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Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007

A long time fan of new technology, I was one of the first in line for the PSP when it was released back in mid 2005.  I had high hopes for the system that, if it were only based on a comparison of technology, would be the only competitor to the infallible Nintendo portable console.

As we all know this could not be farther from the truth.  Sure the system is a (relative) success but it is far from the popular lightweight mp3 player hanging from everyone's neck like they tried to push it as in those early ads.

But today is not about Sony rants or PSP mourning's.  Today's blog is about a mystery that I came across who's answer was staring at me in the face the entire time and for the life of me could not figure out.

The moment I opened my first UMD game I felt concerned that these flimsy plastic self encased mini DVD's were going to scratch and crack easily, destroying my expensive portable game.  Possibly even destroying the most expensive portable gaming system I have ever bought.

I didn't like all the cotton and vinyl UMD carrying cases and bags because they looked more likely to scratch my precious copy of Wipeout.  I bought these plastic ones that in my opinion looked the most durable.

 

I still began to notice scratches on my discs though.  Once one was scratched I would keep it away from the other new discs out of fear that the rough texture of the scratched UMD would spread the "rash."  I was cycling the disc order, each getting their turn at the bottom of the pile.

Never really putting much thought into the cause I assumed it was just regular use damaging the delicate plastic casing.  Then one rare sunny day that I actually had my PSP out in the sun, I noticed scuff marks on the case itself.

 

Forgetting the fact that you can't see a thing on the PSP screen in daylight I was happy that I finally saw the "light."  I use the term happy loosely since all my games (and one free movie) was all scratched now.

I think we could all stand to benefit from accessory reviews.  I always enjoy those special edition articles that review hardware and accessories.  If only there were more.

Category: Editorial
Posted by Zkeptik, 11:38pm
7 Comments | Post a Comment

Comments

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Bad Luck for you.
I put my Gamecube games in a magazine disc holder once.
My copy of Super Mario Sunshine and Super Smash Bros got scratched. The case had a little nick of plastic sticking out that was scratching my discs .
I lost faith in that magazine that month.
Posted Mar 20, 2007 11:48 pm PT
Man that's even worse. My games are still playable at least. (So far.) I'm sorry to hear that.
Posted Mar 20, 2007 11:51 pm PT
Ugh, I hate manufacturers who make stuff without thinking. Like you said, more hardware and accessories reviews would be nice... but the chances are slim, marketing rules!
Posted Mar 21, 2007 4:35 am PT
You should review these products more often. Especially, the smaller, unknown products like this one.
Posted Mar 21, 2007 10:21 am PT
That sucks. I just use the normal cases, I haven't had a problem yet.
Posted Mar 22, 2007 11:47 am PT
What works in a pinch for me are cleaned out empty Altoids tins. Can carry 3 UMDs comfortably and are inconspicuous.
Posted Mar 25, 2007 8:46 pm PT
Protip: Only use 1st-party accessories whenever possible.
Posted Jul 31, 2007 5:11 pm PT
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  • Zkeptik
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