Reviews

Brando Week: Metal Case for the Sony PSP

July 29, 2005

As you may have guessed by now, I’m a real fan of aluminum hard cases for mobile devices. They’re extremely strong, yet lightweight. Protective, yet easy to use. And generally much less expensive than a luxury leather case. Which is why I’m especially pleased that I can get one for my Sony PSP—since it isn’t a traditional handheld or smartphone, I figured I’d be out of luck. Fortunately the great folks over at Brando WorkShop have not one, but two options, depending on whether you like the standard brushed silver or a sexy matte black.

Whichever option you choose, the case is made the same, and offers the same features. There is no logo or brand information on the outside of the case, and the top is completely plain. On the bottom of the case you’ll find four small black rubber “feet” that prevent the case from sliding across a desk or table. The closure latch is quite sturdy and while it isn’t that difficult to operate, I don’t really worry about the case coming open unintentionally either. There are numerous cutouts around the edges of the case to provide access to vital functions, such as the mini USB port, charging port, headphone jack, etc. There is also a cutout for the Memory Stick Pro Duo slot that I wish wasn’t there— the PSP is so easily removed from the case, and it is so unlikely that you’ll want to change MS Pro Duos often, that I wish it had not been included.

Inside the case you’ll see that the interior has been lined with black Neoprene to prevent scratches and other cosmetic damage. The PSP fits perfectly inside the case without any unwanted gaps or movement. But the coolest feature is the unique double hinge that joins the two halves of the case together. It drops below the PSP when you’re playing games in the case, and I find it just annoying enough to prefer taking the PSP out of the case entirely for long gaming sessions. But it’s perfect for watching movies and videos, because you can prop up the PSP on a table by folding the bottom half of the case behind the PSP. It’s sturdy, so I’m not worried about my PSP getting damaged by falling, and the device rests at just the right angle to view the screen comfortably without glare from overhead lighting.

Another option may be to put the PSP in the case “backwards” so the top flips up instead of dangling underneath. If I place my hands just right, the top lid can rest on the back of my fingers without being a bother at all, and it’s more comfortable for me than having the lid bumping into my pinkies constantly. That also solves the problem of protecting the Memory Stick Pro Duo slot as well, since it is covered by the body of the case when the PSP is put into the case backwards.

You can get the Brando WorkShop Metal Case for the Sony PSP in your choice of gray or black for only $28. That’s a very good price for an exceptional case that will protect your PSP and carry it in style.

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