Results tagged “electronics”

This year I was more or less able to follow some of the press conferences at E3. Admittedly, I completely missed Microsoft's press conference but I did manage to catch Sony's and Nintendo's via DVR. Sony's press conference was the only one I watched as of yet, so I'll be discussing what grabbed my attention in some detail.




I've been silent about it on this blog, but I have been very interested in Sony's plans for the new PSP, the PSP Go. In a very apt joke, Sony's Kaz Hirai unveiled E3's "worst-kept secret." The PSP Go is an upgrade that will shed the UMD format completely. It sports a slider screen, 16GB of internal flash memory, an M2 memory port (for memory expansion), and Bluetooth connectivity. The device will retail for $249 dollars (the same as the PSP-1000's original price), and launches on October 1st in North America and Europe. Surprisingly, the Go won't hit Japan's shores until November 1st.  Interestingly enough, the device does not have a touch screen or a second analog stick, as many hoped it would. Still, those who wanted a UMD-less PSP more or less got what they wanted. So where does the arrival of the Go leave current PSP owners who have a vested interest in the UMD format? For the time being nothing has really changed.

Sony will continue to sell the PSP-3000 alongside the PSP Go at a more affordable price of $169. (If you consider the price of a PSP-3000 and a separate 16GB memory stick, $249 isn't all that unreasonable.) Selling the PSP Go along with the PSP-3000 isn't that different from what Nintendo is doing with the DSi and the DS Lite. In both cases only time will tell if the companies replace the older models with the newer ones, which they probably will. Sony also announced that all PSP games will soon be available in both a digital and UMD format on October 1st. This move assuages the fear that many gamers (and retailers) had about the swift death of the UMD. For the time being we have what is essentially a compromise between those who want a digital only device and those who prefer more tangible mediums. I still believe that Sony will eventually do away with the UMD format completely, the fact that the PSP Go does not support UMD is proof enough.

Although Sony didn't actually say it at their press conference they are slowly moving toward a future all digital delivery service. The fact that Sony is considering a digital video game rental service, has confirmed all future PSP games will be digitally released, and now has an iTunes-like program with Media Go (which replaces Media Manager) all reinforces this digital only future. As a PSP owner part of me is happy to see that Sony still cares about the PSP platform, and another part of me worries about continuing to invest in the UMD format. I wonder if Tuesday marked the beginning of the end for tangible media on the PSP.


Then I thought about it. No one is twisting anyone's arm regarding the PSP Go. It will appeal to the gamers who thought UMDs were a terrible idea in the first place, or want to be on the cutting edge (and can afford it). Other than a slider screen, Bluetooth, and built in memory, the Go is nothing more than a PSP revision, it certainly isn't the "PSP 2" that some were hoping for. Even if UMDs were to disappear tomorrow (which they aren't) and everything was download only, gamers with older PSPs could still enjoy the benefits of an all digital distribution service and older UMD games. I can certainly live without crowded stores, game shortages, and the annoying price fluctuations (think Atlus products) that do come with a tangible medium. Still that future is stil a few years away or  maybe more, given the influence of powerful retailers.

Even if I won't be personally investing in a PSP Go any time soon (I do like my PSP-2000 a lot), E3's worst kept secret is still exciting. As long as the software support is strong, and the features are compelling (I'm certain we'll be hearing about more apps soon) this is a good move for the electronics giant. Although the lack of a touch screen, second analog stick, and $249 dollar price point may be a source of contention among many gamers. However, if Sony wants to keep the PSP format viable in the face of fierce competition from Nintendo and Apple, the first step to an all digital platform had to happen. The PSP Go is just a stepping stone on the way to that new future.

Sometimes a writer may rarely practice what he or she "preaches" when tedious tasks are involved. In my case, I wrote an article about the need to recycle old electronics in a day and age where people don't recycle--especially in Philadelphia. Roughly a year later, I find myself with an old CRT monitor that I no longer need, a busted cell phone, and an iPod Nano with no battery life. Being busy and all I could easily go the hypocritical route and toss them on the curb for trash collection-- but I won't. Instead I have loftier plans for my old wares, donation and perhaps some recycling. If you find yourself in a similar position here are some relatively painless ways to get rid of those electronics without sending them to a landfill. Besides, who wants to be responsible for sending off hazardous waste that may end up back in the environment?



When it comes to electronics, you only need to be concerned with reuse and recycling. In fact, it's best to reuse old electronics rather than recycling them first. Reuse of an old item guarantees that it will make it to the end of its life cycle before being reduced to raw materials. After all, if it's not broken and can be fixed, why not use it again? If you're looking to make a bit of profit, selling your old working monitor, cell phone, or gaming console on places like Craigslist and eBay may be best. However, if those items are just too old to sell quickly (or at all), donation is another option.

Non-profit technology groups can be found just about everywhere. They will often accept old computers, and monitors for use in community centers, training, thrift stores and other opportunities for low income communities. If the computers are simply too old to be reused, they'll be recycled instead. Helping out others and finding use for your old computers is always a win-win situation.



If your electronics are too old to be reused or don't work anymore then recycling is your best option. Broken electronics are demanufactured for their parts and are used in the production of new products. Doing so cuts down on the amount of raw materials needed for new electronics. Many manufacturers and retailers have extensive recycling programs where you drop-off or even mail your unwanted electronics to be disposed of. Even Apple will take back broken iPods, cell phones and computers free of charge. If going to the store to recycle old electronics isn't your style, your city or town government should have its own hazardous waste removal program in place.

No matter how you choose to get rid of your junk, doing so needn't be a waste. So the next time you have a computer, iPod, cell phone or whatever, that you no longer need or want, think twice before trashing it. Not only will you do the environment a favor, but you may do someone else or even your wallet a favor. Captain Planet will certainly thank you by not ramming his foot into your crotch.