Filed under: Audio, Gaming, iPod Family, Video, Odds and ends
"Video" iPod vs. PSP
I've noticed several posts around the web comparing the PSP to Apple's new video-capable iPod. PSP World has an editorial on the topic that, despite the site's clear PSP-leanings, finds somewhat in favor of the iPod in terms of video content noting "Sony needs a strategic plan that includes easy-to-use, cross-platform media organization and transfer software, reduced storage pricing, and an easier way for PSP owners to access digital content." Playlist also compares the two devices and makes a similar comment, noting that "The iPod is smaller and lighter and can hold a lot more content, too. But perhaps the most important factor in the iPods favor is a content delivery system through the iTunes Music Store that makes it a lead pipe cinch to get video onto your iPod." The PSP has a new stream TV to the PSP over the internet option in the form of a LocationFree Player that streams video from your TV, DVD or DVR to your PSP, but only if you spend an extra $250 on the LocationFree Device.So, as a blogger for TUAW and author of a forthcoming book on the PSP, what do I think? Why does this have to be a vs. situation? Both devices rock. The PSP is a gaming system. The iPod has much more storage space and is better geared to be a great multimedia storage and viewing device. Can't we all just get along? Buy one of each!
What do you think?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kacy said 5:54PM on 10-17-2005
I completely agree with your summation. I have a PSP and I plan on getting a Video iPod in the near future. Until the unlikely event we see an iPod gaming platform with solid partnerships with game developers like Sony has, I think the threat to Sony is small. Er... Apples and oranges, i say. Sorry for that pun...
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Anyonymous said 6:02PM on 10-17-2005
I already have a PSP and an iPod nano. The iPod nano I got like 5 days after it came out. The screen was screwed up though, so my dad went back and he was very angry because it was brand new, so I got another one. I opened that one and the middle button is screwed up, beause when you click it normally it doesn't work, you have to press it really hard.
I bought the nano with my own money that I worked for in the summer, it was $250 (CND). The iPod is $370 (CND), so what I want to do is return my iPod nano and get a refund because I am sick of it. I will wait a bit to see if the iPod is also extremely flawed, then if it isn't, I want to get the iPod, but my dad pays the extra $130 as a Christmas gift.
The thing is, the iPod nano is EXTREMELY small, unlike the iPod. I am waiting for some people to getb theirs and post side-by-sides with the PSP and nano, and that includes you C.K.! I want something really small, but the whole video thing is also really good, since my PSP has only a 512 MB stick, which was ironically $130.
What does everyone else think I should do?
By the way, I am 12 years old :)
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Xenophane said 6:17PM on 10-17-2005
I have both, and it's not for the same purpose. I use the PSP to watch movies or TV show in MPG4 on a 1 gig memory stick and for games obviously. I use the iPod video to put my home made videos for showing on TV of familly or friends. For the rest the iPod is for music.
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Clark Goble said 6:31PM on 10-17-2005
I think the ease of getting content on the iPod is a big plus. The screen size a big negative. And the low res iTMS content a real big minus (although it simply means I won't use it)
I'd love it were I buying a new iPod. I think I'd have a hard time deciding between a Nano and one of these. But it's not enough to make me replace my current 2cd gen iPod.
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Eric Carroll said 6:29PM on 10-17-2005
Well, I have a PSP and was slowly building up a Library of movies that I would be all ready for the PSP so that when I went on trips I would just load them up on my laptop and have them good to go. I've already started doing the same with a few things for the iPod, but I read that the iPod's battery life for Video is something to the tune of 2 hours for the 30GB and 3-4 for the 60GB... So in that regard, it seems the PSP has the edge. However, the convenince of the iPod is superior. I am used to having an iPod with me at all times. So it isn't ANOTHER thing to bring along, like the PSP is. I suppose once I see real world battery life as I use the machine it'll decide whether I stop encoding movies for my iPod or not.
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Robert Knight said 7:54PM on 10-17-2005
As long as Sony chooses proprietary formats (Memory Stick, ATRAC audio, UMD etc.) for using their products, nothing else matters.
The product that most easily allows users to add their choice of content will always be more popular. iPod wins in the video department, which is the only real comparison to be made in my opinion.
Sony has always been poised to compete, but shoots itself in the foot with stupid obstacles to an "open" platform. I don't think the iPod is all that open a platform in itself. But compared to Sony, it is. And that is Sony's problem.
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Nick said 6:55PM on 10-17-2005
Plain and simple, battery life is a huge issue for both. Either way, both are good in their own respects.
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amiga_tone said 7:24PM on 10-17-2005
"Why does this have to be a vs. situation? Both devices rock. The PSP is a gaming system."
If Sony heard you say that they would shoot you down as the PSP is not marketed as a gaming system but an integrated entertainment system.
Whats the difference? A Gameboy or DS is a gaming system a PSP is for Movies, games, music, internet and charging too often.
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Victor Agreda, Jr. said 8:03PM on 10-17-2005
I wonder what will happen in a year. Current CEO of Sony has vowed to bring down the walls separating his divisions... In this case, Movies and Technology. They OWN flippin' content!!! Why is there not a Sony Movie Store for your PSP? Heck, make some stinky, DRM'ed, ATRACish video format that only exists on a moon of Venus and toss it onto the next PSP firmware upgrade. Bingo, movies on a stick.
Apple has (once again) proved it can make sensible partnerships (uh, union labor agreements notwithstanding), and provide content for their products. Sony, in the meantime, is busy killing homebrew apps designed to extend the usefulness of their products.
As of yet, nothing beats my shadow puppets and an empty mooonshine jug for entertainment. Unless you add a full moonshine jug.
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Daniel Flax said 6:49AM on 10-18-2005
What do I want? I have both an iPod and a PSP.
I want to be able to store video on my iPod, connect it to my PSP and play the content on the larger screen. In fact, I want that connection to be bluetooth, so I don't even have to use a wire to make it work!
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David said 9:35PM on 10-17-2005
Sorry, but until they come out with rewritable UMDs (basically ast the new MD format) I won't be interested in the PSP as a media player. I think it's spec'd as a most excellent game platform, but there are currently too many limitations (memory limitations, lack of sensible content converter, lack of store) to see it as a viable mobile media option. To be fair, I only think the ipod is now a viable media option (instead of just being music) because I think the itunes store is soon to attract a lot of video content interest. Should be very interesting to see how the next few months pan out, and Sony may very well come more on board with more and easier options. I think the competition between the two (although different, but with some crossover) could be excellent for consumers. Definitely both have "geek temptation" written all over them, but still need just a bit more "open-ness" to make them really shine.
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arkowi said 9:19PM on 10-17-2005
I have a PSP (with 1.5 firmware again, thanks CK) and I have ordered a new iPod 60 GB. Presently I have been swapping my 512 MB memory stick between the PSP and my imported Sony DSC-T3. For the sake of argument, lets say I go ahead and drop around 70 bucks from NewEgg for a 1 GB memory stick.
My problems with the PSP are that after investing over 300 dollars in the system and a 1 GB memory stick I will have OVER 300 bucks invested. I could maybe put 2 full movies on that 1 GB stick, even then there is no simple slution to manage them. I don't like any of the PSP games because I hate the controls (see a Nintendo Gamecube controller for good controls). The only homebrew I run is a Gameboy emulator (easily solved with a Gameboy micro)...I paid 20 bucks for a UMD movie, and while the quality is great, 20 bucks is a rip-off. I can't stand the PSP for music becuase there are no playlists. The photo viewing is so-so on the PSP in my opinion. In my opinion, the PSP is the most beatiful screen I have ever seen with nothing behind it to back it up. It (the screen) is not enought to win me over all on its own. I feel like Sony is going to keep making it better with firmware updates that prevent people from running homebrew..."Hey kids! Want playlists on your PSP! Just upgrade to version 3.8 of the PSP firmware!"
I really can't say too much about the iPod yet, because I don't have it. I figure a camera connector, the video output/playback, the content management with iTunes, and the 60 freaking gigs of space, coupled with everything thing I love about my iPod mini might be enough for me to ebay the PSP. (What does a PSP with 1.5 firmware go for these days?)
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donovan said 9:15AM on 10-18-2005
I think I'd rather view video on my PSP. More often than not, I only want to want a TV show or movie once so I can copy it to my PSP, watch it, and then delete it.
My PSP gets far more love than my iPod right now. And even if I had one of the newer ones (currently have 40GB photo), it wouldn't matter much. I'd use the PSP more.
My iPod is more a mean of backing up and transporting my music collection. I would never pull out my iPod over my PSP on a commute unless the battery in my PSP was dead. :)
The new iPod is ridiculously sweet though and is a big step in the right direction.
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rjlawrencejr said 4:17PM on 10-19-2005
Well, I bought my 5G iPod last night and while the screen is not as dramatic as the PSP's it is still quite good. In fact, one aspect I have seen taken into consideration is that the unlike most of the other portable media players out there, this iPod, like all the others, can still be operated with one hand. And as written before, so much of the iPod's appeal is in the software. The PSP comes no where near the iPod in terms well organized playlists and ease of use to add "homebrew" content.
When I bought my PSP, I was excited about the fact that it could do more than just play games - especially since I don't really play games that often. I was hoping to use it as a multi-faceted entertainment device. Unfortunately I bought into the hype.
With the iPod it is different because I already have an iPod I use every day, so having the video really is a bonus for me.
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mad said 9:33AM on 10-26-2005
I am using my psp with a new Ibook G4, and every time I try and copy something over to the psp It stalls and stays there tell I pull the cord. Has anyone had the same problem? Or any ideas what might be causing this?
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Shane Money said 12:05PM on 12-24-2005
The 30gig ipod and the PSP are both frickin awesome. A PSP can do everything and ipod can and more. the PSP is just like a computer with the internet and it supports variety of games along with music, pictures, and movies. But this is were the ipod makes its stand- the ipod is 30gig so i can put my 1,000 songs on it and over 25 full movies. Now with the PSP i could only fit about 250 songs on it or only 1 full movie, and just to get the 1gig memory stick for the PSP it costs $100, and the UMD's cost $20 (totally not worth it.) This is where sony really shoots itself in the foot. As of right now im still desiding what i should get.
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