Product Description

Carry and protect your PlayStation Portable (PSP) system as well as UMD movies, games and memory cards with the compact, durable PSP98596 travel case.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7432 in Video Games
• Brand: Sony
• Model: 711719859604
• Released on: 2006-11-16
• Platform: Sony PSP
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 2.00" h x 5.25" w x 9.50" l, .64 pounds

Features

• Custom-fit case protects your PSP and its accessories from bumps, bangs and dings
• Stylish case shows the world that you are a gaming champ
• Take this case with you wherever you go and gain peace of mind about the safety of your PSP

Customer Reviews

It's a Good Case
I bought both the Logitech and the Sony polycarbonate cases. While I like the idea of the added polycarbonate screen protector (which was nicely designed to rest just above the PSP screen so not to directly touch it), the holders for 2 UMDs and 2 Memory Sticks, and the strategically placed rubber bumpers, I have to say that in my opinion, the Logitech case wins out by a nose.

The Sony case does hold the PSP tighter, and with the screen protector in place, it will not allow the PSP to fall out. This could be a major deciding factor for some folks. However, my issue with the screen protector is that it is way too difficult to disengage from covering the PSP (basically you are supposed to push in the latch, but the case is so "form fitting" that there is no extra room for the PSP to move so as to let the latch unhook). This makes it much more of a pain to change out UMDs because neither case will let you do that without removing the PSP from the case.

The other issue I have noted with the Sony case that does not occur with the Logitech case is that the opening for the headphone jack on the Sony case is located just slightly off from where it needs to be (it is too high). This has the unfortunate effect of forcing you to raise the PSP in the case slightly, which for me puts the PSP screen in contact with the polycarbonate screen protector (a scratch just waiting to happen). It is possible that my case is slightly defective, and that others have not had this problem, but since I did, it has to be part of my review.

So all in all, I think the Sony PSP Travel Case is definitely worthy, and if you won't be changing UMDs frequently, I think it is very comparable to the Logitech case. However, the difficulty in disengaging the screen protector and the issue with the headphone jack opening makes the Sony case my second choice for my PSP.

Body Armor 4 Your PSP
This is a clear, polycarbonate case to protect your precious investment. It is very similar to the very popular Logitech Playgear Pocket. Both cases are made of a highly durable, clear polycarbonate material. Both are form-fitting, with access holes in the right places that allows you to play with your PSP while it is safely protected inside the case. The Sony PSP Travel Case is a little bit larger than the Logitech. Inside the case is a specially formed rubber material that holds your PSP securely. This material helps protect your console from external shock. It is larger than the Logitech due to the fact that it has room to carry two UMDs inside.

I chose this case over the Logitech because it has a screen protector that is built into the case. This screen protector also holds down your PSP and keeps it in place even when the case cover is open. As long as the screen protector is closed and locked down, the PSP will not fall out even if you turn the case upside down with the case cover open. In my view, this is an important extra measure of protection. These cases were designed to hold the PSP at all times. They have access holes in the right places so that you can play with your PSP while it is safely inside.

At first, it will be awkward to operate your PSP while it's in the case. The open cover can sometimes touch the knuckles of your third finger while you're holding the case. And the case is heavy. If you're used to operating a naked PSP, the extra mass will take some time to get used to. However, think of it as body armor for your Sony. Just as a real bullet-proof body armor can save the life of the person wearing it, this case can save the functionality of your PSP. Basically, the biggest threat to your PSP is getting dropped. It only takes one drop, one accident, to turn an elegant PSP into a broken brick. I view my Sony PSP as a long-term equipment and therefore, not something disposable. I am willing to take the time and allow myself to get used to the case. There is a trade-off between convenience and protection. It is up to you to decide where that trade-off is for you.

I have not performed a "drop test" on the unit. I cannot tell you that your PSP will survive a five-foot drop on pavement. There are way too many variables and too many things can happen that affect whether your PSP will survive an accidental drop. I have not performed the "careless 200-pound younger brother who accidentally sat on my PSP" test. The only test I've done is to stack a 50-pound pile of books on top of an empty case to see if it will break. I'm happy to say that the case survived just fine. The anecdotal experience of one user doesn't mean that your experience will have the same outcome. The best advice is to always be aware of where you choose to operate your PSP. Standing in the middle of a concrete driveway while playing a game is always a bad idea. That scenario presents too many opportunities for you to drop your unit. And it's not reasonable to think that your polycarbonate case is guaranteed to keep the PSP safe in the event of every accident. If you only play with your PSP while sitting on the living room couch, then it may be overkill to keep it in this case at all times. Where you play, how careful you are, and how much you value your Sony will determine the level of protection you need.

A comparison of Sony PSP and Logitech Cases
- Identical length and width; the Sony PSP case sits about .5 inches higher when closed

- Logitech case has a stiff lid, meaning you can open it partially like a car sun visor to keep out light if in the sun; Sony case lid is completely loose

- Sony case has screen protector that, as previously mentioned, absorbs some scratches and is difficult to open

- Sony case lid has space for two UMD games/movies and memory stick

- Sony case has rubber feet in strategic places, such as on lid lip when propped open to view a movie (great for airplanes in turbulence)

I have used both and as a traveler prefer this case; I can watch movies on a tray table without the PSP sliding around and can pack two games/movies plus any MP4 videos on a memory stick in the same case. Airplanes are typically darker so I don't notice the scratches on the screen guard at all either. Your needs might be different, which would make the Logitech case a better choice for you.