Remote control and evaluating used PSPs

(tags Playstation Portable, hardware)

I got one official remote control for the PSP-2000, called the PSP-S140. I was surprised that this hardware is not compatible across the whole line of PSPs, so I was extra careful perusing the used accessory bins.

Also the remote's buttons are full of fail. The volume controls and the rewind/fast-forward buttons are not discernible by touch. I clipped it to my shirt and mistakenly put my bag strap on top of it, causing the volume to rise. Ripping off headphones, now that's something that never gets old.

And I was foolish enough to try to buy another PSP-2000. You see, my current PSP-2000 is perfect in every way, except for one glaring black dot or dead pixel right in the middle of the screen. Now it doesn't really matter to the game play, but I see it every time the load screen comes on, and it makes me sad. Really sad. It's still a reminder for me how foolish I am to trust Sofmap's description of used hardware. I don't want to keep noticing it, reminding myself to try before buying, and forcing myself to ignore it. Argh, it never ends.

Anyways, the sales associates do not put any effort into showing how imperfect a used PSP is. Obviously its in Sofmap's best interest if I don't notice. But they do allow me to check the condition of the display while it is on. Every time though, I can't believe how inept these sales associates are. They try to show me the item without going to the staging area, instead balancing case keys, batteries, and the PSP in their hands. They blow and/or wipe on the screen with their own hand. They don't seem to know that the sell-back area has cleaning tools. They should know. The last time I asked if I can wipe the display with my own cleaning cloth. They gave me permission, and I was surprised.

So I've evaluated 3 used PSPs already, rejecting them all, I have come to the conclusion that anything below 16800 yen is imperfect, despite the (intentional?) spotless defect reports. I think I will give up.

Those models are all just the "Blume series: Rose Pink" color cases. I have some hope for the next iteration of the PSP (not the PSPgo), since one color coming in autumn is pinkish. I should get a PSP-3000 anyway for comparison.