Sony PSP

Dark_Forces

I don't know if it is true but I heard that Argos alone have purchased 1million PSP consoles? Is it true?

Anyway for those of you getting a PSP at Argos, HERE is the link.

Catalogue Number 567/6587.

Here are some technical specifications:

Dimensions: approx. 170 mm (L) x 74 mm (W) x 23 mm (D)
Weight: approx. 260 g (including battery)
CPU: PSP CPU (system clock frequency 1~333MHz)
Main memory: 32MB; embedded DRAM: 4MB
Disc drive: UMD Drive (Audio/video playback only)
Display: 4.3 inch, 16:9 widescreen TFT LCD 480 x 272 pixel (16.77 million colors); max. 200 cd/m2 (with brightness control)
Speakers: Built-in stereo speakers
Main input/output: IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi)
Headphone/Microphone/Control connector
Keys: Directional buttons (up/down/right/left); analog pad; Enter keys (triangle, circle, cross, square); left and right keys; START, SELECT, HOME
Switches: power on/hold/off; brightness control; sound mode; volume +/-; wireless LAN on/off; UMD eject
Power: Built-in lithium-ion battery, AC adaptor
Compatible with: USB 2.0 (target); Memory Stick PRO Duo; IrDA; IR Remote (SIRCS)

More from HERE

Although the console looks good on paper, you really need to see one in your hands before you make any rash decisions. It is going to cost a fair but at around £180.00 so you need to know that you are going to make fair use of it. There is no point in running out and buying one and in the end getting bored with it.

If a friend gets one, I would go down and check it out first and see what you think of it. It might even be worth waiting a little while because there might be some good deals around which can save you money, and with Christmas arriving you might be able to save even more money.

Make sure you do some research as some online stores offer better deals online than in the shops.

As this will be a very popular console, if you do not manage to get one on September 1st, then there might me a long wait due to shortages.

Hope this Helps

Johntea

A million? I heard Sony were struggling to produce enough to meet demand, i.e. a similar story to the slimline PS2 shortages. Therefore, you are probably right in the fact it may be hard to find stock once the initial batch has sold out.

I must say it could be easier buying the console at Argos rather than a high street retailer which displays items, i.e. Woolworths. Argos have thousands of products, they're not *too* bothered about promoting one item in particular. In my store they have a little sign up saying they will have it September 1st but nothing such as a poster in the shop window.

It should be noted that the item is excluded from the 16 day return policy. Therefore, you will have no time to have a play with it and decide if you really like the console. It is advised you do your research or ask to view before purchase. If you have some other stores selling the console nearby, why not go to them and check it out? You will probably find that some stores (Especially small independant retailers) will have one out for display.

To be honest Sony is quite an expensive brand, I highly doubt this price will drop a great deal. Even the Gameboy SP wasn't reduced until very close to the USA release of the Nintendo DS. The games are a similar story, although I imagine there will be plenty to bid on at eBay.

I don't know if it is a limited offer, but I know for a fact if you purchase a PSP from ANY retailer it will come with a coupon for a free Spiderman 2 UMD movie. So don't let retailers convince you THEY are throwing in the movie.

The best Argos deal seems to be this one:
Buy a PSP console, Lumines and WC Snooker Challenge 2005 for only £204.98 (Saving £30). As the PSP console is £180 the games work out at around £12.50 each, instead of paying £29.99 for them later.

Some people may prefer the PSP console, 256mb memory stick, PSP essentials kit and either Ridge Racer, Fired Up, F1, Wipeout Pure for £219.96 (Saving £45). Although this deal seems better than the one above, the memory stick is at a highly inflated Argos price and the 'essentials' pack isn't worth the money. I'm sure they were also promoting a "Buy the PSP console, get one of 4 games for half price" offer too. Really it all depends on what sort of game genres you enjoy.

Obviously a great litte console but it is just like the iPod at the end of the day - Don't get led in by the hype, always consider the advantages/disadvantages and consider if it is right for YOU

Dark_Forces

There is a PSP reserved at Leicester Fosse Park. If you are interested PM me.

nemo183

Although you can buy this console for less - eg via the Kays 20% first time purchase offer - I reckon the Argos deal is sound, especially if you bite the bullet and also buy the £29.95 3 year insurance deal.

I ask you - when was the last time your son/daughter - young, clumsy, and aggressive - ever bought ANYTHING that lasted 3 years?

I've used this Argos insurance twice, and each time I've never had a moments problem either replacing the item, or getting back the purchase price in vouchers.

The best deal, if you go this way, seems to be the console and half price game deal.

In addition, you need to budget for a 1MB card: I suggest -

http://www.picstop.co.uk/Memory-Stick,-Pro,-Duo/SanDisk-Playstation-Portable--(PSP)-Gaming-Memory---1GB

Memory like this can always be found cheaper, but often from abroad, leaving you with import tax and vat to pay. By the way, picstop are an rpoints vendor.

Also, software to convert your DVDs to PSP format. There are free downloads at https://www.zdnet.com, but several people have recommended item 8215790565 on ebay, which seems as if it will do the trick, and has a vendor who really understands the product - plus it costs under a fiver, including postage.

Anyone with other good ideas, don't think them, post them.

nemo183

Oh, and just by the way, it's just rather a pity they didn't also manage to buy 1,000,000 TV/DVD/Stand combo's at 49p..............

Dark_Forces

PSP reserved at Fosse Park taken.

othermanmi

Seem to be plenty available in Northern Ireland branches of Argos!

Dark_Forces

Hmm, interesting. Don't know what is happenning with PSP stocks at Argos but I bet they will be stockpiled in some areas and some areas won't have any.

rikmartin

There is a PSP reserved at Corby, Northants. If you are interested PM me.

Johnnypanic_2

Argos stores in Derry ran out on 1st September, but have since restocked and there seems to be plenty.

Had pre-ordered mine from Woolworths, but still have not received it

It I don't get it by tomorrow afternoon, I'm off to Argos to pick up the one I've reserved and Woolworths can take their's back, if it ever arrives!

Johnnypanic

biglugs

There seem to be loads of these available - Boots have them for £184.99 but you get triple points - equivalent to £22 off, and free delivery. I reckon that makes them about £162.80 - lots cheaper than Argos.