Logitech PlayGear Pocket Review

Even though Sony reportedly sells PSPs at below production cost and loses money on every unit sold, the device is not cheap by any means. At $250, it's more than any console or portable gaming system, and hasn't yet sold out in the US as expected due to its hefty price tag. However, those of us who are lucky enough to own one love it — and we don't want it getting hurt. That's why a case should be in every PSP gamer’s arsenal.

Made from clear polycarbonate with black rubberized interior padding, the Logitech PlayGear Pocket ($19.99; available later this month) is the most rugged case we've seen. It's hard to explain how sturdy the case feels. Let's just say that Logitech's claim that it's "virtually indestructible" is very accurate. When closed, your PSP is motionless inside thanks to the wrap-around padding that is molded in the exact shape of the PSP. You can bang the case around and could even drop it to the ground without the PSP feeling a thing.

Our only safety concern comes from the openings on the PlayGear Pocket's four corners that allow access to the left and right shoulder buttons, power/hold switch, WiFi switch, headphone port, and power port. It would be easy for dirt and small items like a paperclip to find their way inside the case if you had put it in your backpack for the day. I would make sure to put the case in a pocket on your bag that had nothing else in it.

Your PSP is totally playable while inside the case with the lid up. The above-mentioned openings allow for complete access to all controls and ports except the USB and UMD door. It's also very easy to charge your PSP or use headphones while your PSP is in the case (when the lid is both open or closed).

The lid of the PlayGear Pocket is what sets it apart from all other PSP cases we've tested so far. Like most other cases, it opens up from the top. But you'll notice that the hinge is unlike all current cases on the market. It has a stiffness to it that allows it to stay at any angle you adjust it to. As Logitech suggests, this is great for using it as a visor to block out the sunlight while playing games outdoors. But the real benefit of the lid is its ability to fold completely back to create a stand for setting up your PSP to watch movies. It gets very tiring holding your PSP for two hours, and this is the best solution we've seen so far.

As far as looks, the PlayGear Pocket is a complete knockout. The clever use of black padding and clear casing gives the illusion that you're actually seeing the PSP through just a clear case. It even has a circle cut from the bottom padding to expose the stainless steel PSP logo on the UMD door. Up on top, the PlayGear Pocket features a minimal Logitech logo in a nice shade of silver — Very classy.

Our only problem with the PlayGear Pocket is a big one. The latch on the case is nearly unusable. There's not much to say about it except that it doesn't work very well — if at all. You push the button on the latch in and try to pry the two pieces apart to open the case and it simply doesn't budge. And if you're hands/fingers are the least bit sweaty, totally forget about opening it. In order to get it open, we have to push the button in with force and then separate the top piece of the case from the bottom piece using either the opening for the headphone port or power port.

It's very hard to find a perfect product. Everything from looks to functionality have to be, well, perfect. Logitech's PlayGear Pocket comes very close, but fails in an area that you'll use every time you want to play your PSP. If it wasn't for the latch issue, this case would have definitely gotten an A. Here's to hoping Logitech will see this review and hear customer concerns and modify future versions of the PlayGear Pocket.

Pros: Great protection, good looks, perfect for watching movies.

Cons: Latch tremendously hard to operate.

PSPworld Rating: B-

Comments

Katya: One of the pics shows a protective covering on the PSP's screen. Does that come with the case?

DannyMac: I see nothing on Logitech's website to suggest that a cover comes with it, Katya. If I'm not mistaken, I believe this is the protector that was reviewed a few days ago.

noe: when will it be available in the usa?

henry: that actually looks like the brando screen protector - i've got one on my PSP.

Chris: EB Games Website states that this won't be released until 4-14-2005.

Oxybeles: Let's hope that the latch issue was on only the sample unit, because the case appears to offer superior protection in every respect. Nonetheless, the latch issue is a serious problem.

Steve: Wonder what is on the inside of the top lid that will press against the PSP screen is. Do you think it will scratch the screen?

John: The screen protector is the Brando Workshop one. It does not come with the logitech case. The Brando screen protectors are by far the best!

The Dude: Sucks you gotta take it out to change UMDs.

Mark: I think the Martin Fields Overlay are the best screen protectors out there. Nothing compares to its clarity and durability.

Homie G: Anyone know which one is screen protector is better between the Javo (reviewed earlier) and the Brando one?

Andy: I second the Martin Fields recommendation. I love mine.

JVoorhees: Hope it's easy to take out in order to change UMDs. Hate to drop the PSP trying to do it.

domdom: where can you buy that Brando screen protector from ?

bunk: When headphones are plugged in, does it still sit up strait for movies? To me one of the big flaws it having the headphone port on the bottom, as it tips the PSP to the side if you set it on a desk, etc.

: I just got mine and it is awesome. No problems with the latch...

Ryan: Yep, just had mine delivered today from ebgames.com & latch = A - OK awesome case!

Mr. BigGunz: This case be not for the wack ass emcees, it only fo da real G'z. if you got churn you shouldn't not be lettin dem tuch on itz. I tell you fo real this caze off da hook it be so menacin you fa sho could clock a koreanne upside the head and take all the 40's and blunts home from his Japanese or Arab store. But people like me aint gotta steal nobody I gotz mad money ya dig flowin out the pockets of my sean john hoodee. you prob could shoot gunz at it and still not feel nuthin i been stompin in my timberlands all over the mug and it dont bend break or bitch at all. GO GET YA HEARD ME! UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Male seeks PSP or Female.. with PSP: I like you, do you like me? I love ladies and my PSP. I treat my PSP like I treat my ladies. I touch it softly and caress its firm buttons. Sometimes I like to stick my thing in the holes... I think my PSP likes me because I can always turn it on. If any of this interests you, please respond promptly, I cant wait.

Jordan: best case ever. its easy to change the UMD's, no hassle at all. great protection, looks awesome, and can take a beating better than any other case out there. its simple, just fit right into place. the second i got it, my friend went and got one for his. latch isnt that hard. i havnt had trouble with it. ps, it took me a while to actually find one, but target sells them for those who are looking.

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