Made the switch - GP2X to PSP

[Texasmame]

So, I had my nice little GP2x setup that I liked.  Then, I started to get the itch for portable GTA and the like, so I looked into the PSP.  Seeing as the prices had come down considerably from the last time I checked, I looked into the homebrew scene.  Very vibrant.  So, I took the plunge.

The PSP is far superior to the GP2x in virtually every way.  The screen is larger.  The unit's feel - more solid.  The battery life - 5 to 8 hours.  Plenty of time. 

I did like that you could use AA Batteries if you liked in the GP2x but there is an adapter available for the PSP if you're stuck on using regular batteries.

In short, if you're wanting to do homebrew (especially GBA stuff - full speed for almost everything on the PSP while the GP2x was quite choppy), I recommend making the switch.

John in TX

[cowguy]

What is the GP2x? 

[Howard_Casto]

Gp2x is a rather odd little portable made soley for homebrew, because it doesn't have many real games for it, nobody buys it.

Of course the psp is totally different, it's an odd little portable made soley for the playing of expensive, obscure movies and 4 year old ports of ps2 games.  Because it doesn't have many real games for it, nobody buys it either. 

(Sorry, but with a setup like that, I couldn't resist.)

[AcidArmitage]

Nintendo DS = hell yea 

[big daddy]

The PSP is far superior to the GP2x in virtually every way. 

That's just not true.  5 things spring to my mind where gp2x is superior.
1) emulation scaling on the psp is skewed
2) media playback on gp2x is superior by far
3) battery support on gp2x
4) non-proprietory storage format on gp2x
5) jump through hoops to deal with new firmwares on psp that will work with latest commercial games and emulators at the same time (you pretty much have to make a choice which you want to use it for unless your willing to keep up with firmware upgrades)

These things may be OK to you, but not for everyone.  Really depends what you're looking for. 

If your not interested in
1) commercial games (which you then lose most emulation capability with anyways)
2) wireless capabilities
3) PSX or GBA emulation
then why go with PSP when GP2X can do everything else and give you a better media player, battery support, and a cheaper storage format?

[pointdablame]

That's just not true.  5 things spring to my mind where gp2x is superior.
1) emulation scaling on the psp is skewed

Almost every PSP emulator I've had has viewing options for scale and resolution... I'm not sure what you are talking about.

2) media playback on gp2x is superior by far

I can't really talk about this since I haven't used a GP2x, but media playback on the PSP is very good, and there area a number of programs that make conversion to the PSP format extremely easy.  What does the GP2X do that the PSP can't?

3) battery support on gp2x

There are adapters for using alkaline batts with the PSP but they're very bulky.  I will say that the PSP battery life is sufficient, but could def be better.  Extra batt packs however, are not very expensive.  This is my main con with the PSP however, so I agree at least partially.

4) non-proprietory storage format on gp2x

Pro Duos are extremely cheap these days though... I'll grant you they're not the optimal choice in my mind, but this is not really an issue anymore.

5) jump through hoops to deal with new firmwares on psp that will work with latest commercial games and emulators at the same time (you pretty much have to make a choice which you want to use it for unless your willing to keep up with firmware upgrades)

You clearly don't have a PSP, or you haven't had one for at least a year.  The hacked firmware updates are easy as pie to install and you lose absolutely no functionality whatsoever.  None.  Not even a bit.  You need to catch up with your information.

These things may be OK to you, but not for everyone.  Really depends what you're looking for. 

If your not interested in
1) commercial games (which you then lose most emulation capability with anyways)
2) wireless capabilities
3) PSX or GBA emulation
then why go with PSP when GP2X can do everything else and give you a better media player, battery support, and a cheaper storage format?

And I'd say why give up PSX or GBA support for a system that doesn't even have any original games being released.  The UMD format is a dog, but there are actually quite a few VERY good PSP games out there now that warrant the system purchase by itself, despite Howard's opinion.

And the wireless capabilities is a huge plus that I wouldn't discount so easily either.

So you're left with the battery issue.. and a slightly more expensive media format.  I'll take my PSP despite those problems for all the extra functionality it affords me.  Not to mention the PSP games.

[KenToad]

Well, it's funny that the PSP, developed by the almighty Sony, would get compared to the GP2X, a relatively unknown and open source handheld.  I think the downfall lately for the PSP might be the low sales figures. 

The PSP is still the coolest looking handheld ever made, IMO. 

[sphetr2]

2) media playback on gp2x is superior by far

I can't really talk about this since I haven't used a GP2x, but media playback on the PSP is very good, and there area a number of programs that make conversion to the PSP format extremely easy.  What does the GP2X do that the PSP can't?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the GP2x have NATIVE support of divx/xvid? Converting is a waste of time. I wanna drag and drop.

Also, with the breakout board/dock thingy, the GP2x makes a great home emulation console. TV out, external hard drive support (I think), and USB pad support.

[pointdablame]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the GP2x have NATIVE support of divx/xvid? Converting is a waste of time. I wanna drag and drop.

Also, with the breakout board/dock thingy, the GP2x makes a great home emulation console. TV out, external hard drive support (I think), and USB pad support.

I'd love to drag and drop too.. that's a big plus.  I don't have a GP2X so I'm not sure if I can, but that's cool.  That said, my converters are pretty damn quick, so I'm not seeing a huge problem since I only want to watch an occasional video on a handheld personally.  I can't stand watching hours of stuff on a small screen... but that's just me.

As for home emulation... I have a computer and original consoles.  Not a big plus for me for a handheld, but cool nonetheless if you don't have a PC or any consoles.

[yalborap]

The question lies in what you want to do.

The PSP has more juice, yes, and with the official PSX emulator encryption cracked, you can play damn near any PSX game. However, the screen ghosts like all hell, the ratio is all off(meaning you either get a smaller size than on the GP2X, or have to stretch it), and the community is one of the worst I have ever seen.

The GP2X has its own problems. It handles alkalines HORRIBLY, lacks the PSP's real power, and has no built-in wireless. However, it also has easy TV-out, a simple cable is all that's  needed to plug in a USB keyboard or gamepad, and its media support is a thousand times better, as is its screen for classic emulation.

Their controls, about the same. Both have less then stellar controls that can be modified for improvement.

In short, it depends on what matters more to you. I have both, because high-power is useful, and I like having a console where I don't have to worry about the kind of idiots that the PSP homebrew attracts, and get some real support, as well as some MAJOR innovation.

If I had to choose one, though, I'd have to go with the GP2X simply for its sheer unknown value, and the playing of Neo-Geo titles.

[deadmoney5]

this thread reminds me...

I love my GP2X..

[pointdablame]

ok, I'm honestly not trying to be a PSP fanboy here... I think the GP2X is cool.

But I'm still genuinely curious about why folks here feel the GP2X has "media support [is] a thousand times better"   Can you guys explain?  I get drag and drop which is cool, but why is it so much better?  My PSP can view photos, play mp3s, and video.  Now I'm not denying that converting video is much more of a pain than just drag and drop, but there must be more to it if you are making these claims, no?   Is it really just drag and drop ability? ...because my conversion programs are super easy.  I'd say the GP2X is EASIER but to all but deny the PSP's media capabilities in this thread seems odd.  Tell me what I'm missing, I want to understand it.  Then again, I don't like handhelds for media as I mentioned, so it's a rarely used feature of my PSP.  I'd probably be more annoyed with converting if I had to do it every day.

And I have to agree that the PSP scene is full of a number of h4><0rs and undesirable folks, but really... what impact does that have on you?  You download the emulator... you set it up... and you never deal with them again.  ??  I have no doubt that a fully open source community like the GP2X is likely to be more useful and intelligent, but really.... you consider that in your enjoyment of the system itself?  I just grab my files and go.

Also, yalborap, what PSX games have you tried that ghost?  I've only converted a handful of PSX games and haven't seen problems.  I'd like to try to duplicate that to see what it's like.

[big daddy]

well I'm not trying to discount the PSP, just arguing the original posters concept that "The PSP is far superior to the GP2x in virtually every way".  I was pointing out areas (whether you think they're important or not) as to where that clearly wasn't the case. 

Almost every PSP emulator I've had has viewing options for scale and resolution... I'm not sure what you are talking about.

was talking here about the fact that gp2x has a 3:4 screen like the games it emulates.  The PSP is widescreen and as such a lot of people that have both complain about the scaling, resolution, ghosting, etc. on the PSP version.

I can't really talk about this since I haven't used a GP2x, but media playback on the PSP is very good, and there area a number of programs that make conversion to the PSP format extremely easy.  What does the GP2X do that the PSP can't?

Well this "conversion" is exactly what I'm talking about.  I can download a divx from bittorent at let's say 640x272 resolution, drag onto my memory card and hop on a plane/train/car and play it as is....I don't have to worry about downloading, then queuing up a bunch of movies/shows to convert to a format psp can read and a specific resolution, and run overnight (on a slow CPU), etc.  Also since my gp2x uses non-proprietary AA batteries I can get on a 12 hour flight and watch movies the whole flight, whereas a psp would die out less than half-way there without a proprietary battery backup.  Oh, then once I get to my destination I can go to the hotel, plug my gp2x into the tv and watch the full resolution 640x272 on the regular TV in my room.   Again, while these features may not be as important to you, those are all areas where the PSP is clearly NOT "superior to the GP2x in virtually every way" .

There are adapters for using alkaline batts with the PSP but they're very bulky.  I will say that the PSP battery life is sufficient, but could def be better.  Extra batt packs however, are not very expensive.  This is my main con with the PSP however, so I agree at least partially.

Agreed.  Again, just pointing out that this is an area where the PSP is clearly not "superior to the GP2x in virtually every way".

Pro Duos are extremely cheap these days though... I'll grant you they're not the optimal choice in my mind, but this is not really an issue anymore.

Not cheaper, not as readily available, not likely to be lying around as an extra from your digital camera that currently isn't in use, and thus a feature NOT "superior to the GP2x"

You clearly don't have a PSP, or you haven't had one for at least a year.  The hacked firmware updates are easy as pie to install and you lose absolutely no functionality whatsoever.  None.  Not even a bit.  You need to catch up with your information.

Well I don't own a PSP yet (I'll likely buy one when the promised firmware upgrade that allows streaming of movies from my ps3 remotely anywhere I have a wireless connection).  But correct my ignorance:  Do you not have Sony force firmware upgrades on you with various releases of their commercial games?  Isn't it true that as soon as you accept this firmware upgrade, you disable your ability to do emulation until the hacking community has a chance to create a NEW firmware upgrade that works with the latest upgrade and emulation?  Wasn't there a thread 3 days or so ago about a new hack to downgrade firmware to work with emulation (that is until this hack is broken again once a NEW firmware upgrade comes about as part of a commercial game release?)   Isn't this considered "jumping through hoops" as opposed to the gp2x which ENCOURAGES emulation/homebrew as opposed to do everything to prevent it like Sony does?  Again, doesn't that point to an area where the psp is not generally superior to the gp2x?

I'm not trying to be anti-Sony (as I have both a ps2 and ps3) or even anti-PSP.  It's just clear to me, contrary to the original post, that there are things the gp2x does better than the PSP.

[pointdablame]

was talking here about the fact that gp2x has a 3:4 screen like the games it emulates.  The PSP is widescreen and as such a lot of people that have both complain about the scaling, resolution, ghosting, etc. on the PSP version.

It's funny that a few people mentioned ghosting on the PSP.  I've never noticed it personally, but my eyes aren't so great haha.  I did however notice ghosting on my old PC LCD when others didn't complain about it, so who knows.  It's definitely not noticeable to me though.   

And like I said, most emus I have can stretch to the PSPs screen res or go 4:3.  yes you lose some screen real estate, but it fixes scaling issues if that's your main concern.

Well this "conversion" is exactly what I'm talking about.  I can download a divx from bittorent at let's say 640x272 resolution, drag onto my memory card and hop on a plane/train/car and play it as is....I don't have to worry about downloading, then queuing up a bunch of movies/shows to convert to a format psp can read and a specific resolution, and run overnight (on a slow CPU), etc.  Also since my gp2x uses non-proprietary AA batteries I can get on a 12 hour flight and watch movies the whole flight, whereas a psp would die out less than half-way there without a proprietary battery backup.  Oh, then once I get to my destination I can go to the hotel, plug my gp2x into the tv and watch the full resolution 640x272 on the regular TV in my room.   Again, while these features may not be as important to you, those are all areas where the PSP is clearly NOT "superior to the GP2x in virtually every way" .

See that's the kind of stuff I didn't know about.  Plugging into a TV with full res would be pretty neat.  I probably wouldn't use that feature myself, but that's pretty damn handy.  The conversion still doesn't bother me personally much, but at least I get what you're talking about now.  That could definitely be nice if you travel a lot.

Well I don't own a PSP yet (I'll likely buy one when the promised firmware upgrade that allows streaming of movies from my ps3 remotely anywhere I have a wireless connection).  But correct my ignorance:  Do you not have Sony force firmware upgrades on you with various releases of their commercial games?  Isn't it true that as soon as you accept this firmware upgrade, you disable your ability to do emulation until the hacking community has a chance to create a NEW firmware upgrade that works with the latest upgrade and emulation?  Wasn't there a thread 3 days or so ago about a new hack to downgrade firmware to work with emulation (that is until this hack is broken again once a NEW firmware upgrade comes about as part of a commercial game release?)   Isn't this considered "jumping through hoops" as opposed to the gp2x which ENCOURAGES emulation/homebrew as opposed to do everything to prevent it like Sony does?  Again, doesn't that point to an area where the psp is not generally superior to the gp2x?

Well you do have some incorrect info.  Sony DOES indeed put new firmware releases on newer games and you cannot play said games (with a few exceptions) without upgrading to that latest firmware.  However, for the past 6 months or more, the new hacked firmware has only trailed the official Sony firmware by a short while.  So yes if you grab the latest game on release day, its a problem.

Most folks who upgrade to the newest firmware through WiFi just because they want to have the latest firmware and arent' concerned with homebrew.  Then they realize what they've done, which is why the latest news is a big deal for some people.  If you've been running the OE firmwares for a while though, there is no jumping through hoops.  There's an occasional update just like there are occasional official Sony updates, and in the worst case scenario, it only means you have to wait a few days for the latest OE firmware to catch up.  Sony won't "force" an upgrade on you unless you accept the new installation.

Now, I agree.. that's nowhere near as nice as an open source community, but it is lightyears beyond where the PSP scene used to be.  It used to be that you'd wait months to play newer games if you had hacked firmware, and you would lose a LOT of the PSP's new functionalities since you were forced to stay at the 1.5 firmware.  That is just no longer the case these days though.  Newer hacked firmware will even stop a new update from installing to avoid any problems.

And just to say it, I don't agree with the OP either that the PSP is better in every way.  I LOVE my PSP, but it has its downfalls

[deadmoney5]

How good is Mame and NES emulated on the PSP?

[pointdablame]

NES is awesome, but I haven't used MAME on the PSP in a VERY long time personally.  When I last tried it, it was very early and not good at all.

  I have the NeoGeo and CPS1/2 emulator tho and that is really good as well.

[big daddy]

Now, I agree.. that's nowhere near as nice as an open source community, but it is lightyears beyond where the PSP scene used to be.  It used to be that you'd wait months to play newer games if you had hacked firmware, and you would lose a LOT of the PSP's new functionalities since you were forced to stay at the 1.5 firmware.  That is just no longer the case these days though.  Newer hacked firmware will even stop a new update from installing to avoid any problems.

Fair enough, and my info was gleamed from when I originally was comparing the 2 consoles to make my purchasing decision, which was quite awhile back...so some of those negatives related to firmware upgrades sound as if they're not quite as bad as they seemed back then.

[Banacek]

All I have to say is the PSP has PS1 emulation, that's the reason I bought mine. That alone puts it about GP2X. But if you want SNES emulation don't look at the PSP, it's still pretty slow, especially Super Metroid.

[Green Giant]

GP2X wins cause I picked one up on ebay for 100.  If I get my hands on a PSP there will be a showdown, but chances are my girlfriend will win, she always does.

[big daddy]

FYI - for an emulator comparison from someone who has both, see the link below (doesn't touch on homebrew, commercial, wireless, or media capabilities, etc...but will give you a feel how SNES or MAME compares between the 2 for example)

http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?showtopic=35932
 

[boykster]

The winning handheld is the one that you like....I LOVE my PSP...play it nearly every day.  There are some great titles out for it, and it does have a few really good emulators.  With dark_alex's custom firmwares, homebrew is a snap, and commercial game support is really good.  My main bone to pick is about all the comments on how difficult the firmware stuff is...it really isn't.  It's incredibly easy to do the f/w updates (as easy as running any game or emulator) and there is always a "n00b proof" package available.

I don't own a GP2X but have played one a few times...they're nice units too.  It wasn't the most comfortable handheld in the world, but frankly, neither is the PSP   The criticisms of the PSP's d-pad'ish control and analog thumb stick are valid..they're NOT the best controls in the world, but they do work.  Maybe thats why one of my favorite games doesn't use them (Loco Roco).

As far as the media (movies) support, I don't mind having to convert my titles for the PSP. I have a couple of 4gig sticks and a couple of 2 gig sticks, and all my movies are currently in native (non-shrunk) dvd format (ifo/vobs).  I WANT to re-encode my movies to the native res of the PSP screen and shrink the filesize down to 700gigs or so per movie.  So even if I had a GP2X I'd still have to convert them...I don't use my PSP for music.

Frankly, IMHO, either one is a winner.  Oh, and I'm no PSP/Sony fanboy...in fact, I really dont like Sony products much at all.  I've eliminated pretty much all Sony consumer stuff in my house (replaced mostly with Panasonic) 'cept for the PSP and PS2

[Green Giant]

Big blow today for PSP fanboys.

http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/03/psp-modder-extraordinare-dark-alex-calls-it-quits/

Better hope you get some more coders out there.

And any comparisons about playing movies on either device is pretty dumb.  Just go get an Archos, 160GB can hold an awful lot of movies.  Use the PSP and GP2X for games.

[RandyT]

One of the greatest things about the GP2X is the screen.  I've seen the PSP and will probably buy one if I can get it for cheap, but the LCD on the GP2x is just so much nicer looking.  Bright, colorful and no blur.

A close second is the fact that the GP2X is a Linux based open system that encourages free development.  IOW, it's a computer geared toward pocket gaming.  Anyone can develop for it without facing legal ramifications, and that fosters a healthy development community.  The fact that it's Linux based means that there is already a lot of software out there that can be (and has been) tweaked to run on it.


IMHO, about the only thing the GP2X could use is a 3D processor and a better joystick, but what it does, it does very well.

RandyT

[Green Giant]

Damn it all to hell.  My girlfriend finally had a chance to see the GP2X and she saw that it plays all of the old games women like.  She hates Anything made after 2000 cause they have too many buttons.  Now she is trying to claim it as her own.  Guess I have to get her a gameboy to keep her busy.

[danny_galaga]

a lot of us are here because we like old arcade games. the gp2x supports HEAPS more games in MAME than psp. this is solely what i bought it for. but especially because  you can hook it up directly to your telly (",)

if you compare the screens, wow! the psp wins hands down on resolution. psp games and movies look freaking amazing. buuuut, apparently (i havent had a psp with emus to compare them myself) the psp screen has to do some weird scaling to make things like mame fit and so it suffers from ghosting or some such. the gp2x screen is already the same proportion as regular tvs and arcade monitors. the only size issue im bummed about is neo geo pocket, which seems to run it pixel for pixel. the image is tiny!

it does enough other emus that im really happy with it. sega genesis works a treat, as does original game boy. actually i prefer to play game boy on the gp2x now because of the crisp image and lack of blurring.there is snes as well,  i havent tried it out much but r-type 3 is awesome!. there is also a really good neo geo emu just to play neo geo arcade (most dont work on this version of mame, which is basically v35 with extra games as they add them) . someone has even knocked up a vectrex emu for it! that should be fun, but obviously cant compare to a real vector monitor...

also, since they would have been almost ready to go years ago ported to linux, theres heaps of home computer emulators like c64, amiga, amstrad, TI etc.

there are actually a couple of commercial games for the gp2x. but its true that it is literally that- a couple! most people arent buying the gp2x for them. rather unusual in the world of hand held gaming really. a console released with no games at all available!

anyway, texas. you live in the richest country in the world! can you not own both of them?

[big daddy]

And any comparisons about playing movies on either device is pretty dumb.  Just go get an Archos, 160GB can hold an awful lot of movies.  Use the PSP and GP2X for games.

Yea, it is pretty dumb not to spend an additional $500 to watch movies when both of those consoles can do that AND play games    

[ark_ader]

Yes I admit being a Sony Fan Boy, but I don't need to post the benefits of having a PSP, as it its better for the new purchaser of the PSP to better aquaint oneself with the games and the cool ability to link with a PS3.

I have seen both units in action, and I do like them  but I'm not a serious coder, or a homebrewer.  I just want to put in Namco Battle and have a session of Dig Dug, press a button and watch the rest of my TV shows I taped last week on Location Free all from any airport or Starbucks.

Simplicity does have its benefits. 

Can't say I could do that on The GP2x.

[Green Giant]

$500 to watch movies.  That is crazy.  Got my 604 for 350.  The new 605 will be even less.  Granted the 160GB model is pretty massive, but don't lump it in with the iPhone fanboys. 

The point was that to watch movies, how many videos can you actually fit on an sd card?  That along with music is a stupid use for those little cards.  The whole point of the PSP and GP2X is games.  I can fit hundreds of games on an SD card, but I can only fit a few tv shows on one.  If you want to get into an argument about my Archos, I can go on for hours.

[pointdablame]

$500 to watch movies.  That is crazy.  Got my 604 for 350.  The new 605 will be even less.  Granted the 160GB model is pretty massive, but don't lump it in with the iPhone fanboys. 

The point was that to watch movies, how many videos can you actually fit on an sd card?  That along with music is a stupid use for those little cards.  The whole point of the PSP and GP2X is games.  I can fit hundreds of games on an SD card, but I can only fit a few tv shows on one.  If you want to get into an argument about my Archos, I can go on for hours.

You're still suggesting that people go out and spend $350 and carry around another gadget just to be able to watch movies.  I can easily put quite a few converted movies or tv shows on my 4gb pro duo and watch a few videos on my PSP.  No need to spend $350 on another unit.  You like your Archos... great.... but saying watching video on a PSP or GP2X is useless is pretty ignorant.

Not to mention that IMO, small handhelds are not ideal to be watching any long amounts of video... whether it be video Ipod, PSP, GP2X, or Archos... it's still a small screen.  I don't want to watch 160gb of video on a 4" screen.  I want to watch maybe 1 or 2 episodes of something while on a train.

my .02

[NightGod]

Ironically enough, today on http://www.woot.com/ they are offering a 40GB Archos 504 for $199+$5 shipping.

[danny_galaga]

another side effect benefit of the gp2x. a while ago i missed an episode of south park id wanted to see. so i downloaded it, put it on the gp2x an plugged it into the tv so my housemate and i could watch it. for a short episode like that you dont even need a power supply as long as the batteries are charged up (",)

[Green Giant]

It all comes down to how you use them.  My girlfriend wanted to watch the first couple of seasons of lost, so I downloaded them and put them on my archos.  Stuck it in the docking station and watched them in hidef.  Yeah you could use a psp or gp2x, but running home to download the next 3 episodes would be a pain.  I can carry a season over to her place and watch it on a tv.  Not to mention being able to use it as a dvr.  I suppose I could get the Apple tv or something like that but that is more money to spend. 

Anything video and music related generally gets relegated to a PMP not a gaming device.  The fact that you can do it doesn't mean it is the best use for it.  And I know I wouldn't be able to watch a tv show on my tv using the gp2x in good enough quality.  I have a 50inch and the archos looks amazing while standard format would look to grainy.  Took it on a roadtrip to San Antonio this past weekend and my girlfriend watched a movie on the drive up there.  Later that night we used it to watch Hot Fuzz, funny ass movie, on the hotel tv.  Then listened to music on the drive home. 

I am not knocking the gp2x or psp.  I have a gp2x, but I think it is a waste to use gaming space to watch one or two shows.  Honestly, how many psp owners or gp2x owners don't own some sort of highcapacity pmp?

[pointdablame]

Honestly, how many psp owners or gp2x owners don't own some sort of highcapacity pmp?

I'd say damn near all of them considering the fact that high cap PMPs have still not really hit the mainstream, unless you count an Ipod Video (which I own, and would not count personally).

Like I said, for me.. the only time I've EVER used a handheld for video, whether it was my PSP or Ipod, was just for an episode or two that I felt like watching.  I lose the ability to do what you did with the hotel room TV for instance, but that's a non-issue for me.  And for carrying media, I can bring a DVD or two to friends or use XBMC to stream any content I want to my TVs

I agree that the PSP (and I guess the GP2x as well though I have no experience) is not meant for video by any means.  I just find PMPs to be almost useless.  If you get a GREAT deal on one fine, but if I'm spending $300-500 on something to watch video on, I'd rather get a laptop.

[Green Giant]

unless you count an Ipod Video

There is your problem, you only have an ipod, plus I was counting those.  Most people listen to music on those and with itunes having videos, most people are watching them.  At least the sales point in that direction.

What you need is to try out an archos wifi.  The touchscreen is great and the videos look amazing, but to each his own.  The speed and portability of an archos make it worth it.  DVD's take time, especially copying 15 shows onto a few of them.  Drag and drop is what I prefer.  Generally the $300 would be for video and music.  Why else would you have bought the ipod video over an older and cheaper ipod photo?

[pointdablame]

I actually got my Ipod Video for free and don't really use it much for video.  As I said a few times now, video on a small handheld seems almost useless to me.  I've watched a few things now and then, and was fine watching it for 20 mins or so at a time.  I also just got an iPhone, but again, it won't see much use as a video player... nor does my PSP

Burning a DVD these days takes like 5 minutes.  While transferring 5gigs of video over USB or WiFi may be quicker, its negligible if you ask me.

Don't think i'm really bashing PMPs... I just don't find the need for them.  If your intent is to occasionally watch a 20 minute episode of something, I think an Ipod Video/PSP/GP2X is just fine.  If you are actually concerned with having a nice portable video player, I'd much rather get a portable DVD player that can play media files for much cheaper than a PMP, or get a small laptop for around the same price while adding a ton of functionality to your purchase.

different strokes i guess... I just know I won't be getting a PMP anytime soon.  I doubt I'll ever own one to be perfectly honest.

[Green Giant]

So how is the iphone doing?  Internet fast?  Haven't talked to anyone that actually got one yet.

[pointdablame]

I'm probably not the guy to ask.  I seem to be completely unlike every other person on the internet that has talked about it.

- I was already with AT&T and actually liked the service in my area
- I was coming form using an old Moto v551 that only worked when it wanted to
- I've never had a smartphone of any kind before
- I never used any data plans/EDGE/3G/insert cell phone buzzword here

All that said, I think its completely awesome.  The net is very fast and easy to use on WiFi.  The EDGE network is indeed a bit slow as people have said, but for checking email/forums/simple surfing, its just fine IMO.  The UI is absolutely amazing... Apple really knows how to create a simple interface.  I've had no complaint with the volume or call quality like some folks have, reception has been great.  Camera is the best I've used on a phone before but again, I was coming from a crappy comparison.  Screen is very nice, the video portion of the Ipod is a bit more useful now (though still not my thing).  I'm also VERY FAST with the keyboard.  Seems to be a big complaint for folks, but I've picked it up very quickly... I can type very easily on it.

Only complaints I have are stuff that has been circulating around
- Flash player in Safari would be nice
- iChat or an AIM client is badly needed... meebo works in Safari, but I'd really love a dedicated client
- Voice calling would be nice
- Games would be nice
- Customized ringtones should have been there from the start.  Not a huge deal to me, but it should be there
- File manager would be very handy too.

Hopefully most of these can be fixed with software updates.

wow... sorry for the long iPhone post heh

[NightGod]

Wow, no AIM client on it? Weird-my three year+ old Nokia 6800 could use AIM, YIM and MSN (one at a time) and my year old Sidekick 3 can run all three of them at the same time. Seems an odd thing to pass on for a cell phone, let alone a smart phone, since it's pretty much such a universal phone thing these days.

Honestly, the biggest reason I didn't go for an iPhone is the whole AT&T thing-their service is horrific where I live, I don't know a single Cingular costumer who's happy with them out here.

[Green Giant]

- Flash player in Safari would be nice

Chances of that are slim to none.  Only one company has successfully integrated a flash player into a portable interface letting the user watch web videos.  I think you already know where I am going with this.  It is the latest Archos, and I doubt they are ready to license out the technology.

Also, the iphone is not really a smart phone.  It is its own new entity.  Possibly a mulitmedia phone or whatever they call it.  Basically the type of people that require smart phones like the blackberry will not need or find use for an iphone.

[AtomSmasher]

Also, the iphone is not really a smart phone.  It is its own new entity.  Possibly a mulitmedia phone or whatever they call it.  Basically the type of people that require smart phones like the blackberry will not need or find use for an iphone.

I know someone who went from a windows mobile powered smartphone (not sure which one) to an iphone, and he's regretting it.  Apparently there are a few of features missing from the iphone that he used to use.

[pointdablame]

I've heard that a few times too.  It's not quite a smartphone in the normal sense, but the term is being thrown around.  I have nothing to judge against, so I'm not missing any features, but I've read that a number of times.

As for the flash player, who knows.. nothing's been announced.  The only thing I've read is that it may happen since the iPhone runs OSX and it shouldn't be a big deal to put the flash player onto the iPhone.  Is that true or just iPhone fanboys hoping out loud?? Who knows.  You can already stream youtube videos from the iPhone for what it's worth though.

[Green Giant]

Since they are probably paying youtube lots of money to reformat videos just for the iphone, it is doubtful they would bother recoding the browser to play flash videos.  Archos has really crappy marketing, so it is doubtful that people will realize someone else can play the videos.  People will only demand updates if they realize someone elses device can do it.  Hence the demands for instant messaging service.

[big daddy]

since the topic turned to phones, I think this looks cool

http://blog.wired.com/monkeybites/2007/07/the-linux-power.html

opensource linux phone sounds great.  Maybe a year or 2 for some good interfaces to be developed, but I can't wait to see if this takes off.

[pointdablame]

Since they are probably paying youtube lots of money to reformat videos just for the iphone, it is doubtful they would bother recoding the browser to play flash videos.  Archos has really crappy marketing, so it is doubtful that people will realize someone else can play the videos.  People will only demand updates if they realize someone elses device can do it.  Hence the demands for instant messaging service.

People are rallying for flash support not specifically for video, but for flash support on the net in general.  A lot of sites lose functionality without flash, you lose opportunities for flash games, you lose flash video, etc etc.

There are plenty of people telling Apple to make with the flash support.  Who knows if they will hear the call, but the demand is already there and people are already realizing the need for it.  Has nothing to do with Archos or competitors.. people just want flash support on a phone that is touting OSX and full internet usage.

[AtomSmasher]

A new version of the PSP was just announced which is thinner, lighter, has a longer battery life, and will also have video output capabilities.  I've never been a fan of the PSP, but the video output sure is a nice feature, and one less feature the GP2X has over the PSP.

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6362&Itemid=2

[pointdablame]

I was also surprised that they are using the video out for games.  I was watching the conference live and the first thing I thought was "I bet they will make it only for video files and pictures"

I really like the idea of playing some of my PSP games on my TV, if for no other reason than my eyesight sucks haha.

I'm not sure it's enough to upgrade for though.. I'll have to see what I think once it gets released.

[boykster]

I'd consider upgrading if the price was reasonable (read, not an increase over the current unit's price), and if they are still hackable.  I LOVE using my PSP to play emulators and such on, as well as loading legit PSP iso's onto my memory stick for some non-stop gaming action.

I don't think I'd trade that convenience for a thinner machine and marginally longer battery life....

Oh, the TV-out would be pretty cool though, would make it a much more useful portable media device as you could then watch shows on a bigger display....