Don't trash your broken PSP!

Recently, I finally ponied up the funds to get myself a new PSP.  To be specific, I bought this thing for the ability to customize it with firmware and all the cool little addons that are coming out every day.  If you know where to look for them, you can score video camera attachments, gps dongles, and there are even rumors of a keyboard coming out soon.  You’ll be able to video conference with Skype and then turn around and write and email in a flash.  And the GPS?  Don’t even get me started on how freaking cool that is.

Only I ran into a problem just after buying this thing.  I managed to get the one PSP that is unhackable.  No dice.  No go.  The processor/motherboard combo built into it does not accept the first few lines of code using a TOOL battery for custom firmware installation, so I was stuck with a PSP that I couldn’t play around with.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I can still play my games and watch movies on it.  But I’m a fiddler.  Meaning I like to fiddle around with things and see how far I can take my curiosity.  So why did I buy this thing?

PSP with a broken LCD screen... but it's hackable, so it's worth saving!

So I started asking around and found someone who had a broken PSP Phat.  The original 1000 model.  The screen isn’t so much widescreen, the speakers are on the bottom instead of on the front, and the WiFi switch is on the side rather than the bottom, but other than that, there’s nothing really amazingly different about them.  Except for the size of the grips.  That’s what makes them a phat (rather than fat.  Wouldn’t want to make consumers think there’s something wrong with it.  Call it Pretty, Hot And Tempting instead.)

So this PSP original has a broken LCD, a missing battery, and the thumb pad is gone from the analog joystick.  Also, no memory stick.  So I got it for mere pennies compared to buying a new one or a fully functional one on eBay.  Hell, even the broken ones on eBay are still over $50.00, so I feel like a winner.  So I hit up eBay and found an LCD supplier who sold me a new screen for $25 with free shipping.  I also ordered a 6-pack of the joystick thumbpads (the fewest I could find) for $1.99, a new PSP battery, and an 8GB Pro Duo for $21.00.  I also came across a seller in Hong Kong who had the clear vinyl screen protectors for $1.99 as well.  Dope.

Taking apart and repairing your PSP is really easy, so don't be intimidated.  After you see how easy you’ll think twice before sending it off to Sony for a month, or to some sleazy repair tech who only wants to charge you 60 bucks for a repair that takes 20 minutes, tops. 

So let’s get down to business...

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