Buying a PSP. (In the Philippines)

So you want a PSP eh? Here are some tips in buying a new (or used) Playstation Portable.

There are currrently 2 PSP models available in the market. The PSP-1000 (also known as the PSP Fat) and the PSP-2000. (also known as the PSP Slim)

If you don't mind the weight, buying a PSP Fat might suit you since it is much cheaper now (because of the newer and lightweight PSP Slims) and lso, PSP Fat accesories are in abundance in malls and even in sidewalks thus making it easier to look for enhancements for your PSP.


Where to buy?
Normally, you would see PSPs being sold inside malls. I buy my gadgets from the internet because this is much cheaper and you can negotiate directly with the seller unlike in some shops where sellers haggle and pressure you in buying.

I usually buy PSPs from these sites: ("PSPs" because I already bought a couple of them. One for myself and a bunch for others.)

www.ebay.ph This is our local ebay auction site. Lots of great finds here!
www.tipidpc.com Lots of gadgets and accessories are being sold here cheap.


Things to consider before buying:
1. Buy from a trusted source. Specially if you're dealing with them online. There are plenty of scammers so better watch out. One way to avoid being scammed is to always choose the Cash on Delivery option on your purchases. Pick a place near you, preferably a mall, then meet with the seller there.

2. Do a background check of the store or the person you are dealing with. There is a feedback system in www.ebay.ph and www.tipidpc.com where you can check the feedback of their previous buyers and customers. If the person or store you are buying from have lots of negative feedback, avoid them.

3. If you smell something fishy or you feel something is not right, cancel the deal. It's better safe than sorry.


Things to consider while buying Brand New PSPs:
1. Check the PSPs condition. A brand new PSP should have a box with all the accessories inside. (Charger, manuals, battery)

2. Look for the serial number sticker. (Remove the PSP's battery cover. Then remove the battery. You should see a gray sticker. The serial number should be on it.) If the sticker is faded or looks like it has been tampered, don't buy it. Chances are, that unit is old or reconditioned.

3. Check the following ports: USB, earphone, memory stick, and charger. If it looks used or has dirt inside, don't buy it. It's used.

4. Turn the PSP on to see if the screen has dead pixels. (Dead Pixels are dark spots on the PSP's LCD display.) Dead pixels are hardly noticeable but it looks ugly when playing games with plain backgrounds.

5. Check all the buttons to see if they are working and that they are intact and not loose. Also, see if the sides of the buttons are clean. If the sides have dirt, its used.


6. The long barcode on the picture is somewhat an identity sticker for your PSP. No two stickers are alike. Although there is still no way to determine whether the PSP is genuine or not, one way to be sure is to inspect the sticker. If its misaligned and looks like it had been printed on sticker paper, chances are, that PSP is reconditioned. (Thank you Dave Taylor for the picture)

7. Ask the seller if they have warranty for your PSP and for how long. Some sellers offer an exchange if what you bought from them has defects. Don't be afraid to ask.

Other Information:
Bundles
There are currently a lot of shops and sellers who offer PSP bundles. Here is an example from a PSP Forum:

PSP Core Pack Black 4GB Memory Stick Blackhorns Spongi KitSilicon Case2 in 1 Retractable USB/Charger Cable Stereo HeadsetScreen ProtectorHandstrap As of this writing, this particular bundle costs P9,600.


Memory Sticks

I think more than 90% of the PSPs here in the Philippines use Fake Sony Memory Sticks. Fake memory sticks are in abundance! It's sold even inside reputable malls.

Those fake memory sticks are from China and are sold cheaper (of course) compared to the original Sony.

How would you know if its fake? Follow this guide. How to Identify Fake Sony Memory Sticks.


There you have it. Leave your comments and questions below.

Dave Taylor has some great articles on PSPs. Stuff like "How Can I Recover My Stolen PSP?" and "What does 'bricked' mean?". You may read it from his website here. http://www.askdavetaylor.com