At a glance from a distance, the PDAir/Brando Metal Case for PSP appears to be a block of silver, similar to those carried by PDA/PPC users. When I arrived at the store I ordered the case, I mistook the PDAir case for the Brando case until I read distinctly on the packaging “PDAir PSP Metal Case.” However when I arrived home, I immediately went on both the Brando and PDAir website and compared both of them and realized one thing. They are strikingly similar if not the same. They have the exact same holes, hinges on the bottom, grooved curves for the hands as well as four rubber feet and they even posses that goofy UMD switch (which I’ll cover later). To make matters more intriguing, neither case appears to have a logo identifying the maker. It leads me to believe either one stole the design off one another or they hired a generic company to design it and both bought the rights.
How it works/Design
The case itself is cast from "aircraft grade" aluminum which is quite light. According to the Brando specs (I’m assuming both cases are the same), it weighs a meager 92grams by itself. The case within is lined with black neoprene which is firm and spongy to possibly absorb shocks if the PSP is ever dropped within the case.
If you visit either site, you should have seen by now that the hinges that hold the case together are on the bottom, with the top part fill with holes for the IR port, USB port, the UMD switch port and access to left/right buttons. Going back to the bottom of the case, there are holes for the 5v DC plug and WiFi switch, earphones and a noticeably large hole for easy access to the Memory Stick Duo port. Attached on the back of the case are four rubber feet so when you lay the PSP on a table, it won’t slide easily as it does with the stock case that came with the Value Pack.
Also on the back are grooves for the hands which are molded like the PSP for more comfort when playing the PSP. To note, when the PSP is in the case, there is a tiny bit of space since the bottom isn’t molded exactly like the PSP so the paranoid may be worried about dust or other particles getting in. It can easily be cured by taking out the PSP and giving it a good cleaning.
Function
Now onto the juicy part of the review, how is the case? On the inside of the case on the neoprene there are points where there is a little bulge to “snap” the PSP in place. It will offer a TINY bit of resistance when sliding the PSP out which is a good thing, but requires very little force to pull free. As for the latch on top of the case where the access ports are, it works quite nicely. Thankfully it requires a bit more force to open but not so much that you need to pry the case apart with your might. However it is possible for the latch to be hooked onto something and opening the case. With the proper care however, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
The aluminum frame is quite strong (I opened it up and knocked on it to see if would be easily bent, which it isn’t). From that I would assume you would be able to drop the PSP and it would still be intact for the most part, you could probably smack someone on the head with the case and the PSP wouldn’t be affected because of the neoprene lining (not that I’m suggesting you try it.) Although I mentioned earlier the PSP can be easily slipped in and out with ease, it fits snugly into the case. I actually put the PSP inside and gave it quite a shake and heard nothing =). Sadly there isn’t any space for UMDs in the case, however the cleaning cloth that comes with the Value Pack can be placed on top of the screen before closing it.
Keep in mind UMD storage would have added bulk to the case and the purpose of the case is to protect the PSP (in a stylish way). Since I wear pants with large pockets I can easily slip the case with the PSP into one of my pockets whenever I will it. One feature I find quite interesting is that it IS possible to use the case as a stand (although it’s not exactly a sturdy one). I vaguely remember the little sticker manual saying not to use the case that way but I chucked that in the trash the moment I cracked open the packaging. To use the case as a stand merely flip the case open, position the flap of the case behind the psp and rest the bottom rubber feet on the case and there you have it; a PSP stand for watching movies!
For those of you who are wondering yes you do need to remove the PSP from the sleek case before switching UMDs. That makes the UMD switch mentioned earlier useless which could have been a flaw from a rushed design or to satisfy those who feel the need to tug or touch their UMD switch at random times. Lastly the memory stick port is quite large to accommodate the size of the cover on the PSP. It’s nice to be able to easily remove the Memory Stick Duo at ease however if dropped at an angle it is possible for the PSP to directly contact the ground first and not the case. It shouldn’t be a problem unless you’re reckless with the case believing it can protect you’re PSP from all ordeals (To my dismay).
Price
The PDAir website lists the PDAir version to be $30.99 USD while the Brando one is listed at a flat $28.00. Unless you can’t find a Brando supplier near you or are a hardcore PDAir fan you might as well save the three bucks.
Final Thoughts
I’ll admit not every product is perfect and even though this case if my first, it’ll probably be my last since it appears quite durable and I just adore the smooth silver color. Overall the case does its job at protecting the PSP (eg. in a bag full of binder and books) but do take care in protecting your entertainment system.
Sadly for those with decals, the PSP won’t show the decal on the back if there is one that came with your set unless you remove the PSP from the case to show your friends. However the decal can still be viewed on the front. A particular rant I have about the case is it doesn’t have any screws, although I realize if it did the hinges would be on top possibly blocking access to the USB port and it would be a pain to remove the PSP just to switch UMDs so I’ll forgive PDAir and Brando for that…for now. Although the case doesn’t have space to hold excess UMDs it holds a cleaning cloth which is just fine for me since I usually stick with a game for the day and constantly have the need to keep my screen fingerprint-free. For those who are extra paranoid you may want to buy a screen protector (I recommend Hori) if you don’t think the neoprene will do the job of protecting your PSP screen (or worried some little kid will try and scratch you’re screen while you’re playing.)
Ahh right, my friend pointed that out after taking a glance. My apologies for writing it at 1am in the morning. =p 1. The case plays as you would normally with a PSP (points to the grooves) except you have part of the cover hanging down since the hinges are at the bottom. 2. Lid when playing? Possibly, but when I play my palms cover the flap and hold in place like a ps2 controller (if that image helps any). 3. The fingers? Hard to tell...since the case has grooves to fit the PSP which I believe I mentioned, your fingers will last the same as you would holding a PSP unless you dislike holding aluminum. One comment I'd like to make which I didn't include in my review was that the neoprane bulges aren't really effective in keeping the PSP strapped in so if handled inproperly the PSP could fall out while the case isn't closed. Hope that answers your questions.
Miko said: "Ahh right, my friend pointed that out after taking a glance. My apologies for writing it at 1am in the morning. =p ... Hope that answers your questions."
Thanks for great review., just a couple questions..
How much thick is the case, does the case add a lot of size to the psp?, i've read that the logitech one feels like a brick, making psp twice as thick. How is the brando's?
Is the hinge stiff so you can position it or is it loose and just hang down?
Thanks again! (miko, where in china you at, i'll be traveling thru there in a few weeks)
Hmm I don't think it adds too much size but it might make it bulkier by several millimeters (maybe half a cm at most) because of the neoprane lining and the aluminum needs to be thick enough so the case doesn't bend easily. As for weight I personally don't feel a difference (mere 92g =) ). The hinge is loose and hangs down but I think I mentioned when I play, I end up cupping the loose cover with my hands and hold it in place. But it could differ for you depending if you want to be holding the loose cover or just letting it hang. I don't consider the loose hinge a problem but then again I don't represent everyone so it's possible it could pose as one for you. (I'm in Shanghai =P)
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