SpectraVideo Logic3 Sound Grip for PSP

CNET editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 3.0 stars Good
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 6.0 (3.0 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  David Carnoy
• Edited by:
  John P. Falcone
• Reviewed on: 11/01/2005
• Released on: 07/15/2005

If you've lived with your Sony PSP for a while, you know that it has a couple of shortcomings. For starters, the external speaker just isn't loud enough at times, especially when it comes to music and movies--homemade movies in particular. Second, when it comes to playing games, the PSP doesn't get an A for ergonomics. SpectraVideo has set out to design an inexpensive accessory that alleviates both problems. The Logic3 Sound Grip is essentially a battery-powered speaker that envelops your PSP. All in all, it's easy to fit the PSP into the Sound Grip, and we liked how the plastic hinge on top clamps the PSP in place and offers cutouts for the USB port and the disc-eject button.

Two AAA batteries power the SpectraVideo Logic3 Sound Grip; alternately, you can use the PSP's AC adapter. The Sound Grip has a volume dial and a headphone jack on back (the Sound Grip covers the PSP's headphone jack).

The speaker, while not offering stellar sound quality, certainly boosts your PSP's volume to the point of loudness. This comes in handy particularly with your personal music collection and home-brewed movies, which don't play nearly as loud as UMD movies (the Sony PSP features a sound boost for them). We appreciated the included stand for propping up the Sound Grip for movie watching, but we wish it were foldable so that it would fit in the included canvas protective case. Those looking for improved sound quality--at the expense of a bulkier add-on--should check out the Logitech PlayGear Amp.

Our one major gripe is that the device offers limited ergonomic benefits. Yes, when your Sony PSP is docked in the Sound Grip, it does feel more comfortable to hold. The only problem is that reaching the left and right shoulder buttons with your index fingers becomes more difficult. For example, we started out playing FIFA 06 with our PSP in the Sound Grip, but then decided to detach the accessory because our hands got cramped. Simply put, it felt better playing with our PSP "naked." Conversely, we felt that Logitech's PlayGear Pocket (which, admittedly, lacks a speaker) actually improved the ergonomics of the PSP.

Compare prices for SpectraVideo Logic3 Sound Grip for PSP

This product is currently not in stock at any of our online merchants.

Email me when this product is available

Reviews from around the WebPowered by alaTest

• alaTest.com

  Summary: alaTest collected and analyzed 9 reviews of PSP Sound Grip Speakers from international magazines and websites and compared these to 8789 reviews for other Games Accessories. Experts rate this product 70/100 and users 100/100. The amount of rated reviews for this product is too low to calculate a reliable alaScore™.

  Read full review

• pocket-lint.com

  Editors' rating: 80

  Summary: While the sound quality won't match the likes of Logitech's or Harman Kardon's bolt-on offerings, this does offer better sound in a portable option

  Read full review