Griffin introduces must-have PSP accessories

Griffin Technology Inc., creator of some of the best-selling, must-have iPod accessories (their original iTrip being amongst SPOnG’s can’t-leave-house-without-it list of essential gadgetry) has introduced some pretty snazzily designed PSP accessories.

We’ll reserve final judgement on them until we get a chance to test them out (hint: Griffin’s PR people – send us stuff!), but we will say, from looking at these pics, that they are a first amongst third-party PSP accessories, in that they are well designed and don’t look as cheap as Taiwanese chips.

The first three products in Griffin’s PSP range are the iTrip, iFM, and SmartShare. The PSP iTrip really needs no introduction to anyone who has an iPod (and if you don’t, why not?). It’s a mini FM Transmitter that slides securely onto the bottom of the PSP, letting you send audio wirelessly to your stereo. Hey presto! No more rubbishy, tinny PSP speakers. You can even play it through your car speakers if you are a passenger in a car. Try it – the driver and your fellow passengers will really love you!

We are slightly less pumped about the iFM – a radio tuner and remote control that integrates FM radio tuning and remote control functionality to the PSP, with a large, easy to read LED for FM tuning, a pass-through port for headphones, and a clip for comfortable use. The integrated remote also includes essential controls for easy media playback and functionality and with a single button switch, you can either tune into your favourite FM stations or control music right off their PSP.

Finally, the SmartShare is a headphone splitter with individual volume controls. It’s being sold in as a PSP add-on which allows you to share the experience with a friend – “perfect for car trips, plane flights, and waiting rooms…. Now you can share your audio, not your volume preferences.” SPOnG has to be mildly churlish and ask though - when, in reality, are you going to use this?

"The PSP's popularity continues to grow and break new ground for fans of gaming, movies, and music," said Paul Griffin, CEO of Griffin Technology. "Griffin's goal is to make accessories that are as high end as the system itself. We want to genuinely enhance the playing, viewing, and listening experience for the enthusiasts of the system."

Hmmm, so the PSP iTrip sounds like a must have, but we’re not yet sold on the other two bits of gadgetry. These ones may well end up in that ‘bits and bobs’ drawer in the kitchen sooner rather than later.

But, as we said above, we’ll reserve judgement until we’ve tried and tested all the products thoroughly. Griffin's iTrip and iFM for PSP have a suggested retail price of $49.99 each and the SmartShare retails for $14.99.