Reviews

StylusCentral: Aluminum Case for the Sony PSP

September 13, 2005

With the Sony PSP, style is a big part of the package. Sure, it’s great to have a handheld device that can play games and movies, even surf the web at WiFi hotspots if you have the version 2.0 system update. But it just isn’t a Sony product if it isn’t dripping with style. That explains why I’ve seen several cases that I like for the PSP, but I don’t often “clothe” my portable console unless I want to drop it in a gear bag and go. There’s just something unpleasant about covering up that huge screen and glossy black body… but that’s not a problem any more, due to the new black aluminum case from StylusCentral.

This accessory is made of aluminum, with a matte black finish. It closely hugs the shape of the PSP, which is why you can see three “bumps” on the front—they accommodate the buttons and and analog nub. There are also cutouts for the Memory Stick Duo status lights, as well as the power switch and hold light. The top of the case completely covers the UMD slot, though both of the shoulder triggers are accessible. The sides are rather more open than I would like, leaving the Memory Stick Duo door uncovered, as well as the power switch, AC adapter port, and headphone jack.

The clasp is on the bottom of the case, and very nicely done. It doesn’t come open unless you actually activate it, and the opening action is smooth. There’s a hinge on the top of the case, and on this fairly new case it’s tight enough to prevent the cover from simply flopping over when it is open. Only time will tell if this behavior will last, though I hope it does. You insert the PSP through the top of the open case, and two small arms on each side “hug” the device and hold it inside the case. There is also a small lip at the bottom to prevent you from pushing the PSP out of the bottom of the case. The interior of the case is completely lined in Neoprene, so you don’t have to worry about scratching the PSP.

I found it very easy to play with my PSP while in the case; the cradle design doesn’t interfere with any of the buttons, and that tight hinge means that the top of the case doesn’t come around and hit me in the knuckles when I’m trying to play games. Overall I feel that this case is very protective and also quite durable; because the surface isn’t perfectly smooth, it doesn’t seem to be prone to annoying scratches and cosmetic damage—I’ve tossed it into my gear bag several times over the last couple of weeks, and there isn’t a single scratch. I do wish that the Memory Stick Duo door were covered though, as that is actually a much more expensive investment for me than any of my games so far. I also doubt that many people change MS media all that often, though they will change UMD discs frequently. Since you have to take the PSP out of the case to switch out games or movies, I would like the extra protection for my 2GB MS Pro Duo.

In all other respects though, the StylusCentral aluminum case for the Sony PSP is my favorite case so far. It does a good job of protecting my PSP without making me feel like I’ve dumped my handheld into the ugliest granny sack on the planet. With other portable electronics that may not be terribly important, but it is when a device starts with as high a cool factor as the Sony PSP. If you feel the same way, you can get your own for $19.99 at the StylusCentral online store.

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