person anywhere else? Does it mean I can go online and surf the net???? I don't really want to open it yet until I find out....
Oh, and BTW... there didn't seem to be any "shortages" at Costco... there were PLENTY.
BUT... I have a question for you guys... what exactly does it mean.. "WiFi"? Does that mean I can only play someone else wirelessly? Does that person need to be near me (physcially)? Or it just means... I can be playing any random person anywhere else? Does it mean I can go online and surf the net???? I don't really want to open it yet until I find out....
Oh, and BTW... there didn't seem to be any "shortages" at Costco... there were PLENTY.
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 37,312
Likes: 337
From: SoCal
Originally Posted by kensteele
How much are they at Costco? And what does it mean "no extended warranty needed"? Do I need to return my unit to Best Buy and get one from Costco (using my friend's membership, I have Sam's) or what?
I think he means it was sold as a package for $320.
Costco has a very liberal return policy that allow you to bring it in and exchange it at a later date. The only exception are desktop and notebook computer which only have a 6 month period that you can return or exchange them, and as far as I am aware video game systems are not considered computers so that is why you don't need an extended warranty.
something witty
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 0
From: Orange County
Originally Posted by Silver™
Costco has a very liberal return policy that allow you to bring it in and exchange it at a later date. The only exception are desktop and notebook computer which only have a 6 month period that you can return or exchange them, and as far as I am aware video game systems are not considered computers so that is why you don't need an extended warranty.
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,066
Likes: 3,662
From: Vancouver BC
Originally Posted by farberstyle
I was returning a shirt two months ago and some couple brought back a BOTTLE OF WINE. It was half full with the cork stuck back in top. I was like WTF, so I asked and the lady said you can return just about anything.
...yep, I used to work there... and you'd be surprise the kinda things people bring back... that is why I tell everybody that's shopping around for plasma TVs to buy from Costco... cause we all know they can't really fix those things... once there's something wrong... it's pretty much gone... I have a client that brought her plasma back because something really minor... and they cashed her out... but they still made their money, cause she turned around and bought another plasma with the cash... I think, though... in the future they'll put the same policy on plasma TVs as the computers...
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,066
Likes: 3,662
From: Vancouver BC
...but can anyone answer my question about the WiFi feature on the PSP? What exactly is it? Do you guys know if you can just surf the net with it at a "hotspot" or if you have wireless internet at home?
something witty
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 0
From: Orange County
From the Sony website:
Q Will I be able to play online at wireless Hotspots?
A Yes, with some limitations. This is accomplished through an Infrastructure/Online mode, which connects the PSP system to the Internet through a wireless-LAN from access points (typical for home networks) or Hotspots (typically for public/commercial use). However, wireless Hotspots that require you to login via a webpage for access will not be currently accessible to PSP system users.
Q Will I be able to play online at wireless Hotspots?
A Yes, with some limitations. This is accomplished through an Infrastructure/Online mode, which connects the PSP system to the Internet through a wireless-LAN from access points (typical for home networks) or Hotspots (typically for public/commercial use). However, wireless Hotspots that require you to login via a webpage for access will not be currently accessible to PSP system users.
The Third Ball
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 50,492
Likes: 5,869
From: Los Angeles, Ca
My mom got hers and loves it. She has had a gameboy in every incarnation since they came out to include the DS...which she loves.
And she had a Game Gear for awhile but didnt like it. But she really likes her PSP in addition to her DS.
Moms.......they crack me up.
And she had a Game Gear for awhile but didnt like it. But she really likes her PSP in addition to her DS.
Moms.......they crack me up.
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,066
Likes: 3,662
From: Vancouver BC
Originally Posted by farberstyle
From the Sony website:
Q Will I be able to play online at wireless Hotspots?
A Yes, with some limitations. This is accomplished through an Infrastructure/Online mode, which connects the PSP system to the Internet through a wireless-LAN from access points (typical for home networks) or Hotspots (typically for public/commercial use). However, wireless Hotspots that require you to login via a webpage for access will not be currently accessible to PSP system users.
Q Will I be able to play online at wireless Hotspots?
A Yes, with some limitations. This is accomplished through an Infrastructure/Online mode, which connects the PSP system to the Internet through a wireless-LAN from access points (typical for home networks) or Hotspots (typically for public/commercial use). However, wireless Hotspots that require you to login via a webpage for access will not be currently accessible to PSP system users.
...okay, but are you playing your buddy thats sittin' next to you? Or can you play some random person that's in another part of the country, like X-Box live?
The hair says it all
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,566
Likes: 0
From: Manhattan, NYC
i played one and watched the movie, its so unbelivable sick and futuristic, screen looks amazing, the system looks amazing, works sooo well
looks straight out of a movie like minority report
looks straight out of a movie like minority report
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 64,106
Likes: 14,259
damn you all.......... I want one. 
Sony says the PSP cannot use the wi-fi for web browsing... I say it's only a question of time before the hacks and mods start rolling in for this thing... I can't wait to see what people come up with it........with wi-fi, almost anything is possible.
Sony says the PSP cannot use the wi-fi for web browsing... I say it's only a question of time before the hacks and mods start rolling in for this thing... I can't wait to see what people come up with it........with wi-fi, almost anything is possible.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 169,052
Likes: 23,830
Originally Posted by srika
damn you all.......... I want one.
Sony says the PSP cannot use the wi-fi for web browsing... I say it's only a question of time before the hacks and mods start rolling in for this thing... I can't wait to see what people come up with it........with wi-fi, almost anything is possible.
Sony says the PSP cannot use the wi-fi for web browsing... I say it's only a question of time before the hacks and mods start rolling in for this thing... I can't wait to see what people come up with it........with wi-fi, almost anything is possible.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 169,052
Likes: 23,830
Originally Posted by KC 2004 TSX
I'm seriously thinking about going to Costco this evening and getting a PSP. What do you guys think about it so far?
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,066
Likes: 3,662
From: Vancouver BC
Originally Posted by KC 2004 TSX
I'm seriously thinking about going to Costco this evening and getting a PSP. What do you guys think about it so far?
Senior Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 169,052
Likes: 23,830
Originally Posted by is300eater
I swear I don't for for Costco or own any of their stocks... but I've always told people to buy (certain) things from Costco, cause you can always return it, there's no time limts or extended warranties... and with the (supposedly) issue of the dead pixels? yeah... get it... then if you don't like it... return it. (but make sure you keep the receipt, it'll make returns easier, that is... if you do decide to return it.)
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City, MO USA
I picked one up at Costco. It's pretty cool!! The bundle comes with the PSP value pack and the 2 games, NBA and Twisted Metal. The only thing I was disappointed with was that it did not come with the USB connection ($16.09 at Target).
Senior Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 169,052
Likes: 23,830
Originally Posted by farberstyle
whats the cheapest you have seen the 1GB? I saw best buy had a 512mb for $65 after rebates.
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,066
Likes: 3,662
From: Vancouver BC
this might help some you guys that's shopping around...
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 64,106
Likes: 14,259
Originally Posted by srika
damn you all.......... I want one.
Sony says the PSP cannot use the wi-fi for web browsing... I say it's only a question of time before the hacks and mods start rolling in for this thing... I can't wait to see what people come up with it........with wi-fi, almost anything is possible.
Sony says the PSP cannot use the wi-fi for web browsing... I say it's only a question of time before the hacks and mods start rolling in for this thing... I can't wait to see what people come up with it........with wi-fi, almost anything is possible.
https://acurazine.com/forums/console-computer-gaming-13/surf-net-your-psp-now-copy-wipeout-needed-302079/
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 64,106
Likes: 14,259
Finally checked out the PSP first-hand at the Sony store..... damn. it is nice. Twisted Metal was really twisting my arm, no pun intended lol. But I had to hold off because their policy was they accept returns on it only if there are greater than 1% dead pixels - i.e. if there are a few dead pixels, they will not accept a return. And their in-store warranty plan isn't that good, only covers standard repairs, if the unit actually goes bad. I have to check the other places, I want to see if they offer the warranty where, if you accidentally run over it with your car, you get a new one, no questions asked. 
Not that, I would ever accidentally run over it in my car...
but damn, I was very impressed by the screen. I need one. damnit. I wish it had 2 of the "analog sticks" though...
Not that, I would ever accidentally run over it in my car... but damn, I was very impressed by the screen. I need one. damnit. I wish it had 2 of the "analog sticks" though...
'Big Daddy Diggler'
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 11,016
Likes: 4
From: Yonkers NY
Originally Posted by srika
Finally checked out the PSP first-hand at the Sony store..... damn. it is nice. Twisted Metal was really twisting my arm, no pun intended lol. But I had to hold off because their policy was they accept returns on it only if there are greater than 1% dead pixels - i.e. if there are a few dead pixels, they will not accept a return. And their in-store warranty plan isn't that good, only covers standard repairs, if the unit actually goes bad. I have to check the other places, I want to see if they offer the warranty where, if you accidentally run over it with your car, you get a new one, no questions asked. Not that, I would ever accidentally run over it in my car...
but damn, I was very impressed by the screen. I need one. damnit. I wish it had 2 of the "analog sticks" though...
Not that, I would ever accidentally run over it in my car... but damn, I was very impressed by the screen. I need one. damnit. I wish it had 2 of the "analog sticks" though...